Alcohol Ch. 21 A. Leslie

Alcohol Alcohol or ethanol is a powerful and addictive drug that can affect brain development for teen who use alcohol. Ethanol can be produced synthetically by fermentation of fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Alcohol is a depressant- drug that slows the central nervous system. Using alcohol slows: Reaction Time Impairs Vision Diminishes Judgment

Short-Term Effects If a person consumes too much alcohol, her or she will become intoxicated. Alcohol stays in the system until the liver can metabolize it, or break it down. Physical and mental impairment begins with the first drink of alcohol and increases as more alcohol is consumed. Pancreatitis Vomiting and Nausea Scarring of the liver Dehydration Heart rate and becomes irregular Body temperature drops Risk of stroke

Factors that Influence Alcohol’s Effects Body Size- Smaller person feels it sooner than a larger person. Gender- Moves faster into the bloodstream in females. Food- Slows down the passage of alcohol into the bloodstream Rate of Intake- Faster than the liver can break it down results in intoxication. Amount- Increases the level of alcohol in the bloodstream. Medicine- Can heighten the effects of alcohol.

Long-Term Effects Damage to brain cells Reduction in brain size Alcohol use can have long-term effects on a user’s physical, mental/emotional, and social health. Long term effects include: Damage to brain cells Reduction in brain size Increased blood pressure Buildup of fat cells Stomach ulcers Destruction of the pancreas

Binge Drinking & Alcohol Poisoning Binge drinking causes unintentional accidents, intentional injuries, STDs, unintentional pregnancy, cardiovascular problems, liver disease, and sexual dysfunction. Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning. Since alcohol is a depressant, involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex that prevents chocking may be impaired. It is common for someone who drank excessive alcohol to vomit since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach. There is then the danger of choking on vomit, which could cause death by asphyxiation in a person who is not conscious because of intoxication.

Alcohol Poisoning A person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine by sleeping it off. Symptoms include: Mental confusion, stupor, coma. Vomiting. Seizures. Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute). Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths). Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness. Put the person on their side and CALL 9-1-1 immediately.

Each of these beverages contain the same amount of pure alcohol. Beer: 4% Wine: 10% Spirits: 40% ( Alcohol by volume)

Drinking and Driving No legal limit for people under the age of 21. Consequences: arrest and DUI ( driving under the influence) 21 and over BAC: 0.08 Consequences: arrest and DUI ( driving under the influence) license revoked for 90 days. DUI will go on your record and most occupation will not hire and or fire you for a DUI.

Drunk Driving Statistics In 2011, 9,878 people were killed in alcohol-impaired- driving crashes. These alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. In Alabama, over 300 car crash fatalities were alcohol related. Don’t drink and Drive. Call a friend, stay at the house.