Alcohol's Effects on the Body Alcohol is a depressant drug. It has a wide range of effects on the body.

Brain/Central Nervous System  Alcohol is a depressant that also acts as an anesthetic in the central nervous system.  Unique characteristic – Initially creates feeling of mild and pleasant stimulation  Affects thinking, judgment, and reasoning abilities  More alcohol impairs reflexes and breathing capabilities  Heavy drinking will cause brain atrophy

Brain/Central Nervous System (cont.)  Over time, the brain and nervous system become less sensitive to alcohol’s effects  Alcohol is a physically and psychologically addictive drug

Stomach  Amount of food in stomach helps determine the effect alcohol will have on a person - but does NOT prevent alcohol absorption!  Alcohol stimulates acid secretion in stomach  Moderate to heavy drinking is related to: Ulcers Ulcers Stomach Cancer Stomach Cancer Cancer of Mouth, Tongue, and Esophagus Cancer of Mouth, Tongue, and Esophagus

Lungs  Small amount of alcohol is exhaled when breathing  High alcohol levels can result in: Unconsciousness Unconsciousness Coma Coma DEATH from suppression of the brain’s breathing center – the Medulla DEATH from suppression of the brain’s breathing center – the Medulla

Liver  Almost all the alcohol is metabolized in the liver at the average rate of.5 (1/2) ounce per hour.  Each drink has approximately.5 (1/2) ounce of alcohol.  Prolonged heavy drinking can cause fat to accumulate in the liver, eventually turning to scar tissue – Cirrhosis CirrhosisSixth leading cause of adult death in U.S. Cirrhosis - Sixth leading cause of adult death in U.S.

Kidneys  Alcohol is a Diuretic  Diuretics increase urine production  Alcohol consumption increases dehydration

Small Intestine  Almost all alcohol consumed is absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream

Cardiovascular System/Circulatory System  Alcohol is a VASODILATOR Slows heart rate  Gives drinker feeling of warmth even when body temperature goes down

Reproductive System  Alcohol decreases production of male hormone testosterone  Affects inhibitions Less obvious and more common is Fetal Alcohol Effect which is the same as FAS but to a lesser degree.  Drinking during pregnancy risks Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Joint Problems Joint Problems Growth Deficiencies Growth Deficiencies Heart Deformation Heart Deformation Mental Retardation Mental Retardation