EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL Target: I will be able to identify the dangers associated with using alcohol and the describe short/long term effect of use

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Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): The amount of alcohol in a person's blood. • Given as a percentage- the higher the

BAC, the greater the effects on the body

• Affected by- the speed at which the alcohol is consumed, body weight, % body fat, gender, age, amount of food eaten, and other drugs in the body

 

BAC Effect on the Body.02

.05

.08-.10

.12

Feel relaxedIncreased social confidence - become talkativeFeeling of warmth, relaxation, and confidenceAreas of brain for reasoning and judgment are impaired. May say or do things they wouldn't normally doDecreased muscle coordination and reaction timeReasoning, judgment, self-control, muscle coordination, and reaction time are seriously impaired. No longer can make responsible decisionsMay claim not to be affected by the alcohol thought slurred speech and walking with a stagger are apparent. They are considered legally drunk

Confused and disorientedLoss of coordination and balanceNausea and vomiting

BAC Effect on the Body

.20

.30

.40

.50

Unpredictable emotions which may change quicklyMay pass outLittle or no control over mind and bodyMost cannot stay awakeLikely to be unconsciousBreathing and heartbeat slow downMay enter a deep coma and die

Intoxication: Disturbance in behavior or mental function during or after alcohol consumption Short term effects of drinking:1. Brain/Nervous System• Reaches brain almost immediately• Initial increase in heartbeat, breathing,

and Bp, then depresses CNS• Slowed brain activity • Blackouts occur 

Effects of Alcohol on the Brain  

2. Liver• The liver oxidizes alcohol into carbon

dioxide which is released through the lungs, water which is released through perspiration and urine, and energy which is stored as fat

• Increased risk of liver disease 

3. Blood Vessels• Blood vessels dilate; the increased

blood flow makes skin flush and feel warm

• Loss of body heat- core temperature drops

4. Heart • Increased heart rate

and blood pressure• Damage to the heart

muscle fibers (Scar tissue)- increased risk of heart attacks and stroke

5. Kidneys• Produce more urine

than normal, causing dehydration to occur

6. Digestive system/Stomach• 20% is absorbed directly through the

stomach lining, 80% through the small intestines

• Irritates stomach lining and increased gastric juices lead to ulcers and internal bleeding.

Long term Effects of Alcohol:• Fatty Liver- Buildup of fat tissue on

the liver- 1st stage of liver disease • Alcoholic Hepatitis- Swelling of the

liver due to excessive alcoholic use. Manifests as yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, and fever. - 2nd stage liver disease

• Cirrhosis: 3rd stage liver disease- chronic liver damage leading to liver failure and death.

Liver and Alcohol

Liver and Alcohol• Cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and

stomach• Seizures, Coma, Death

Pregnancy and Alcohol:• Drinking alcohol any time during

pregnancy is harmful to the developing baby.

• Miscarriage- natural ending of a pregnancy before full term development

• Stillbirth- Baby that is born deceased• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: occurrence

of severe birth defects, including brain damage, behavior problems, and below normal IQ, in babies born to mothers who drank while pregnant.

Summary:

ALCOHOL 101 Diagram at least 5 short term and long term effects of drinking alcohol.

*Use a minimum of 4 colors*

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