What is Alcohol Alcohol – Drug created by a chemical reaction in some foods, especially fruits and grains Most commonly used drug in this country Average age for taking first drink is 13

Why Do Teens Begin to Drink Relieve stress Escape from problems Peer pressure

Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Brain

Brain Short term effects – Reaches brain almost immediately Impairs judgment, reasoning, memory and concentration Reaction time is slowed Coordination decreases, speech is slurred Vision and hearing are distorted Ability to desire to control behavior decreases

Brain Long term effects – Brain damage Nervous disorders Memory loss

Blood Vessels Short term – Vessels enlarge, bringing blood closer to skin and creating false sense of warmth

Blood Vessels Long term – High blood pressure, Stroke

Liver Short term effects – Liver poisoning

Liver Long term effects – Cirrhosis- scarring and destruction of liver tissue Liver cancer

Heart Short Term effects – Heart and pulse rate increases Long term effects – irregular heart beats and damage to heart muscle

Stomach Short term – Vomiting, if unconscious could lead to choking Long term – ulcers, open sores, stomach cancer

Effects of Drinking 12 oz. Beer 4 oz. Wine 1.5 oz. liquor ALL CONTAIN ABOUT SAME AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL

Effects of Drinking Size and Gender – Females tolerate a smaller amount of alcohol than males Usually because they weigh less Food in the stomach – Food in stomach slows the process of alcohol absorbtion but does not stop effect

Effects of Drinking How fast person drinks – Gulping down a drink raises the alcohol level in the blood because body has less time to process it Other substances in the body – Drinking while using other drugs may be fatal or have severe effects

ALCOHOLISM

Alcoholism Illness caused by a physical an mental need for alcohol Unable to limit the amount of alcohol they drink Drink increasing amount and become drunk often Place drinking ahead of other activities

Alcoholism Drinks alone Experiences blackouts and cannot remember what was done while drinking Personality changes Makes excuses for drinking, promises to quit or drink less Refuses to admit they have problem