ALCOHOL Essential Question Why would YOU choose to abstain from alcohol use? Ask yourself this question- “In what ways has alcohol had a positive effect in your life? Negative?

Facts About Alcohol  Ethanol  The type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages  Powerful and addictive drug  Alcohol is a Depressant  Many feel a kind of energy “rush” at first but the drug slows the central nervous system Slows reaction time Impairs vision Clouds clear thinking Good judgment diminishes

Factors that Influence Alcohol Use  Peer Pressure – the influence that people your age have on you  Some teens believe they will be liked and accepted if they use alcohol  Teens who choose friends who avoid alcohol are more likely to be alcohol free

Factors that Influence Alcohol Use  Family  Parents who discourage and avoid alcohol will more likely have teens who abstain  #1 reason ETHS students choose not to drink is because they want to be in control of their body and their actions.  #2 reason ETHS students choose not to drink is parental disapproval.

Factors that Influence Alcohol Use  Media Messages  Media messages often make alcohol use appear exciting, attractive, and fun. Rarely showing the reality  Advertisements  Often target teens and show young, attractive people in problem-free drinking in a party-like atmosphere.  Teens who recognize these ploys are more likely to resist negative influences.

Avoid Alcohol: Avoid Unsafe Situations  Alcohol and the Law  If you are under 21, it is illegal to buy, possess, or consume alcohol You could be Arrested Fined Sentenced to a youth detention center

Avoid Alcohol: Avoid Unsafe Situations  ETHS Code of Conduct Violations  Use, distribution or possession of alcohol or other mood- altering chemicals, or abuse of prescription or nonprescription drugs, as stated in The Pilot.  Attending a gathering or riding in a vehicle where there is a verified report of drinking or drug use.  ETHS Conduct Violation consequences  10 day outside suspension for use of alcohol on school property or at school related activities  suspended for 5 consecutive days of the activity, including practices, rehearsals, contests, and performances  A participant is suspended from competitions/performances for a minimum of 1/3 (one-third) of his/her season  suspended from all activities for one calendar year

Being Alcohol Free  Deciding to be alcohol free helps you commit to  Maintaining a healthy body  Making responsible decisions  Avoid risky behaviors  Avoid illegal activities

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)  the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream.  It is measured in percentages  Having a BAC of.10 means that a person has 1 drop of alcohol/1,000 drops of blood in the body

Alcohol Affects individuals differently based on  BODY SIZE- A small person feels the effect of the same amount of alcohol faster than a large person does

Alcohol Affects individuals differently based on  GENDER- generally alcohol moves into the bloodstream of females faster than males

Alcohol Affects individuals differently based on  BODY COMPOSITION- The less dense a body is the greater the effect of the same amount of alcohol on a more dense body

Alcohol Affects individuals differently based on  FOOD- food in the stomach slows down the passage of alcohol into the bloodstream

Alcohol Affects individuals differently based on  RATE OF INTAKE- When a person drinks alcohol faster than the liver can break it down, intoxication results.  BINGE DRINKING- When a person drinks five or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting. Possible effects: Vomiting, Blackout, Death

Alcohol Affects individuals differently based on  OTHER DRUGS- the presence of both alcohol and medication or another drug can be life threateningly dangerous.  MULTIPLIER EFFECT- drug has a greater or different effect than if it were taken alone.

One Drink is Equal to 12 oz beer 5 oz wine 1.25 oz 80 proof liquor One Drink

BAC - Feelings and Behaviors  = Minor impairment of judgment and memory  = Walking, talking and hand movements become clumsier. Slows the person's ability to react

BAC Feelings and Behaviors  = Speech, judgment and balance are affected. Blurred vision. Slower reaction time  = Judgment, memory and self-control are further affected. Irresponsible behavior is evident

BAC Feelings and Behaviors  = Behavior greatly affected. Lack of Motor control: mental confusion  = Unable to perform tasks. Confused and dazed state. Unconsciousness may occur. All physical and mental abilities are severely impaired

BAC Feelings and Behaviors  Above.30 = Unconscious. Coma or death possible  = Breathing stops. Irreversible brain damage occurs. Death is likely

Why shouldn’t you drink…..  Your brain is still developing  Alcohol is a depressant that affects every part of your body including your brain which is still developing. Alcohol causes actual changes in your brain regardless of whether you use it short or long term.  Your chances of becoming an alcoholic increase  People who begin drinking by age 15 are 5 times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol.  Your grades may suffer, more likely to drop out