HERE’s TO ALCOHOL: THe cause of, and solution to all of life’s problems - Homer simpson

OVERVIEW People drink to socialize, celebrate, relax Strong effect on people We’ve struggled to understand & manage the power of alcohol: * Why does it cause people to act & feel differently? * How much is too much? * Why do some people become addicted?

HISTORY Has been around & used for centuries- social, medical, cultural, religious settings Middle Ages- beer drunk by whole family 16 th century used primarily for medicinal purposes By 18 th century British parliament passed a law to encourage grain to be used for distilled spirits 19 th century promotion of moderate use which led to prohibition That ban was lifted in 1933 due to illegal trade boom

TODAY’S FACTS Laws vary- no alcohol sold in some Middle East & Asian countries; purchase or consume ages in most countries 15 million Americans suffer from alcoholism 80,000 deaths attributed to alcohol each year 40% of all car accident deaths in the US involve alcohol Legal limit for driving is.08% BAC; under 21- 0%

UNDER 21 FACTS IT IS ILLEGAL!!! Contributes to more than 4700 deaths each year 2 in 3 high school students that drink do so to intoxication #1 cause of death among teens- car accidents- around 30% of those involve alcohol

KEY TERMS Ethanol- type of alcohol in drinks- powerful & addictive Fermentation- chemical process- uses fruits, vegetables mixed with ethanol Depressant- drug that slows the nervous system- affects motor skills, impairs judgment Intoxication- body is poisoned by alcohol- physical/mental control reduced- varies person to person

Binge drinking- 4+drinks for girls, 5+ drinks for guys in a night Alcohol poisoning- severe & possible deadly overdose of alcohol- breathing can stop, choke on vomit BAC- Blood Alcohol Concentration- the amount of alcohol in person’s blood- % -.08% in PA, intoxication can begin at.02

It’s ALL the Same! A standard drink contains.6 fl. Oz/ 1.2 Tablespoons of pure alcohol

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS ON THE BODY Dulls memory, reactions, concentration, coordination Lowers inhibitions- poor judgments Slurred speech, blurred vision Irritates stomach lining Altered emotions Drowsiness

INFLUENCES of SHORT TERM EFFECTS * Body size & gender * Food intake * Amount & rate of alcohol intake- liver can only break down 1 drink per hour

BAC CHARTS

LONG TERM EFFECTS Reduces brain tissue & destroys cells Can cause brain damage Heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure Kidney failure Kills liver cells, causes cirrhosis (build up of scar tissue- lead to liver failure) Addiction/alcoholism Death

THE PATH OF ALCOHOL THROUGH THE BODY 1.Mouth: alcohol enters the body. 2. Stomach: some alcohol gets into the bloodstream in the stomach, but most goes on to the small intestine. 3. Small Intestine: alcohol enters the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine. 4. Heart: pumps alcohol throughout the body. 5. Brain: alcohol reaches the brain. 6. Liver: alcohol is oxidized by the liver at a rate of about 0.5 oz per hour.

REASONS PEOPLE DRINK ADULTS To relax Relieve stress Social Enjoy the taste Overcome shyness Forget problems TEENS Peer pressure/ ”Everyone else is doing it” To look cool/older Curious To get drunk Forget problems

ADDICTION/ALCOHOLISM Alcohol Abuse: Pattern of excessive drinking that leads to problems: *Unfulfilled responsibilities, fighting, DUI *Dangerous situations *Relationship issues Alcoholism -a disease in which the person has a physical &/or psychological dependence on alcohol * Not limited to any age, race, ethnicity or social class

SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOLISM Craving Loss of control Physical Dependence Tolerance Health, family, legal problems Violent, aggressive behaviors Quiet, withdrawn/drinking alone

STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM 1- ABUSE- Starts with social drinking, relax, then manage stress- drink regularly- blackouts & memory loss 2- DEPENDENCE- Cannot stop drinking- becomes central focus- tries to hide the problem, makes excuses & blames others 3- ADDICTION- Most important thing in person's life, which is out of control- does not realize or acknowledge; liver damage is common

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