AlcoholHEALTH 9

Alcohol

• Ethanol is a powerful and addictive drug – alcohol is classified as a stimulant

• Using alcohol during the teen years can affect brain development

• Alcohol can be produced synthetically or naturally by fermenting fruits, vegetables and grains

Short Term Effects

Physical movements and balance affected,

Slowed reaction time, Impaired vision,

Diminished judgment,Speech and self control

affected,Consuming too much alcohol can result in

intoxication

Factors that influence BAC

• Body Size - A smaller person feels the effect of the same amount of alcohol faster than a larger personGender - Alcohol generally moves into the bloodstream in females faster than in malesFood - Food in the stomach slows passage into bloodstream

• Rate of Intake - If a person drinks alcohol faster than the liver can break it down, the person will become more intoxicated

• Amount - As the amount of alcohol increases, the level of alcohol in the bloodstream increases

Long-Term Effects

• Damage to brain cells and a reduction in brain size

• Increase in blood pressure, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke

• Build up of fat cells in the liver that can lead to cell death and CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

• Damage to the digestive lining of the stomach causing bleeding ulcers or cancer of the stomach

• Malnutrition and Dehydration

• Alcoholism

• Destruction of the pancreas

Binge Drinking Periodic excessive drinking in a short

amount of time

Binge Drinking often leads to alcohol

poisoningAnd can act as a

depressant on major body organs such as the brain, heart, and

lungs resulting in death.

Alcohol Poisoning

• A person who drinks too much alcohol may eventually pass out

• Even though the person is unconscious, alcohol in the stomach continues to enter the bloodstream

• The persons BAC continues to rise

• Do not assume the person will “sleep it off”. It is dangerous to assume they will be fine

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

• Mental confusion and stupor

• Coma and an inability to be roused

• Vomiting and seizures

• Slow respiration (10 seconds between breaths or fewer than 8 breaths a minute)

• Irregular heartbeat

• Hypothermia or low body temperature (pale or bluish skin)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

• When the mother drinks during pregnancy

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the leading preventable causes of mental retardation

• The effects are both severe and long lasting

• Females trying to become pregnant or who think they may be pregnant should not drink any alcohol

Stages of Alcoholism

• Stage 1 – Abuse• Begin with social drinking. Person becomes tolerant to

the effects. Begins to lie or make excuses to justify their drinking.

• Stage 2 – Dependence• Person has lost control of drinking, craves it, and is

physically dependent. Tries to hide problem, denies and makes excuses, problems at home and school begin.

• Will go through withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking

Stage 3 – Addiction• Person is addicted physically and psychologically. Liver

and pancreas may be already damaged.

Alcoholism

• Alcoholics are physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol.

• Symptoms can include:• Craving / pre-occupation with next drink• Loss of Control• Tolerance and Physical Dependence• Hiding drinking or drinking alone• Black outs• Denial and rationalizing reasons for drinking

HELP

• ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

• AL-ATEEN

• AL-ANON

• HOSPITALS or CLINICS

• REHABILITATION CENTERS

• ON-LINE HELP SITES