Alcohol

Definition of Alcohol

Alcohol is a drug that is produced by a chemical reaction in fruits vegetables and grains.

Depressant

Alcohol is a depressant because it slows down the function of the brain and other parts of the nervous system.

Alcohol effects the nervous, digestive and urinary systems.

Short Term vs. Long Term Effects

Short term effects occur within minutes of drinking and longer-term effects develop over time.

Mouth and Esophagus

Short Term Effects: Breath smells, tongue, gums and throat are effected

Long Term Effects: Damage of the esophagus-bleeding

Heart and Blood Vessels

Short Term Effects: Perspiration increases and skin becomes flushed

Long Term Effects: High blood pressure, blood vessels less flexible

Brain and Nervous System

Short Term: Speech/vision blurry, difficulty walking

Long Term: Brain cells destroyed, nerve damage resulting in numbness in hands and feet

Liver

Short Term: Liver changes alcohol into water and carbon dioxide

Long Term: cirrhosis/scarring and destruction of the liver

Stomach and Pancreas

Short Term: Stomach acids increase, nausea and vomiting

Long Term: Irritation of the stomach lining-ulcers Problems with your pancreas

Body size

The smaller the person the larger effect of alcohol

Time Frame

Rapid drinking overwhelms the liver’s ability to break down the alcohol

Blood Alcohol Level—the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream

Factors: Food/Amount

Food in the stomach slows down the passage of alcohol into the blood stream

Quantity and quality you consume

Medicine

Medicine can intensify the effects of alcohol

How alcohol travels

1. Alcohol enters the mouth. 2. Alcohol travels down the throat to

the stomach. 3. Alcohol is absorbed into the blood

by the stomach and small intestine.

4. Alcohol travels through the blood to the water-containing organs of the body.

5. Alcohol affects many brain functions.

6. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver. 7. Alcohol is excreted from the body

after processing by the kidneys.

Intoxication

Physically and mentally impaired by the use of alcohol

.O8 in the state of WashingtonLegal Age 21

Binge Drinking

The consumption of several alcoholic drinks in a very short amount of time

Slows down body system—could stop breathing and die

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome--FAS

When a pregnant female drinks alcohol—it passes to her developing baby

Birth defects (physical and mental problems)

Growth Process and Teens

Poor language skillsReduces certain hormones for developmentDelay the menstrual cycleSuicideTraffic deaths Violent crimesRape

How can you tell if a friend has been drinking

Mood changesSchool problemsFamily IssuesSocial StatusA “Nothing Matters" attitudePhysical or mental problems