THE TRUTH

Why is drinking appealing to teenagers? What are reasons for people choosing to drink? What are reasons for people choosing not to drink?

I can explain the dangers and risks of using alcohol. I can describe the sequence in which alcohol travels in the human body. Success Criteria: I can identify 5 short term effects alcohol use has on the body. I can identify 5 long term effects alcohol use has on the body. I can name 6 body parts alcohol passes through and briefly explain what happens at each point.

Answer each question True of False

1. Alcohol is toxic to the human body.

2. Devouring a burger after drinking all night will help you sober up.

3. Alcohol, food and non-alcoholic beverages are all digested the same way.

4. Taking a nap helps sober up.

5. Alcohol doesn’t affect your body’s organs unless you get really drunk.

6. You can suffer alcohol withdrawal symptoms after your first time drinking.

7. As long as you’ve gotten a few hours of sleep, you’ll be fine to drive the morning after you’ve been drinking.

8. Passing out can be life threatening.

9. Even though alcohol is a drug, you can’t overdose on it.

10. Every time you drink alcohol is a drug, you kill 10,000 brain cells.

11. A person can’t die the first time he/she drinks alcohol.

Changes a person’s physical and emotional state Intoxication Alcohol is a depressant Slows down the central nervous system

What do you already know?

Nausea Vomiting Dehydration Loss of judgment Loss of self-control Reduced reaction time Poor vision Memory loss Blackout Coma Death

Causes blood vessels to dilate, which makes the heart work harder Makes the body lose heat Causes the liver to work harder Causes dehydration Affects the brain

What things, controlled by the brain, could be affected by consuming alcohol?

Brain Stem – This is the most crucial area of the brain. It is controls breathing, swallowing, heart beat, etc. “Gulping” large amounts of alcohol in a short time can stop the breathing reflex and result in DEATH!

What do you already know?

Brain damage Kills brain cells Irregular heartbeat High blood pressure Cancer (mouth, esophagus, stomach) Decreased ability to absorb vitamins Diminished immune system Hepatitis – inflammation of the liver Cirrhosis – liver disease that replaces healthy liver tissue with scar tissue

Prolonged heavy drinking is related to ULCERS and even CANCER of the stomach, mouth, tongue, and esophagus.

Prolonged heavy drinking can cause fat to accumulate in the liver, leading to non-functional scar tissue or CIRRHOSIS.

Alcohol is a DIRUETIC, which increases the production of urine from the kidneys. Drinking on a hot day greatly increases the risk of dehydration.

1. MOUTH/ESOPHAGUS Alcohol consumed, passes down the esophagus 2. STOMACH Small amount of alcohol (20-30%) is absorbed in to the bloodstream Alcohol is NOT digested 3. SMALL INTESTINES Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream 4. HEART/BLOODSTREAM Heart pumps alcohol to all parts of the body through the bloodstream 5. BRAIN 6. LIVER It takes about minutes for alcohol to be distributed throughout the entire body.

Oxidation = “burning” of alcohol, allowing the body to eliminate it Changes alcohol into: Water – eliminated through urine Carbon dioxide – eliminated by breathing Energy - 7 calories/gram Oxidizes approximately 1 drink per hour

One 12 oz. beer at 4% alcohol One 5 oz. glass of wine 1.5 oz shot of hard (can range from 3-8%) at 11% alcohol 40% alcohol or 80 proof It takes approximately 1 hour for the body to eliminate the alcohol in one drink. Even if you don’t feel drunk, alcohol is still affecting you!

1. Name the 6 body parts that alcohol passes through in the correct order. 2. Name 5 short term effects of alcohol use. 3. Name 5 long term effects of alcohol use.

Remember the law says you must be 21 to drink!