1. Alcohol and Its Effects
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Alcohol and Its Effects

2. Cirrhosis Build up of scar tissue in the liver blocking flow of blood.
Scar tissue replaces healthy tissue.

3. Brain damage
Permanent damage from repeated abuse/dehydration and lack of oxygen.
Dementia is a decrease in brain function that leads to personality change & memory loss.

4. Ulcers Alcohol can damage the esophagus & stomach.
Alcohol can cause irritation & deterioration of the stomach lining.

5. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
FAS is a set of physical & mental defects that affect a fetus that has been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.
FAS is the leading preventable cause of retardation in our country.

8. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Some characteristics:
small birth size
curved spine
deformed ribs
webbed fingers
facial abnormalities
heart defects
learning disabilities
hyperactivity
irritability

9. Alcoholism Alcoholism occurs when a person shows
signs of physical addiction to alcohol (for
example, tolerance and withdrawal) and
continues to drink, despite problems with
physical health, mental health, and social,
family, or job responsibilities. Alcohol may
come to dominate the person's life and
relationships. ~NIH

10. Alcoholism
Problem Drinking – Drinker cannot drink alcohol in moderation or at appropriate times.
Tolerance – Drinker needs more alcohol to produce the same effect.
Dependence – Drinker’s body needs alcohol to function normally.
Alcoholism – Drinker has lost control of his/her drinking behavior.

11. Alcoholism – Physical Signs
A need for increasing amounts of alcohol to get drunk or achieve the desired effect (tolerance)
Memory lapses (blackouts) after heavy drinking
Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped
Alcohol related illnesses

12. Alcoholism – Behavior
Continuing to drink even when health, work or family are harmed
Drinking alone
Episodes of violence when drinking
Hostility when confronted about drinking
Lack of control over drinking -- unable to stop or reduce intake
Making excuses to drink
Missing work or school, or a decrease in performance
No longer taking part in activities because of alcohol
Need for daily or regular alcohol use to function
Neglecting to eat
Not caring for physical appearance
Secretive behavior to hide alcohol use
Shaking in the morning