ALCOHOL IS A DRUG!

Short Term Effects: Body Irritates the mouth, throat, esophagus, and STOMACH Irritates the mouth, throat, esophagus, and STOMACH Makes the heart work harder Makes the heart work harder Makes the body lose body heat Makes the body lose body heat Causes the liver to work harder Causes the liver to work harder Causes dehydration Causes dehydration Can cause alcohol POISONING Can cause alcohol POISONING

Nervous system slows down. Nervous system slows down. Lose coordination and judgment. Lose coordination and judgment. Vision loses focus. Vision loses focus. Lose inhibitions. Lose inhibitions. Slurred speech. Slurred speech. Hard to make decisions/focus Hard to make decisions/focus Difficult to pay attention Difficult to pay attention Short Term Effects: Mind

Long Term Effects Permanently damage organs Permanently damage organs Alcoholism Alcoholism Has devastating effects on the liver Has devastating effects on the liver Liver Cancer Liver Cancer Cirrhosis: Healthy tissue turned to scar tissue Cirrhosis: Healthy tissue turned to scar tissue Permanent damage to the brain: Permanent damage to the brain: Cell death from dehydration and lack of oxygen Cell death from dehydration and lack of oxygen Alcoholism is 2 nd leading cause of dementia: which is a decrease in brain function including memory loss Alcoholism is 2 nd leading cause of dementia: which is a decrease in brain function including memory loss

How Alcohol works… When someone drinks, alcohol enters the bloodstream and alcohol absorbs into the small intestine, resulting in BAC, or a Blood Alcohol concentration level. A BAC of 0.08 is considered the legal limit for driving (ages 21 and up only!) Even a BAC of 0.02 can impair a person’s ability to drive!

Binge Drinking leads to high BAC Binge drinking: Drinking a LOT of alcohol in one sitting. 5 drinks for males, 4 for females alcohol poisoning Binge drinking leads to alcohol poisoning SYMPTOMS of alcohol poisoning: Vomiting Loss of consciousness Dangerously slowed breathing Alcohol Poisoning leads to DEATH

Problems with Teens and Alcohol Teens are still growing! Alcohol can impair the brain, which is still developing Drinking and mixing other drugs, including tobacco, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and OTC drugs can cause negative effects including brain damage, or even death !

Drinking and Driving are alcohol related! The number ONE cause of death for teens is motor vehicle accidents. Majority are alcohol related! All skills needed to drive are impaired. Alcohol: Slows reaction time Slows reaction time Affects vision Affects vision Makes you drowsy Makes you drowsy Reduces coordination Reduces coordination (60% of teens with STD’s contracted them while under the influence of ALCOHOL) Affects judgment (60% of teens with STD’s contracted them while under the influence of ALCOHOL)

Zero Tolerance ALL 50 States have enacted ZERO TOLERANCE for people under the age of 21. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase, consume, or drive with alcohol! Penalties include: arrest, heavy fines, suspension of driver’s license, jail time

Designated Driver A designated driver is a person who chooses not to drink. If you’ve been drinking, make sure you drive with someone who has NOT been drinking at all If everyone has been drinking, call a cab, a parent, ANYONE who has not been drinking. They’ll be happy that you called and got home safe!

Drinking and Sexual activity Alcohol makes it hard to think clearly Sexual activity can result in unplanned pregnancy, STD’s, and emotional pain Alcohol is most common drug associated with Date Rape Remember: Date Rape victims usually know their attackers! You can take charge and AVOID these situations by NOT drinking, and NOT leaving ANY drink unattended!