Alcohol

Facts

Facts Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the US. Is responsible for more than 4,700 annual deaths among underage youth. Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal, people aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States. More than 90% of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinks. In 2010, there were approximately 189,000 emergency rooms visits by persons under age 21 for injuries and other conditions linked to alcohol.5

Alcohol is a key factor in… 33% of suicides 50% of homicides 62% of assaults 68% of manslaughter 50% of head injuries 41% of traffic fatalities 50% of drownings

Short term effects Slurred speech Drowsiness Vomiting Upset stomach Headaches Breathing difficulties Distorted vision and hearing Impaired judgment Decreased perception and coordination Unconsciousness Anemia (loss of red blood cells) Coma Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence)

Long Term Effects Unintentional injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence Increased on-the-job injuries and loss of productivity Increased family problems, broken relationships Alcohol poisoning High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related diseases Liver disease Nerve damage Sexual problems Permanent damage to the brain Vitamin B1 deficiency, which can lead to a disorder characterized by amnesia, apathy and disorientation Ulcers Gastritis (inflammation of stomach walls) Malnutrition Cancer of the mouth and throat

Consequences School problems, such as higher absence and poor or failing grades. Social problems, such as fighting and lack of participation in youth activities. Legal problems, such as arrest for driving or physically hurting someone while drunk. Physical problems, such as hangovers or illnesses. Unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual activity. Disruption of normal growth and sexual development. Physical and sexual assault. Higher risk for suicide and homicide. Alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional injuries, such as burns, falls, and drowning. Memory problems. Abuse of other drugs. Changes in brain development that may have life-long effects. Death from alcohol poisoning.

Vocab Depressant- a drug that slows down the central nervous system. Intoxication-a state in which the body is poisoned by alcohol or another substance and the person’s physical and mental control is significantly reduced. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)- the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood. (percentage)

More Vocab Binge Drinking- drinking 5 or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting. Alcohol poisoning- a several and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcohol overdose.

Influences Peer Pressure Family Media

Answer What is really being advertised? What is the truth? (why is the ad misleading?)

Blood Alcohol Level Depends on: Weight, how fast consumed, % of alcohol.

Drinking and Driving DWI-Driving while intoxicated DUI- Driving under the influence Leading cause of death among teens Consequences of drunk driving? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn4QoMJd9dI (1:30)