Basic facts Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug.
Although drinking alcohol is illegal for people under the age of
21, it is the primary drug with which teens experiment. Alcohol
acts as a depressant on the Central Nervous System (CNS), and it
effects the brain by impairing judgment, lowering inhibitions, and
increasing aggressive behavior. The way alcohol effects a person is
influenced by factors such as gender, height, weight, body size,
muscle-to-fat ratio and medical condition.
Slide 3
Basic Facts Quick Definitions: A drink usually defined as 12
oz. of beer or wine cooler (approx. 4% alcohol), 5 oz. of wine
(13%), or 1.5 oz. of 80 proof liquor (40%). A number that indicates
amount of alcohol in a product. Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream and it serves as a
measure of a persons level of intoxication. Alcohol Abuse is the
precursor to alcoholism. Alcoholism is defined by an uncontrollable
craving for alcohol, the inability to stop drinking after a few
drinks, withdrawal symptoms, increases tolerance. Research shows
that alcoholism there is a genetic predisposition to
alcoholism.
Slide 4
Basic facts Quick Definitions cont. Binge drinking five or more
drinks in one sitting. Considered alcohol abuse and is the most
common form of alcohol abuse amongst teens.
Slide 5
Medical Consequences Liver Damage A disease characterized by a
build up of scar tissue in the liver is called cirrhosis. This
damage is irreversible! Jaundice Gallstones Increased blood
pressure Mental confusion Hepatitis Pancreatitis High Blood
Pressure, Stroke and Obesity
Slide 6
Medical Consequences Increased Risk of Certain Cancers Think
about the pathway alcohol takes when consumed Weakens the immune
system. Alcohol use increases susceptibility to infection and
disease. Reproductive System damage
Slide 7
Medical Consequences Central Nervous System Prolonged alcohol
use can lead to blackouts, hallucinations, tremors and death. Even
if drinking is stopped, the Central Nervous System may be so
damaged that memory and thinking capacity are permanently
diminished.
Slide 8
Medical Consequences Alcohol poisoning- Drinking large amounts
of alcohol in a short time can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can
cause coma and death. Signs: Giddiness Lowered inhibitions Slurred
speech Incoordination Incoherence Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a group of defects caused by a
womans use of alcohol during pregnancy. Some children born with FAS
are so severely retarded they will never be able to care for
themselves. Learning disabilities Poorly formed bones/organs Facial
abnormalities Mental handicaps
Slide 9
Drinking and Driving Drinking alcohol affects physical
coordination, balance, alertness and the ability to perform two
tasks at once. Studies show that ONE drink can affect a persons
ability to drive and ability decreases with each drink Legal BAC
=.08%
Slide 10
Social Consequences of Alcohol Use Alcohol is often a factor in
violent acts such as: Manslaughter Assault Attempted murder Murder
Robbery Suicide Rape
Slide 11
Social Consequences Alcohol and Sex Drinking is linked to an
increased risk of STD infection, unwanted pregnancy and sexual
assault Alcohol related Abuse and neglect Alcohol use is a
significant factor in child abuse and children of substance abusers
are more likely to witness family violence. Partners of abusers are
also affected, often experiencing feelings of guilt, shame,
loneliness and fear.
Slide 12
In Conclusion Many cultures, religions, families and belief
systems allow the consumption of alcohol. Regardless of what you
believe and decide to do in the future, be educated and know what
the consequences of your actions can be.