1. Affects much of the Digestive system Affects much of the Digestive system

2. Passes through mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus Passes through mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus Cancers of these areas are two times more common in chronic drinkers Cancers of these areas are two times more common in chronic drinkers Cancer risk is 15 times higher in those who drink and smoke!! Cancer risk is 15 times higher in those who drink and smoke!!

3. 20-25% of alcohol is absorbed directly from the stomach into the blood stream food will absorb some thus slowing the transport throughout the body

4. stomach Mucosa: lining that is a barrier to protect stomach against acid Mucosa: lining that is a barrier to protect stomach against acid Alcohol irritates the mucosa & by reflex, stomach will try to rid of Alcohol Alcohol irritates the mucosa & by reflex, stomach will try to rid of Alcohol relaxes the stomach sphincter = vomiting! relaxes the stomach sphincter = vomiting!

5. Alcoholics often develop stomach problems and permanently damage mucosa Many alcoholics vomit a lot!

6. Research shows the effects of alcohol following a single alcoholic binge!! Research shows the effects of alcohol following a single alcoholic binge!! 30 of the 34 tested, diagnosed with gastritis Takes 7-28 days to repair!! If not allowed to rest, it can be permanent!

7. SMALL INTESTINE is also irritated by alcohol SMALL INTESTINE is also irritated by alcohol Intestine has high cell turnover and will return to normal if allowed to rest! Intestine has high cell turnover and will return to normal if allowed to rest! Structure of intestinal microvilli after one hour exposed to BAC of.03

8. Once absorbed into blood system, it causes dilation of the capillaries Once absorbed into blood system, it causes dilation of the capillaries Causes blood to move into capillaries in skin causing flushed/warm skin! Causes blood to move into capillaries in skin causing flushed/warm skin!

9. Flushed skin means body heat is being lost and person will be colder later This is contrary to popular belief that alcohol will warm you up!!

10. Once in the bloodstream – alcohol passes through the LIVER The Liver processes 90% of the alcohol

11. The liver has many functions 1.Breaks down toxic substances 2. Metabolizes fats, proteins and carbohydrates 3. Destroys old red blood cells 4. Produces bile 5. Stores glycogen, iron and some vitamins

12. Alcohol Metabolism When alcohol is present, liver only focuses on getting rid of alcohol, shutting down all other enzyme pathways When alcohol is present, liver only focuses on getting rid of alcohol, shutting down all other enzyme pathways Alcohol and one of its by-products are TOXINS Alcohol and one of its by-products are TOXINS The body must convert these as quickly as possible to less harmful substances! The body must convert these as quickly as possible to less harmful substances!