Alcohol, Tobacco, & Drugs:Alcohol, Tobacco, & Drugs:Ch 13- Alcohol: A Dangerous Ch 13- Alcohol: A Dangerous

DrugDrug

Essential Question: How does Essential Question: How does alcohol affect the body?alcohol affect the body?

Alcohol Facts:Alcohol Facts:

It’s an illegal drug for ANYONE under the age of It’s an illegal drug for ANYONE under the age of 2121

Anyone under the legal drinking age (21) who Anyone under the legal drinking age (21) who drinks is violating the LAW! And runs the RISK of:drinks is violating the LAW! And runs the RISK of:

* being arrested* being arrested* being fined* being fined* acquiring a criminal record* acquiring a criminal record

It is the most It is the most misunderstood misunderstood drugdrug Over Over halfhalf the violent crimes is U.S. involve the violent crimes is U.S. involve

alcoholalcohol

FACT:FACT:

Alcohol is a Alcohol is a DepressantDepressant and directly and directly effects the effects the Central Nervous SystemCentral Nervous System..

The Path of Alcohol in the The Path of Alcohol in the BodyBody

1.1. MouthMouth: : alcohol enters the body.alcohol enters the body.

2.2. StomachStomach: : some alcohol gets into the some alcohol gets into the bloodstreambloodstream in the stomach, but most in the stomach, but most goes on to the goes on to the small intestinesmall intestine..

3.3. Small IntestineSmall Intestine: : alcohol enters the alcohol enters the bloodstream through the bloodstream through the wallswalls of the of the small intestine. small intestine.

4.4. HeartHeart: : pumpspumps alcohol throughout the body. alcohol throughout the body.

5.5. BrainBrain: : alcohol reaches the brain.alcohol reaches the brain.

6.6. LiverLiver: : alcohol is alcohol is oxidizedoxidized by the liver at a by the liver at a rate of about rate of about 0.20.2 oz per hour. Alcohol is oz per hour. Alcohol is converted into converted into waterwater, carbon dioxide and , carbon dioxide and energyenergy..

Blood Alcohol Level (BAL)Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) It’s a way to measure the It’s a way to measure the levellevel of of alcoholalcohol in a person’s body in a person’s body Can be influenced by:Can be influenced by:

* gender* gender* body weight* body weight* amount of food in stomach* amount of food in stomach* rate of drinking* rate of drinking

Under 21, considered legally Under 21, considered legally intoxicatedintoxicated in most states at BAL of .02 in most states at BAL of .02 Adults, considered legally intoxicated in most states at BAL of .10Adults, considered legally intoxicated in most states at BAL of .10

One standard drink= interferes with person’sOne standard drink= interferes with person’s* judgment* judgment*reflexes*reflexes*vision*vision

Standard Drinking SizeStandard Drinking Size

1.25 oz of Liquor

10 oz Wine Cooler

6 oz of Wine12 oz of Beer

Alcohol contentAlcohol content BeersBeers - 2-6% (some specialty beers - 2-6% (some specialty beers

stronger- malt liquors similar to beer, but stronger- malt liquors similar to beer, but higher alcohol content)higher alcohol content)

Table winesTable wines – 10-15% – 10-15% Hard liquorsHard liquors - 40-55% - 40-55%

Proof Proof (also referred to as it’s “(also referred to as it’s “strengthstrength”)”) is twice the alcohol contentis twice the alcohol content

Example: whiskey may be 50% alcohol- Example: whiskey may be 50% alcohol- it’s 100 proof!it’s 100 proof!

Alcohol content- Why it’s Important Alcohol content- Why it’s Important to Know…….to Know…….

The higher the proof, the faster a person The higher the proof, the faster a person becomes intoxicated.becomes intoxicated.

Alcohol contains calories so……….. As Alcohol contains calories so……….. As proof increases, so does calorie content!proof increases, so does calorie content!

