Ephesians 5:18

 Ethanol is the type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages  It is a highly addictive drug that can be produced synthetically or naturally through fermentation  Alcohol is a depressant that slows the central nervous system This leads to intoxication, an intoxicated person’s mental and physical abilities are greatly impaired

 Simple, the law states that you cannot consume/possess alcohol under the age of 21 If someone over 21 supplies a minor with alcohol, they will face severe punishments  Teens who drink alcohol are more likely to be victims of violent crime, rape, assault, and robbery. Also more likely to engage in fights and sexual activity

 It is estimated that 25% of teens are exposed to alcohol abuse  A growing problem with underage drinkers and young drinkers is Binge Drinking Rapid drinking (peer pressure) is exceptionally dangerous and possibly fatal Binge drinking leads to alcohol poisoning; or the shutting down of necessary functions of the body

 Body Size/Gender A small person feels the effects of alcohol much faster  If the stomach contains food, it lessens the effect of alcohol consumption  Amount/rate also alter the effects of alcohol on the body  Alcohol will also interact with drugs/medications causing problems

 Effects begin with the first drink Brain is less able to control motor function, speech, and vision Blood vessels expand causing a drop in body temperature Some alcohol passes to the stomach quickly causing nausea/vomiting Breathing may begin to slow

 Different drinks have different alcohol content Beer is typically 4% alcohol by volume Wine is typically 10% alcohol by volume Hard Drinks/liquor (vodka, whiskey) can range from 35%-70% alcohol by volume  The alcohol content greatly effects how your body responds to the alcohol

 Changes to Brain Addiction- inability to stop drinking Brain Functions – loss of verbal, visual, and spatial skills as well as memory  Cardiovascular Damage to heart muscle Enlarged heart High blood pressure = heart attack, stroke

 Liver Liver filters the alcohol, creating a fatty build up which leads to death of liver cells Infection of the liver Cirrhosis – liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue which leads to failure of the liver  Digestive Lining is damaged Ulcers and cancer

 A disease in which a person has a physical or psychological dependence on alcohol  Symptoms Craving – a compulsion to drink Loss of control – cannot limit amount or time of drinking Physical dependence – when not drinking, experience with drawl Tolerance – needs to consume more to get same effects Social Problems – family, health, legal problems

 About 40% of violent crimes involve the use of alcohol  2/3 of victims of domestic abuse report alcohol was a factor in the crime  Nearly ½ of all homicide victims had alcohol in their system Any questions on why Prohibition happened in U.S.?

 Underage drinking is a large problem in our country Teens feel the need to be accepted and participate in drinking Family members have a large impact, your are more likely to use alcohol if your parents use alcohol The media portrays alcohol in a glamorous/exciting light

 Cannot be cured, but can be treated  Alcoholics need to learn how to live an alcohol-free life (recovery)  The goal of recovery programs is to stop, or control the intake of alcohol  Sobriety (life with out alcohol) is a lifelong commitment

 Al-Anon/Alateen helps families/friends of alcoholics  Alcoholics Anonymous provides help for users of all ages  Most churches have a program, or host an AA group

 Many times in the Bible we see the consumption of alcohol, often times specifically wine In large part, alcohol was able to be stored for long periods of time, and was safer/healthier to consume than water  Does this mean that it is acceptable for us to consume alcohol? We are not to become drunken,(Ephesians 5:18) we are not to place anything in between us and our relationship with God (1Timothy 6:10), we are to treat our bodies as temples (1 Cor. 6:19). Alcohol can get in the way of these.