2. Alcohol Abuse Over 90% of the population drinks often alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is a psycho active drug, it influences the brain and change our feelings. It depresses our nervous system and works as a sedative. by the latter, it reduces social anxieties and remove inhibitions, still most of us enjoy drinking alcoholic drinks. For addicted, the drinking can cause serious problems such as social, physiological and physical damages, which are more severe than the damages of illegal drugs like: heroin, pot, extazy.

3. Why do people drink alcohol? The changes in the Israeli society values. Youth’s desire to resemble adults. Social pressure. TV and commercials also encourage drinking, directly and indirectly.

4. How does alcohol affect the body? Esophagus Heart Lungs Liver Stomach Kidneys Small intestines & pancreas Reproductive system Brain Blood Joints & muscles

5. Blood Alcohol Concentration The BAC: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream Factors that will affect the BAC in a person: How much alcohol you drink. How fast you drink. The quicker you drink, the higher your peak BAC will be. Body weight. Heavier people will be less affected by the same amount of alcohol than lighter people When there is food in the stomach, alcohol is absorbed slower into the blood stream The type of alcohol you drink If you are male or female. Women reach higher BAC’s faster because they have less water in their bodies and more adipose tissue (fat), which is not easily penetrated by alcohol Tips For Controlling Blood Alcohol Concentration : Pace your drinking, allow time between drinks. Consider alternating non-alcoholic "decoy" drinks with those containing alcohol. Don't drink on an empty stomach, foods with fats and/or proteins slow alcohol absorption. Keep track of how much you are drinking; know how much alcohol is poured into every glass. Dilute distilled beverages, don't drink them straight. After the first few drinks, reduce the amount of alcohol in each drink. Drink only if YOU want to, don't let others dictate your choice.

6. Treating Drinking Problems If you have symptoms of alcohol addiction, you will need a medical help. Very often, taking medicine for a short time will help you get over the bed feelings. This process is called Detoxication. Hospitalization is only rarely necessary, if the home treatment wasn't successful. Changing the drinking habits consist of three stages; 1. The first stage is to accept there is a problem. 2. The second stage is to get help with breaking the habit. 3. The third stage, which is the most difficult, is to maintain the change.

7. The end We hope you enjoyed our presentation