How the Effects Differ by SexHow the Effects Differ by Sex2 Major factors involved in intoxication:2 Major factors involved in intoxication:

1- body weight1- body weight2- % body fat2- % body fat

FemalesFemales: : Become intoxicated more easilyBecome intoxicated more easilythan malesthan males Have a higher fat-to-tissue ratioHave a higher fat-to-tissue ratio In general, hormone levels influence alcohol In general, hormone levels influence alcohol

metabolism: Therefore, alcohol tolerance varies during metabolism: Therefore, alcohol tolerance varies during menstrual cyclesmenstrual cycles

Some evidence that birth control pills reduces alcohol Some evidence that birth control pills reduces alcohol tolerancetolerance

MalesMales: stomach usually oxidizes alcohol more efficiently, : stomach usually oxidizes alcohol more efficiently, so less alcohol passes into blood streamso less alcohol passes into blood stream

Short-term EffectsShort-term Effects Impaired Impaired judgmentsjudgments, vision, balance, , vision, balance,

coordinationcoordination

Alcohol poisoning, Alcohol poisoning, blackoutsblackouts, , comacoma or or deathdeath

Change in Change in behaviorbehavior, , emotionsemotions

Painful Painful hangoverhangover symptoms – stomach symptoms – stomach painspains, vomiting, and diarrhea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Long-term EffectsLong-term EffectsDiseases of the LiverDiseases of the Liver

• Hepatitis:Hepatitis: an inflammation or an inflammation or infections of the liverinfections of the liver

that can cause:that can cause: feverfever yellowing of the yellowing of the

skinskin weakness weakness sometimes deathsometimes death

Cirrhosis : Cirrhosis : a disease caused by a disease caused by alcohol abusealcohol abuse• Liver cells are permanently Liver cells are permanently

replaced by replaced by uselessuseless scar tissue scar tissue• Liver can no longer Liver can no longer metabolizemetabolize

food properly so a result is food properly so a result is digestive problemsdigestive problems

Cirrhosis of the Liver

More Long Term EffectsMore Long Term Effects

Damage to heart muscleDamage to heart muscle Increases risk of heart diseaseIncreases risk of heart disease Woman’s risk for breast cancer increasesWoman’s risk for breast cancer increases Lower one’s white blood cell count- harder time Lower one’s white blood cell count- harder time

fighting off infectionsfighting off infections Kills brain cells- leads to irreversible memory Kills brain cells- leads to irreversible memory

damagedamage Increases chance of liver, esophagus, pharynx, Increases chance of liver, esophagus, pharynx,

and larynx cancerand larynx cancer

Binge DrinkingBinge Drinking

Binge drinking :Binge drinking : drinking large amounts of alcohol quickly drinking large amounts of alcohol quickly* 5 or more drinks in a row for boys * 5 or more drinks in a row for boys

*4 or more in a row for girls.*4 or more in a row for girls.

People under 21 still get alcohol easily with one goal - to People under 21 still get alcohol easily with one goal - to get drunk- typically by play drinking gamesget drunk- typically by play drinking games

Often begins around age 13, tends to increase during Often begins around age 13, tends to increase during adolescence, peaks in young adulthood (ages 18 to 22), adolescence, peaks in young adulthood (ages 18 to 22), then gradually decreasesthen gradually decreases

.4% enough to put one in a coma/ verge of death.4% enough to put one in a coma/ verge of death

What Happens to Your Body What Happens to Your Body When You Get Alcohol Poisoning?When You Get Alcohol Poisoning?

It is common for someone who drinks excessive It is common for someone who drinks excessive amounts of alcohol to amounts of alcohol to vomitvomit since alcohol is an since alcohol is an irritantirritant to the stomach. There is then the to the stomach. There is then the danger of danger of chokingchoking on vomit. on vomit.

