Alcohol Information2013-2014

What does depressant mean?

“Reducing functional or nervous activity”Slows things down (heart rate, breathing,

etc.)Less able to function (drive, read, speak,

think, etc.

Can alcohol be good for you?

IN ADULTS (not teens!)Linked to lower cholesterol and lower risk of

diabetesReduces risk of heart attack and stroke

HOWEVEREmpty calories. Better to eat healthy and exercise regularly.Many at-risk groups (pregnant, easily addicted,

medication complications, etc.)

How much is “one drink”?

One drink is defined as ◦5 ounces of wine◦12 ounces of beer◦1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled liquor such as

vodka

What is considered “excessive drinking”?

For women:◦>1 drink/day or >3 drinks at one time

For men: ◦>2 drinks/day or >4 drinks at one time

Is alcohol addicting?

YES. Very.

You can also develop a tolerance for it.

Why do young people drink alcohol?

Peer pressureCuriosityAccessNot thinking clearly, making poor choicesTo “be cool” or fit inEscape problemsAddicted

What influences how a person is affected by alcohol?

1. Type of drink (beer, wine, whiskey, etc.)2. How quickly it is consumed 3. Amount of food in stomach4. Body weight or build 5. Mental/emotional state 6. Surroundings 7. Physical tolerance

How does it affect the reproductive system?

Decreases testosterone productionPregnant women who drink risk having a

child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)◦causes heart malformation, joint problems,

growth deficiencies, and mental retardation.

How does it affect the brain?

Affects thinking, judgment, and reasoning abilities first.

Impairs breathing and reflexesHeavy social drinking may also cause brain

atrophy.Develop a tolerance.

How does it affect the stomach?

Stimulates the stomach to secrete more stomach acid.

Heavy drinking is related to ulcers and even cancer of the stomach, mouth, tongue, and esophagus.

How does it affect the lungs?

Exhaled (smell it on someone’s breath)Extremely high levels of alcohol can

cause you to stop breathing or put you in a coma.

How does it affect the liver?

It takes about two hours for your liver to process ¼ to ½ ounce of alcohol.

Cirrhosis of the liver = fatty deposits and scar tissue.

How does it affect the kidneys?

Increases production of urine.Can cause dehydration.

How does it affect the small intestine?

Alcohol is absorbed through the small intestine into the bloodstream

How does it affect the heart/blood vessels?

Slows the heartDilates the blood vessels, makes you

feel warm even when you aren’t. (can cause hypothermia!)