USE & ABUSE OF ALCOHOL

WHAT IS ALCOHOL? A drug created by a chemical reaction in some foods, especially fruits and grains. Has a strong physical & mental effect on drinker. Science Connection – The type of chemicals found in alcohol drinks is ethanol (also called ethyl). Also included is methanol and isopropyl (main ingredient in rubbing alcohol). Both Methanol and Isopropyl alcohol are highly poisonous.

ALCOHOL FACTS Most commonly abused drug in this country! Average age for first drink is 13 years old! Nearly 90% of older teens feel that alcohol abuse is a critical problem in their schools.

Why Do Some Teens Begin To Drink? Escape from problems. Relieve stress Peer Pressure Genetics Curiosity Accessible

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY (SHORT & LONG TERM) Short-Term: effects occur within a few minutes of drinking. Long-Term: effects may develop in a person who drinks heavily over an extended length of time.

SHORT & LONG TERM EFFECTS ON THE “BRAIN” Reaches the brain soon after it is swallowed. It impairs functions such as judgment, reasoning, memory, and concentration. Reaction time is slowed, coordination decreases, and speech becomes slurred. Vision and hearing are distorted. Alcohol also reduces people’s inhibitions – the ability or desire to control their behavior – sometimes leading them to engage in dangerous activities. Too much alcohol can lead to unconsciousness and death. Long-Term – Over time, it causes brain cell destruction, nervous disorders, and memory loss.

SHORT & LONG-TERM EFFECTS “BLOOD VESSELS” Blood vessels are enlarged, bringing blood closer to the skin surface and creating a false sense of warmth. This effect can lead a person whose judgment has been impaired by drinking to go outside without adequate clothing in cold weather (example – think of NFL Games) Long-Term: Can lead to high blood pressure and stroke

SHORT & LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON THE“HEART” Heart and pulse rate increase. Long-Term: Extended use of alcohol can cause irregular heartbeat and damage to the heart muscle.

SHORT & LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON THE “LIVER” Too much can overload the liver, which filters alcohol from the blood-stream and removes it from the body. Liver poisoning can result. Long-Term: Heavy drinking can lead to “cirrhosis” (scarring and destruction of liver tissue, which can cause death). Heavy alcohol consumption is also linked to liver cancer.

SHORT & LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON THE “STOMACH” Too much alcohol in the stomach can cause vomiting. If a person vomits while unconscious, choking may result. Long-term: drinking alcohol can lead to ulcers, or open soars, in the stomach lining. Heavy use of alcohol is also linked to stomach cancer.

What is BAC? B = Blood A = Alcohol C = Content Percent of alcohol in your blood Body’s ability to process the alcohol in your bloodstream, regardless of whether or not you feel the effects of alcohol. Alcohol Content - It’s not how many drinks you have, but how much alcohol you consume that determines your BAC

FACTORS THAT EFFECT A PERSON’S “BAC” Size & Gender – In general, females can tolerate a smaller amount of alcohol than males. Females usually weigh less than males, and their bodies may carry more fat, in which alcohol will not dissolve. Food in the Stomach – Food in the stomach slows down the body’s absorption of alcohol. How Fast A Person Drinks – Gulping down a drink raises the alcohol level in the blood because the body has less time to process it. Other Substances in the Body – Drinking alcohol while taking prescription drugs or illegal drugs may have dangerous effects and may even be fatal. Many medications carry a warning against drinking any alcohol A 12 oz can of beer; shot of whiskey & 4 oz glass of wine contain the same amount of alcohol.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning? Another name for alcohol overdose BAC reaches a level that the body cannot process the alcohol quickly enough A BAC of 0.26 – 0.40 percent is potentially lethal to anyone

Causes of Alcohol Poisoning Rapid drinking is especially dangerous because the victim is drinking so quickly that he or she can get a fatal dose into the stomach before falling unconscious Vomiting is the body’s way of trying to cope with the excessive toxins in alcohol and to get rid of it Even after vomiting, a great deal of alcohol continues to circulate in the bloodstream

Stages of Alcohol Poisoning Alcohol is a depressant, it slows down or depresses the CNS A person may feel relaxed, or inhibitions are lowered Balance, coordination and reaction time become impaired Vision, judgment and speech also affected

Continued The drinker enters a confused or dazed state All physical and mental abilities are severely impaired May fall unconscious The victim may suffer from hypothermia or a slowed respiration rate that leads to a lack of oxygen Breathing and pulse rate grow slower and may stop Brain damage, coma and death may occur

WHAT TO DO?? DON’T be afraid to call 911 because you think the victim will get in trouble DON’T give the victim food, coffee or a cold shower DON’T tell the victim to sleep it off DON’T leave the victim alone

ALCOHOLISM Is an illness caused by a physical and mental need for alcohol. Alcoholics are different from social drinkers in that they are not able to limit amount of alcohol they drink. In addition, alcoholics need to drink more alcohol in order to experience the same effects from drinking (this is called a tolerance level). This level increases over time and becomes very dangerous for that particular person. (Review short and long-term effects).

SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM Gets drunk often Places drinking ahead of other activities Drinks alone Experience “Black Outs” (can’t remember what they did) Shows personality changes when drinking alcohol Makes excuses for drinking Promises to quit drinking but does not

HELP FOR ALCOHOLISM NO MEDICAL CURE FOR ALCOHOLISM!! Steps to Help with Alcoholism: Admit they have a problem Go through detoxification (removing all alcohol from the body) Get Counseling & Support Group Support Include: Alcoholics Anonymous – A 12 Step Program Alateen – for teens with family members or friends who are alcoholics Al-Non - a peer support organization of adult friends and relatives of alcoholics.