Alcohol Warm-Up Quiz True or False 1. Alcohol can travel freely in the blood, but mixes only with water. F 2. Alcohol does not need to be digested in the small intestine. T 3. The liver can process only 1 oz. of alcohol per hour (1/2 oz pure alcohol) T 4. Alcohol is a stimulant. F 5. Alcohol makes you think you are warm, but you are really losing body heat. T

Warm-Up Quiz True or False 6. Alcohol affects the deeper brain centers that control emotions. T 7. Alcohol is a toxin that affects the liver first. F 8. Formaldehyde forms when the body breaks down alcohol. T 9. FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome) is the longest-term damage done to the fetus by alcohol. T

Estimated 14 million alcoholics in the United States. And about 2 million are teenagers. Definition of an alcoholic: one who cannot not drink. The Problems of Alcohol

Alcohol and Teens Alcohol related car crashes are the #1 killer of teens 80% of high school teens have used alcohol 50% one drink in the last month 33% been drunk in the last month Linked to suicide, fights, drop outs, family problems

What is Alcohol? A liquid drug known as “ethanol” It is a central nervous system depressant It first acts as a stimulant (a buzz) and then slows the body down This buzz can be “seductive.”

Alcohol Percents Light beer 2.5 – 3.5% Beer 3 – 6% Wine coolers 5 – 6% Wine 10 – 14% Champagne 10 – 14% Hard liquor 40 –60%

Alcohol Proof Proof is double the percent. 86-proof would be 43% alcohol.

Comparing Types of Alcohol One beer = One glass of wine = One shot of whiskey

How Alcohol Enters the Body It is drunk as a beverage Directly absorbed from the stomach to the bloodstream 20% from the stomach 80% from the small intestine

How Alcohol Exits the Body 5% is excreted through the urine and lungs 95% must be oxidized by the liver Oxidation rate = ½ oz. pure alcohol per hour

Sobering Attempts Coffee Cold showers Walk in the night air The only thing that really works is time (sleeping it off) It takes 2 hours per drink to oxidize the alcohol Wait one hour per drink before driving

Influences on Alcohol’s Effects Type of drink Amount of alcohol consumed Time between drinks Body weight Empty or full stomach Mental or emotional state Previous experience with alcohol Being a female

Alcohol and the Body Brain – shows scalloping (pickling effect), brain damage, memory loss Lungs – slows respiration, OD. Liver- can develop cirrhosis of the liver. A deadly disease. Stomach and small intestine – lining damage and ulcers Kidneys – dehydration Reproductive organs – inhibitions relax, desire stimulated, performance diminished.

WITHDRAWL ALCOHOL IS THE ONLY DRUG THAT CAN CAUSE DEATH DUE TO WITHRAWL EFFECTS.