Alcohol and YouA Legal Drug

ALCOHOL• Drug produced by a chemical reaction in fruits, vegetables and grains

• Depressant-slows down the working of the brain and other parts of the nervous system• 17 million Americans impacted each year• Physical, social and psychological problems related to

alcohol

• 95,000 people die each year from alcohol related deaths

Short Term Effects of Alcohol on BodyShort term effects are those that occur within minutes of drinking1. Increased heart rate2. Liver function becomes unbalanced

Liver changes alcohol into water & carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide released thru lungsWater passes through body in form of urine,

perspiration, breath vapor3. Widened blood vessels-creates feeling of warmth (false)4. Vomiting-which can lead to choking and death

Long Term Effects of Alcohol

• Brain• Destroys millions of brain cells• Cannot be repaired or replaced

• Liver• Liver damage• Cirrhosis-scarring and destruction of liver tissue

• Heart• Contributes high blood pressure• Damage heart muscle• Can cause heart failure

• Stomach• Increases gastric juices• Irritates stomach• Can cause ulcers