Alcohol Chapter 21
pp.564-583
The Health Risks of Alcohol Use
Lesson 1pp. 566-571
Alcohol is a drug that is addictive, physically damaging, and a
gateway to other drugs!
What is Alcohol?» Ethanol: Type of alcohol found in alcoholic
beverages. Very powerful and addictive. » Using alcohol during teen years can affect and
damage brain development» Produced synthetically and naturally by
fermenting fruits, vegetables, and grainshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ycnwc5vPaAo&feature=related
Fermentation: Chemical action of yeast on sugar.
» Water, flavoring, and minerals are mixed with ethanol to produce beverages like beer, wine, and flavored malt-liquors (whiskey & vodka)
Short-term Effects» Depressant: Alcohol is a powerful
depressant that slows the central nervous system. » Slows reaction time, impairs vision, diminishes
judgment» Intoxication: State in which the body is
poisoned by alcohol or another substance; and the person’s physical and mental control is significantly damaged.» Stays in a person’s system until liver can
metabolize it.(break it down).» Toxic levels vary from person to person
Factors that Influence Alcohol’s Effects
» Body Size: A smaller person might feel the effects faster than a larger person does.
» Gender: Moves faster into the bloodstream in females than males.
» Food: Slows down the passage of alcohol into the bloodstream.
Alcohol’s Effects Cont’d…» Rate of Intake: If you drink alcohol faster
than what your liver can metabolize, you’ll become intoxicated.
» Amount: The more you drink, the higher the level of alcohol is in your bloodstream.
» Medicine: Can interfere with the effects of medicines. Can heighten the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol and Drug Interactions
» Can lead to illness or death.» Body may absorb the drug or alcohol
more slowly, increasing the length of time that alcohol or the drug is in the body.
» Enzymes in the body can change some medications into chemicals that can damage the liver or other organs.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol
» Not only affects your life, but the lives of others around you.
• Damage brain cells and a reduction in overall size.
• Increase blood pressure.
• Increase fat cells in liver. Can lead to death.
• Destruction of pancreas.
Binge Drinking and Alcohol Poisoning
» Binge Drinking: Drinking 5 or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting. This is a serious problem. » Done by bet or dare/any other reason» Serious consequences: physical and mental abilities
lost (no control)» Alcohol Poisoning: A severe and potentially
fatal reaction to an alcohol overdose. » Depressant on body organs» Involuntary actions (breathing, gag reflex to
prevent choking) may be impaired» Alcohol is a stomach irritant
Effects of Alcohol Poisoning
» A person who drinks too much may pass out.
» Its not ok to let someone who drank too much just “Sleep it Off”
» Mental confusion» Coma» Vomit and
Seizures» Slow respiration» Irregular
heartbeat» Low body temp
Anti-Alcohol Commercial» http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIU2UXUlFyM
