AlcoholEphesians 5:18

Alcohol Ethanol is the type of alcohol in

alcoholic beverages It is a highly addictive drug that can

be produced synthetically or naturally through fermentation

Alcohol is a depressant that slows the central nervous system• This leads to intoxication, an intoxicated

person’s mental and physical abilities are greatly impaired

Alcohol Simple, the law states that you

cannot consume/possess alcohol under the age of 21• If someone over 21 supplies a minor with

alcohol, they will face severe punishments Teens who drink alcohol are more

likely to be victims of violent crime, rape, assault, and robbery.• Also more likely to engage in fights and

sexual activity

Alcohol Abuse It is estimated that 25% of teens are

exposed to alcohol abuse A growing problem with underage

drinkers and young drinkers is Binge Drinking• Rapid drinking (peer pressure) is

exceptionally dangerous and possibly fatal• Binge drinking leads to alcohol poisoning; or

the shutting down of necessary functions of the body

Short-Term Effects of Drinking

Body Size/Gender• A small person feels the effects of alcohol

much faster If the stomach contains food, it

lessens the effect of alcohol consumption

Amount/rate also alter the effects of alcohol on the body

Alcohol will also interact with drugs/medications causing problems

Short-Term Effects of Drinking

Effects begin with the first drink• Brain is less able to control motor function,

speech, and vision• Blood vessels expand causing a drop in

body temperature• Some alcohol passes to the stomach quickly

causing nausea/vomiting• Breathing may begin to slow

Types of Alcohol Different drinks have different alcohol

content• Beer is typically 4% alcohol by volume• Wine is typically 10% alcohol by volume• Hard Drinks/liquor (vodka, whiskey) can

range from 35%-70% alcohol by volume The alcohol content greatly effects

how your body responds to the alcohol

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol

Changes to Brain• Addiction- inability to stop drinking• Brain Functions – loss of verbal, visual, and

spatial skills as well as memory Cardiovascular

• Damage to heart muscle• Enlarged heart• High blood pressure = heart attack, stroke

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol

Liver• Liver filters the alcohol, creating a fatty

build up which leads to death of liver cells• Infection of the liver• Cirrhosis – liver tissue is replaced with scar

tissue which leads to failure of the liver Digestive

• Lining is damaged• Ulcers and cancer

Alcoholism A disease in which a person has a

physical or psychological dependence on alcohol

Symptoms• Craving – a compulsion to drink• Loss of control – cannot limit amount or time of

drinking• Physical dependence – when not drinking,

experience with drawl• Tolerance – needs to consume more to get same

effects• Social Problems – family, health, legal problems

Effects About 40% of violent crimes involve

the use of alcohol 2/3 of victims of domestic abuse

report alcohol was a factor in the crime

Nearly ½ of all homicide victims had alcohol in their system• Any questions on why Prohibition happened

in U.S.?

Teens and Alcohol Underage drinking is a large problem

in our country• Teens feel the need to be accepted and

participate in drinking• Family members have a large impact, your

are more likely to use alcohol if your parents use alcohol

• The media portrays alcohol in a glamorous/exciting light

Treatment Cannot be cured, but can be treated Alcoholics need to learn how to live

an alcohol-free life (recovery) The goal of recovery programs is to

stop, or control the intake of alcohol Sobriety (life with out alcohol) is a

lifelong commitment

Organizations Al-Anon/Alateen helps families/friends

of alcoholics Alcoholics Anonymous provides help

for users of all ages Most churches have a program, or

host an AA group

Alcohol and Our Faith Many times in the Bible we see the

consumption of alcohol, often times specifically wine• In large part, alcohol was able to be stored for long

periods of time, and was safer/healthier to consume than water

Does this mean that it is acceptable for us to consume alcohol?• We are not to become drunken,(Ephesians 5:18) we are

not to place anything in between us and our relationship with God (1Timothy 6:10) , we are to treat our bodies as temples (1 Cor. 6:19).

• Alcohol can get in the way of these.