Alcohol depresses Alcohol depresses nervesnerves that control that control involuntaryinvoluntary actions such as breathing and the actions such as breathing and the gaggag reflex (which prevents choking). A fatal reflex (which prevents choking). A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually dose of alcohol will eventually stopstop these these functions. functions.

The mixture of alcohol and The mixture of alcohol and marijuana marijuana are a are a deadly combination. Once someone’s body deadly combination. Once someone’s body begins to begins to rejectreject the alcohol, the person’s the alcohol, the person’s natural reactionnatural reaction is to vomit. Marijuana is to vomit. Marijuana inhibitsinhibits the body’s reaction to the alcohol, keeping a the body’s reaction to the alcohol, keeping a person from being able to person from being able to vomitvomit. .

What Happens to Your Body What Happens to Your Body When You Get Alcohol Poisoning?When You Get Alcohol Poisoning?

A person's blood alcohol level (BAL) can A person's blood alcohol level (BAL) can continue to continue to riserise even while he or she is even while he or she is passedpassed out. out.

Even after a person Even after a person stopsstops drinking, drinking, alcohol in the alcohol in the stomachstomach and and intestineintestine continues to enter the bloodstream and continues to enter the bloodstream and circulatecirculate throughout the body. throughout the body.

Dangerous to assume the person will be Dangerous to assume the person will be fine by fine by sleepingsleeping it off. it off.

Signs/Symptoms/ConsequencesSigns/Symptoms/Consequences

Confusion, coma, or person cannot be aroused. Confusion, coma, or person cannot be aroused. (Unconscious or semi-consciousness)(Unconscious or semi-consciousness)

Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute) Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between

breaths)breaths) Hypothermia (low body temperature), pale or bluish skin Hypothermia (low body temperature), pale or bluish skin

color, palenesscolor, paleness Vomiting, and choking on vomitVomiting, and choking on vomit Seizures Seizures Strong odor of alcoholStrong odor of alcohol permanent brain damage, or deathpermanent brain damage, or death

ALCOHOL POISONING

What Should I Do If I Suspect What Should I Do If I Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning?Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning?

Do not wait for all symptoms to be present. Do not wait for all symptoms to be present.

Be aware that a person who has passed out Be aware that a person who has passed out may die and could be suffering from alcohol may die and could be suffering from alcohol poisoning poisoning

Any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call Any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help. 911 for help.

Don't try to guess the level of drunkenness. Don't try to guess the level of drunkenness.

Appropriate ActionAppropriate Action

THE HANG OVER THE HANG OVER

Alcohol robs your brain cells of Alcohol robs your brain cells of waterwater and and glucoseglucose (the brain's food), which is (the brain's food), which is why you experience hangover symptoms why you experience hangover symptoms such as such as headacheheadache, dehydration, and the , dehydration, and the shakesshakes the day after a night of heavy the day after a night of heavy drinking. drinking.

Though there are lots of so-called Though there are lots of so-called "hangover cures," the only real cure is "hangover cures," the only real cure is timetime. The best thing to do the day after . The best thing to do the day after heavy drinking is down lots of heavy drinking is down lots of waterwater and and try to try to restrest if possible. if possible.

What are the three stages What are the three stages

of Alcoholism?of Alcoholism?

AbuseAbuse – – Someone who cannot Someone who cannot drink alcohol in moderation or at drink alcohol in moderation or at appropriate times.appropriate times.

DependenceDependence – – Someone who is Someone who is psychologically dependent on psychologically dependent on alcohol. They feel the constant alcohol. They feel the constant desire and need for alcohol.desire and need for alcohol.

AddictionAddiction – – Someone who is both Someone who is both psychologically and physically psychologically and physically dependent on alcohol. Alcohol is dependent on alcohol. Alcohol is their number one priority and they their number one priority and they suffer from withdrawal symptoms if suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they do not get their regular fix.they do not get their regular fix.

