Lesson Objectives In this lesson, you’ll learn to: Today’s Objective: What physical effects can alcohol have on our bodies? Examine the short-term effects of alcohol use. Associate risk-taking with consequences such as drinking and driving. Recognize the dangers of alcohol/drug interactions. Demonstrate refusal strategies concerning alcohol use.

Short-Term Effects of Drinking Factors Influencing the Effects of Alcohol Body size and gender A small person feels the effect of the same amount of alcohol faster than a large person does. In general, alcohol moves into the bloodstream faster in females. Food Food in the stomach slows down the passage of alcohol into the bloodstream. Amount and rate of intake As the amount of alcohol consumed increases, the level of alcohol in the bloodstream also rises.

Alcohol and Drug Interactions How the Body Works Interactions between medications and alcohol can lead to illness, injury, and even death. When a drug enters the body, it travels through the bloodstream to its target organ or tissue. Over time, the liver metabolizes (breaks down) the drug. Alcohol travels through the bloodstream to the brain.

Alcohol and Drug Interactions Effects of Combining Alcohol and Drugs Alcohol combined with medicines or other drugs can result in a multiplier effect. Both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin, can alter the ways in which alcohol affects the body. Labels on medicines that might cause reactions warn against combining them with alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol and Drug Interactions Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Physical and mental impairment begin with the first drink of alcohol and increase as more alcohol is consumed.

Driving Under the Influence Blood Alcohol Concentration A person is said to be intoxicated when his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the state’s legal limit. In most states, driving while intoxicated is defined as having a 0.1 percent BAC, although in some states the figure is 0.08. Remember that for anyone under 21, there is no acceptable BAC percentage.

Driving Under the Influence Consequences of DWI Driving while intoxicated (DWI), also known as driving under the influence (DUI), is the leading cause of death among teens. The consequences of a teen caught DWI may include: Harm to the driver and others. Severely restricted driving privileges and/or immediate confiscation of a driver’s license. A police record and possible lawsuits. Arrest, jail time, court appearance, and a heavy fine or bail.

Binge Drinking What Is Binge Drinking? Recent studies show that binge drinking (drinking more than 5 drinks in one sitting) is a serious problem among young people. Rapid binge drinking (sometimes done on a bet or dare) is especially dangerous because it is possible to consume a fatal dose of alcohol. Binge drinking can cause alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol Poisoning Dangers of Over-Intake Alcohol acts as a depressant and shuts down involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex that prevents choking. A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these involuntary actions. It’s common for a person who has consumed too much alcohol to vomit because alcohol is a stomach irritant. If the involuntary actions are shut down, a person can choke and be asphyxiated by his or her own vomit.

Alcohol Poisoning Effects of Alcohol Poisoning Passing out is a common effect of drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol in the stomach and intestines continues to enter the bloodstream, and blood alcohol concentration continues to rise. For this reason, it’s dangerous to assume that a person who has consumed a lot of alcohol will be fine if left to “sleep it off.”

Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms that indicate alcohol poisoning include: Mental confusion, stupor, coma, inability to be roused, vomiting, and seizures. Slow respiration—10 seconds between breaths or fewer than 8 breaths a minute. Irregular heartbeat. Hypothermia, or low body temperature—pale or bluish skin color. Severe dehydration from vomiting.

Alcohol Poisoning Call 911 A person who exhibits signs of alcohol poisoning or has passed out may die if left untreated. If you suspect that a person has alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately.