Alcohol

Definition of Alcohol Alcohol is a drug that is produced by a chemical reaction in fruits vegetables and grains.

Depressant Alcohol is a depressant because it slows down the function of the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Alcohol effects the nervous, digestive and urinary systems.

Short Term vs. Long Term Effects Short term effects occur within minutes of drinking and longer-term effects develop over time.

Mouth and Esophagus Short Term Effects: Breath smells, tongue, gums and throat are effected Long Term Effects: Damage of the esophagus- bleeding

Heart and Blood Vessels Short Term Effects: Perspiration increases and skin becomes flushed Long Term Effects: High blood pressure, blood vessels less flexible

Brain and Nervous System Short Term: Speech/vision blurry, difficulty walking Long Term: Brain cells destroyed, nerve damage resulting in numbness in hands and feet

Liver Short Term: Liver changes alcohol into water and carbon dioxide Long Term: cirrhosis/scarring and destruction of the liver

Stomach and Pancreas Short Term: Stomach acids increase, nausea and vomiting Long Term: Irritation of the stomach lining-ulcers Problems with your pancreas

Body size The smaller the person the larger effect of alcohol

Time Frame Rapid drinking overwhelms the liver’s ability to break down the alcohol Blood Alcohol Level—the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream

Factors: Food/Amount Food in the stomach slows down the passage of alcohol into the blood stream Quantity and quality you consume

Medicine Medicine can intensify the effects of alcohol

How alcohol travels 1.Alcohol enters the mouth. 2.Alcohol travels down the throat to the stomach. 3.Alcohol is absorbed into the blood by the stomach and small intestine. 4.Alcohol travels through the blood to the water-containing organs of the body. 5.Alcohol affects many brain functions. 6.Alcohol is metabolized in the liver. 7.Alcohol is excreted from the body after processing by the kidneys.

Intoxication Physically and mentally impaired by the use of alcohol.O8 in the state of Washington Legal Age 21

Binge Drinking The consumption of several alcoholic drinks in a very short amount of time Slows down body system—could stop breathing and die

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome--FAS When a pregnant female drinks alcohol—it passes to her developing baby Birth defects (physical and mental problems)

Growth Process and Teens Poor language skills Reduces certain hormones for development Delay the menstrual cycle Suicide Traffic deaths Violent crimes Rape

How can you tell if a friend has been drinking Mood changes School problems Family Issues Social Status A “Nothing Matters" attitude Physical or mental problems