Learning How to Make Smart Choices By: Karen Murphy, Kelsey Deal, Aaron Bruce and Tamara Wikkerink

Alcohol is a depressant. Depressants slow down vital functions, which causes slurred speech, unsteady movement, inability to react quickly, and disturbed perceptions. This depressant also reduces your ability to think rationally and distorts your judgment. From

Alcohol Content: Beer 2–6% alcohol Cider 4–8% alcohol Wine 8–20% alcohol Tequila 40% alcohol Rum 40% or more alcohol Brandy 40% or more alcohol Gin 40–47% alcohol Whiskey 40–50% alcohol Vodka 40–50% alcohol Liqueurs 15–60% alcohol From

Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through small blood vessels in the stomach and small intestine. Minutes after drinking alcohol, it travels to the brain and begins slowing the nerve cells. It can take up to 2 hours to get rid of one standard alcoholic drink.

Alcohol travels to the liver as well, where the liver tries to break it down. However, the liver can only break down a limited amount of alcohol leaving the rest to circulate the through the body. The more alcohol left to circulate in the body, the more intense the effect on the body. Once the amount of alcohol exceeds a specific level, the respiratory system slows down drastically and can lead to a coma or death due to lack of oxygen to the brain.

Alcohol will affect you differently depending on the amount you consume. Some of the effects include: Impaired balance and coordination Slurred speech Diarrhea or upset stomach Headaches Less reliable hearing and sight

Impaired judgment or ability to make thoughtful decisions. Lowered inhibitions (say or do things you normally wouldn’t). Alcohol poisoning (passing out, slowed breathing and heart rate, vomiting, coma, blackouts, unconsciousness) Death (heart rate and breathing stop, choke to death on vomit while sleeping, lack of oxygen to brain).

Increase in broken relationships and family problems. Unintentional injuries: falls, burns, car crash, drowning. Intentional injuries: domestic violence, sexual assault, firearm injuries.

Damage to: Liver, Brain, Heart, Nerve damage. Risks: Addiction to Alcohol, Alcohol poisoning. Diseases: Pancreas, stomach, throat, esophagus, anemia, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, weakened immune system, mouth and throat cancer, ulcers, malnutrition.

Increases the risk of suicide in young people. Can affect schoolwork (drinking instead of studying, attempting to write a test while hung over). Unprotected or unwanted sex.

Mixing alcohol with drugs or medications is dangerous and can lead to death. Alcohol kills more young people than all other drugs combined. Teenagers who drink are 7.5 times more likely to use other illegal drugs ( 50 times more likely to use cocaine).

No one plans to become addicted. People may think that they can handle their substance use and that they only use when they want to. But when they want to change the way they use, they may find it’s not that simple.

It seems that people develop addictions through a mixture of factors such as: genes the way a person’s brain works difficulties during childhood mental health problems stress cultural influences.

“People under the legal age limit of 19 years old” (Alcohol-Drug Education Service, 2009). “People with certain health problems, such as liver disease or certain psychiatric illnesses” (Alcohol-Drug Education Service, 2009). “Women who are pregnant” (Alcohol-Drug Education Service, 2009).

People who are operating heavy equipment, vehicles or bicycles. People who need to be alert or are responsible for the safety of others. People who are under any legal or other restrictions.

Alcohol-Drug Education Service. "Drug Facts- Alcohol." Alcohol-Drug Education Service. Alcohol-Drug Education Service, Web. 29 Feb Foundation for a Drug-Free World. "What Is Alcohol? Alcohol Facts, Binge Drinking and Alcohol Abuse." Drug Free World: Substance & Alcohol Abuse, Education & Prevention. Foundation for a Drug-Free World, Web. 29 Feb Images taken from Google Images without permission: Slide 1Slide 3Slide 4Slide 6Slide 7Slide 8-1 Slide 1Slide 3Slide 4Slide 6Slide 7Slide 8-1 Slide 8-2 Slide 10Slide 8-2Slide 10 Slide 11Slide 12Slide 15-1Slide 11Slide 12Slide 15-1 Slide 15-2Slide 15-2