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Consequences of Alcohol Use

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Basic facts Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug. Although drinking alcohol is illegal for people under the age of 21, it is the primary drug with which teens experiment. Alcohol acts as a depressant on the Central Nervous System (CNS), and it effects the brain by impairing judgment, lowering inhibitions, and increasing aggressive behavior. The way alcohol effects a person is influenced by factors such as gender, height, weight, body size, muscle-to-fat ratio and medical condition.

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Basic Facts Quick Definitions: A drink usually defined as 12 oz. of beer or wine cooler (approx. 4% alcohol), 5 oz. of wine (13%), or 1.5 oz. of 80 proof liquor (40%). A number that indicates amount of alcohol in a product. Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC is the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream and it serves as a measure of a persons level of intoxication. Alcohol Abuse is the precursor to alcoholism. Alcoholism is defined by an uncontrollable craving for alcohol, the inability to stop drinking after a few drinks, withdrawal symptoms, increases tolerance. Research shows that alcoholism there is a genetic predisposition to alcoholism.

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Basic facts Quick Definitions cont. Binge drinking five or more drinks in one sitting. Considered alcohol abuse and is the most common form of alcohol abuse amongst teens.

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Medical Consequences Liver Damage A disease characterized by a build up of scar tissue in the liver is called cirrhosis. This damage is irreversible! Jaundice Gallstones Increased blood pressure Mental confusion Hepatitis Pancreatitis High Blood Pressure, Stroke and Obesity

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Medical Consequences Increased Risk of Certain Cancers Think about the pathway alcohol takes when consumed Weakens the immune system. Alcohol use increases susceptibility to infection and disease. Reproductive System damage

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Medical Consequences Central Nervous System Prolonged alcohol use can lead to blackouts, hallucinations, tremors and death. Even if drinking is stopped, the Central Nervous System may be so damaged that memory and thinking capacity are permanently diminished.

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Medical Consequences Alcohol poisoning- Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can cause coma and death. Signs: Giddiness Lowered inhibitions Slurred speech Incoordination Incoherence Alcohol Use During Pregnancy Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a group of defects caused by a womans use of alcohol during pregnancy. Some children born with FAS are so severely retarded they will never be able to care for themselves. Learning disabilities Poorly formed bones/organs Facial abnormalities Mental handicaps

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Drinking and Driving Drinking alcohol affects physical coordination, balance, alertness and the ability to perform two tasks at once. Studies show that ONE drink can affect a persons ability to drive and ability decreases with each drink Legal BAC =.08%

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Social Consequences of Alcohol Use Alcohol is often a factor in violent acts such as: Manslaughter Assault Attempted murder Murder Robbery Suicide Rape

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Social Consequences Alcohol and Sex Drinking is linked to an increased risk of STD infection, unwanted pregnancy and sexual assault Alcohol related Abuse and neglect Alcohol use is a significant factor in child abuse and children of substance abusers are more likely to witness family violence. Partners of abusers are also affected, often experiencing feelings of guilt, shame, loneliness and fear.

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In Conclusion Many cultures, religions, families and belief systems allow the consumption of alcohol. Regardless of what you believe and decide to do in the future, be educated and know what the consequences of your actions can be.