The state of The state of being being

psychologically psychologically and physically and physically

addicted to addicted to alcoholalcohol

Signs of Alcohol AbuseSigns of Alcohol Abuse

Odor on breathOdor on breath IntoxicationIntoxication Difficulty focusing, Difficulty focusing,

glazed eyesglazed eyes Uncharacteristically Uncharacteristically

passive or aggressive passive or aggressive behaviorbehavior

Decline in personal Decline in personal appearance/hygieneappearance/hygiene

Decline in school/work Decline in school/work performanceperformance

Frequent absencesFrequent absences

Unexplained bruises or Unexplained bruises or accidentsaccidents

IrritabilityIrritability

Loss of memory Loss of memory (blackouts)(blackouts)

Changes in peer-group Changes in peer-group associations & friendshipsassociations & friendships

Damaged relationships Damaged relationships with family members or with family members or close friendsclose friends

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

You cannot controlYou cannot control

GenesGenes EnvironmentEnvironment

You can controlYou can control

Drinking before age 21Drinking before age 21 Associating with people who Associating with people who

drinkdrink Bending to peer pressureBending to peer pressure Drinking beyond moderationDrinking beyond moderation Drinking at inappropriate Drinking at inappropriate

timestimes Drinking aloneDrinking alone

Fetal Alcohol SyndromeFetal Alcohol Syndrome A highly variable group of A highly variable group of

birth defects including birth defects including mental retardation, deficient mental retardation, deficient growth, central nervous growth, central nervous system dysfunction, and system dysfunction, and malformations of the skull malformations of the skull and face that tend to occur and face that tend to occur in the offspring of women in the offspring of women who consume large who consume large amounts of alcohol during amounts of alcohol during pregnancy pregnancy

No one knows exactly how No one knows exactly how much alcohol must reach much alcohol must reach the unborn child to cause the unborn child to cause such deformities.such deformities.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: The Innocent The Innocent

AlcoholismAlcoholism Not only affects the person involved but it also Not only affects the person involved but it also

has huge affects on family members.has huge affects on family members.

Mental, physical and emotional abuse are all Mental, physical and emotional abuse are all types of abusive behaviors that are typically types of abusive behaviors that are typically suffered by family members of an alcoholic.suffered by family members of an alcoholic.

It is not uncommon for an alcoholic to resume It is not uncommon for an alcoholic to resume drinking especially in response to a traumatic drinking especially in response to a traumatic event such as a death of a loved one or loss of event such as a death of a loved one or loss of a job. a job.

Recovery from AlcoholismRecovery from Alcoholism

WithdrawalWithdrawal– Process of discontinuing a drug to which the body Process of discontinuing a drug to which the body

has become addictedhas become addicted

Suffer from extreme nervousness, headaches, Suffer from extreme nervousness, headaches, tremors, or seizures.tremors, or seizures.

Usually last a few daysUsually last a few days

Sometimes alcoholic needs medical Sometimes alcoholic needs medical supervisionsupervision

Recovery from AlcoholismRecovery from Alcoholism

There is hope for alcoholics as there are many options There is hope for alcoholics as there are many options available:available:

Inpatient and outpatient programs: both provide therapy Inpatient and outpatient programs: both provide therapy Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

– 12 steps is their recovery method 12 steps is their recovery method

Programs designed to help family members of alcoholics:Programs designed to help family members of alcoholics: Al-AnonAl-Anon

– Help family members talk about problems of living with an alcoholicHelp family members talk about problems of living with an alcoholic AlateenAlateen

– Specifically help teenagers with same situation Specifically help teenagers with same situation S.A.D.D.S.A.D.D.

– Students Against Destructive Decisions, formerly Students Against Students Against Destructive Decisions, formerly Students Against Driving DrunkDriving Drunk

AlcoholismAlcoholism

Where can you find help?Where can you find help?

The Phone BookThe Phone Book Online at Online at www.alcoholics-anonymous.orgwww.alcoholics-anonymous.org Local Church Local Church HospitalsHospitals