Alcohol Use

Drinking alcohol has immediate effects that can increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. Heavy drinking –drinking more than two drinks per day on average for men or more than one drink per day on average for women Binge drinking –drinking 5 or more drinks during a single occasion for men or 4 or more drinks during a single occasion for women

Excessive alcohol use can lead to… Increased risk of health problems Liver disease Unintentional injuries

Short-Term Effects Effects vary depending on the person’s: –Size –Age –Weight –Gender –Amount of food/alcohol consumed Enters the blood stream and enters the tissues. Slurred speech Disturbed sleep Nausea Vomiting

Short-Term Effects Cont….. Impairs the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely. Low to moderate doses of alcohol can also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including: –domestic violence –child abuse

Long-Term Effects (especially combined with poor nutrition) Prolonged, heavy use of alcohol can lead to ADDICTION (alcoholism). Permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver. In addition, mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may: – give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants may suffer from mental retardation and other irreversible physical abnormalities. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other children of becoming alcoholics.

When does drinking become a problem? Alcohol abusers, or problem drinkers, are people who clearly drink too much on a regular basis. Their alcohol use is self-destructive or can present a danger to others, but they are able to set limits and establish some measure of control over their drinking. When alcohol abuse progresses to alcoholism, also called alcohol addiction and alcohol dependence, the drinker loses control of the amount they drink, and they cannot stop using alcohol despite the severe physical and psychological consequences of excessive drinking.

Signs and symptoms of alcohol ABUSE Health Continuing to drink even though you have health problems that are affected or caused by your drinking Financial issues  Paying bills late; collection agencies calling  Inability to keep track of your money Legal issues  Driving while under the influence (DUI) Risky behavior  Putting yourself or others in danger Employment or school  Continuing to drink even though you realize your job or education is in jeopardy  Missing work or school, or going in late due to alcohol use Family and friends  Feeling annoyed when other people comment on, or criticize your drinking habits  Feeling remorse or guilt after drinking  Associating with questionable acquaintances or frequenting out of the ordinary locations when drinking Social life  Scheduling your day around drinking  Focusing recreational activities around obtaining alcohol, drinking or recovering from alcohol use  Drinking alone or in secret

U.S. alcohol-related deaths reported in 2008: Automobile fatalities: 41% Teenage deaths: 25% of all automobile fatalities Homicides: 31% Boating accidents: 20%

Each year… Approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking This includes about: –1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes –1,600 as a result of homicides –300 from suicide –As well as hundreds from other injuries such as falls, burns, and drownings.

WHY DO SOME ADOLESCENTS DRINK? Risk Taking Peer Pressure Expectancies Boredom Imitation

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS? Brain Effects –This is a critical developmental stage. Liver Effects –Elevated liver enzymes, indicating some degree of liver damage, have been found in some adolescents who drink alcohol. Young drinkers who are overweight or obese showed elevated liver enzymes even with only moderate levels of drinking. Growth and Endocrine Effects –Major developmental time.