1. Alcohol Vocabulary & Terms

2. ALCOHOL
Alcohol – a drug that is produced by a chemical reaction in fruits, vegetables & grains.
Classified as a depressant (slows down central nervous system – brain and spinal cord) and stimulant (increases heart-rate, blood pressure)
Over 17 million Americans have physical, social & psychological problems related to alcohol.
Causes short-term and long-term problems in the body.

3. ALCOHOL ABUSE
Alcohol Abuse – Drinking more alcohol than is socially, psychologically or physically healthy.
Many accidental deaths are the cause of alcohol abuse.
Usually cause financial & personal problems for the drinker.

4. ALCOHOLISM
Alcoholism – a pattern of alcohol abuse characterized by emotional & physical dependence on alcohol.
Develops in 3 stages over a period of time:
Stage 1 – Alcohol is used to relieve stress & to relax. Alcohol is used to cope with daily pressures of life. Drinker begins to make excuses.
Stage 2 – Body develops a need for more & more alcohol. Drinker often denies there is a problem. Drinker is absent from school or work.
Stage 3 – Problem is clear to other people. Drinker is strongly addicted & they are now out of control.
TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR ALCOHOLICS!!!

5. ALCOHOL – VOCABULARY & TERMS
Enabler – people close to the drinker unintentionally support the behaviors by denying a problem exists.
Denial – Alcoholics believe they do not have a problem with alcohol resulting in their failure to seek treatment.
Addiction – a physical or psychological need for a drug or other substances.
2 Types:
Physical Dependence – the body’s need for a drug, may have withdrawal & could cause pain.
Psychological Dependence – mind sends message to body for the need of a drug
ALCOHOL CAUSES BOTH!!!!

6. ALCOHOL VOCABULARY & TERMS
Proof – twice the percentage of alcohol by concentration
Example – 100 proof alcohol = 50% alcohol
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) – the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream expressed by a percent.
Factors affecting BAC:
How much and how fast consumed
Body Weight
Food – slow down absorption
Gender – females have more body fat and water than males. This causes alcohol to dissolve slower than males.
Mood
Other drugs
IN N.J. THE LIMIT A PERSON IS CONSIDERED LEGALLY DRUNK IS 0.08%. THE HIGHER THE BAC, THE MORE THE BODY IS AFFECTED.

7. ALCOHOL VOCABULARY & TERMS
Tolerance – a condition that occurs when a person’s body becomes use to a drug.
Withdrawal – the occurrence of unpleasant & recognizable symptoms when a drug is discontinued.
Delirium Tremens – a symptom of alcohol withdrawal that includes confusion, agitation, delusions, sleep problems & hallucinations.
USUALLY REQUIRES MEDICAL ATTENTION!!!

8. ALCOHOL VOCABULARY & TERMS
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – birth defects observed in children of women who drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Liver – chemical factory of the body & acts as a cleansing station to rid body of poisons. Has many functions:
Removes poisons
Promotes blood clotting
Aids body in absorbing fats & cholesterol
EXCESS ALCOHOL DESTROYS THE LIVER’S ABILITY TO FUNCTION PROPERLY.
Oxidation – break down of alcohol by the liver into carbon dixoide & water. OXIDATION OCCURS AT A CONSTANT UNCHANGEABLE RATE OF ½ OUNCE OF ALCOHOL PER HOUR