ALCOHOL *Why is alcohol considered a drug? *Describe the long term damage. **Identify warning signs of alcoholism. *How does alcoholism affect society? *How can underage drinking harm a teen’s future?

WHY IS ALCOHOL CONSIDERED A DRUG? Alcohol causes a change in a person’s physical and emotional state. Under 21 = ILLEGAL

SHORT TERM EFFECTS Nausea Vomiting Reduced reaction time Poor Vision Dehydration Loss of judgment & self-control Reduced reaction time Poor Vision Memory Loss Blackout Makes body lose heat Liver has to work harder. Depressant Loss of inhibitions Coma Death Heart works harder Hangover

BINGE DRINKING 0.08 BAC- amount of alcohol in person’s blood (%) What is the legal BAC limit for driving? 0.08 BINGE DRINKING- drinking five or more drinks in one sitting. ALCOHOL POISONING- rate depressed; brain and heart may stop working. Also known as ALCOHOL OVERDOSE *extreme vomiting *loss of consciousness *dangerously slowed breathing

LONG TERM EFFECTS Brain damage High blood pressure; enlargement of heart; irregular heartbeat Diminished immune system Small intestine- can’t absorb vitamins Liver- hepatitis, cirrhosis (replaces healthy liver tissue w/ scar tissue), cancer Irritation to esophagus & stomach; stomach bleeding; cancer

OTHER TERMS…… INHIBITIONS- natural limits that people put on their behavior. CIRRHOSIS- disease that replaces healthy liver tissue with scar tissue; usually caused by long term alcohol use; 12th leading cause of death in US. DEMENTIA- decrease in brain function that includes personality changes and memory loss.

ALCOHOLISM *Diff. between alcohol abuse and alcoholism- ALCOHOL ABUSE- drinking too much alcohol, drinking it too often ALCOHOLISM- disease that causes a person to lose control of his/her drinking behavior.

PATH TO ALCOHOLISM Lost control PROBLEM DRINKING Experimental usage to regular usage. TOLERANCE Needs more to produce same effect. DEPENDENCE Body needs alcohol to function normally. ALCOHOLISM Lost control

ARE THERE ANY RISK FACTORS? Age – teens who start drinking before age 15 are 4 times more likely to become alcoholics. Social environment – peer pressure, advertisements, etc. Genetics – runs in families; male children of alcoholic fathers have a 25% risk of becoming alcoholics. Risk-taking personality- impulsive.

WARNING SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM Drinking to deal with anger, frustration, and disappointment. Changing friends, personal habits, & interest. Being defensive Feeling depressed Drinking more for same high Drinking alone Drinking to get “drunk” Experiencing memory lapses

DOES ALCOHOLISM AFFECT A FAMILY??? Violence Neglect and isolation Ignoring one’s own needs *ENABLING- helping an addict avoid negative consequences *CODEPENDENCY- sacrificing own needs to meet needs of an addict Teens begin to lie; become angry and abusive; creates stress FAS- physical and mental defects of a fetus

CAN ALCOHOLISM AFFECT SOCIETY? Car accidents Murder Family violence Child abuse Rape $$ spent on treatment & recovery of losses due to alcohol More public services More legal services Taxpayers $$$

TREATMENT……. Alcoholics Anonymous Alateen Others??

TEENS & ALCOHOL #1 cause of death among teens is… motor vehicle accidents Majority of these are alcohol-related. Drunk-driving is nation’s most frequently committed crime.

ZERO TOLERANCE All 50 states have zero tolerance laws for people under 21. It’s illegal for people under the age of 21 to drive with any amount of alcohol in their system. Zero chances.

FUTURES AT RISK….. DUI, DWI, MIP, PI= can all result in jail time. STI, AIDS/HIV, pregnancy Most common drug associated with date rape. Drowning Affects development of brain. Abuse Affect chances in getting a job or into college.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND CONSEQUENCES? EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL