1. What is Alcohol
Alcohol – Drug created by a chemical reaction in some foods, especially fruits and grains
Most commonly used drug in this country
Average age for taking first drink is 13

2. Why Do Teens Begin to Drink
Relieve stress
Escape from problems
Peer pressure

3. Effects of Alcohol on the Body

4. Brain

5. Brain Short term effects – Reaches brain almost immediately
Impairs judgment, reasoning, memory and concentration
Reaction time is slowed
Coordination decreases, speech is slurred
Vision and hearing are distorted
Ability to desire to control behavior decreases

6. Brain
Long term effects – Brain damage
Nervous disorders
Memory loss

7. Blood Vessels
Short term – Vessels enlarge, bringing blood closer to skin and creating false sense of warmth

8. Blood Vessels
Long term – High blood pressure, Stroke

9. Liver
Short term effects – Liver poisoning

10. Liver
Long term effects – Cirrhosis- scarring and destruction of liver tissue
Liver cancer

11. Heart Short Term effects – Heart and pulse rate increases
Long term effects – irregular heart beats and damage to heart muscle

12. Stomach Short term – Vomiting, if unconscious could lead to choking
Long term – ulcers, open sores, stomach cancer

13. Effects of Drinking 12 oz. Beer 4 oz. Wine 1.5 oz. liquor
ALL CONTAIN ABOUT SAME AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL

14. Effects of Drinking
Size and Gender – Females tolerate a smaller amount of alcohol than males
Usually because they weigh less
Food in the stomach – Food in stomach slows the process of alcohol absorbtion but does not stop effect

15. Effects of Drinking
How fast person drinks – Gulping down a drink raises the alcohol level in the blood because body has less time to process it
Other substances in the body – Drinking while using other drugs may be fatal or have severe effects

16. ALCOHOLISM

17. Alcoholism Illness caused by a physical an mental need for alcohol
Unable to limit the amount of alcohol they drink
Drink increasing amount and become drunk often
Place drinking ahead of other activities

18. Alcoholism Drinks alone
Experiences blackouts and cannot remember what was done while drinking
Personality changes
Makes excuses for drinking, promises to quit or drink less
Refuses to admit they have problem