ALCOHOL

Definitions• Alcohol - a drug in certain beverages that slows down (depresses) the Central

Nervous System and harms body organs.

• Ethanol - The type of alcohol found in certain beverages.

• Cirrhosis - a disease in which the liver tissue is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue.

• Oxidation - is the process by which alcohol is changed to carbon dioxide and water.

• BAC – Blood Alcohol Concentration – The amount of alcohol in a person’s blood.

• Gastric ADH – an enzyme that breaks down alcohol. Females have less than males.

• Pancreatitis – Inflamation or infection of the pancreas which can be caused by alcoholism. The pancreas aids in digestion.

• Intoxication – a persons mental and physical abilities have been impaired by alcohol.

Definitions (continued)• Reaction time – the ability of the body to respond quickly and appropriately to situations.

• Malnutrition – a condition in which the body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to grow and function properly.

• Inhibition – a conscious or unconscious restraint of a person’s own behaviors or actions.

• Alcoholism – a progressive, chronic disease involving a mental and physical need for alcohol (addiction).

• Detoxification – the physical process of freeing the body of an addictive substance.

• Withdrawal – the physical and psychological reactions that occur when someone stops using an addictive substance.

• Intervention – a gathering in which family and friends get the problem drinker/drug user to agree to seek help.

• Relapse – a return to the use of a drug after attempting to stop.

• Tolerance – Your body gets used to a substance (drugs or alcohol) and so you need more and more to get the same effect.

Facts

• Alcohol is the most widely abused drug in the United States

• Alcohol is a depressant and a toxin.

• Alcohol is a fast acting drug. It is quickly absorbed by the bloodstream and reaches the brain within 30 seconds after being swallowed.

• The liver can oxidize no more than one-half ounce of alcohol per hour.

• Teens 15 and younger are four times more likely to become addicted to alcohol than older individuals.

Alcohol and Violence

• Alcohol makes many people aggressive. As a result,

– Those who drink are more likely to fight or behave violently.

– 2/3 of all domestic violence cases are related to alcohol abuse.

– Violence also increases at sporting events where alcohol is served.

What’s the difference between “Percent Alcohol”

and“Proof?”

Activities:

– What's in a drink?

– Proof It!!• Proof – 2 times the percentage of alcohol• Percentage – ½ the proof

Why some teens drink alcohol

• Drinking will help me forget about my problems.The problems will still be there when the alcohol

wears off.

• I’ll look more grown-up with a drink in my hand.

You won’t look mature getting in trouble for underage drinking.

Why some teens drink alcohol (continued)

• Movies make drinking look cool.Movies don’t always show the risks associated

with drinking alcohol.

• My friends keep pressuring me to try alcohol.

Real friends won’t pressure you to do something illegal and unhealthy.

• A drink will help me relax.Alcohol interferes with sleep and performance in

school or other activities, creating stress.

Alcoholism• Definition - A disease in which someone is physically and

emotionally addicted to alcohol.

• 4 Stages of Alcoholism: develop over a period of time, can be long or short, depending on the individual and the age at which he or she begins drinking:– Problem drinking – social drinking becomes drinking to avoid boredom,

depression, other problems. Produces difficulties in a person’s life.– Tolerance – the more you drink, the more tolerant you become…need

to drink more for the same effect. Short-term memory loss and blackouts

– Dependence – begin to neglect family, friends, etc. in order to drink…body becomes physically dependent on alcohol. Experience withdrawals – shaking, sweating.

– Alcoholism – the person is addicted, has lost control, is frequently drunk, alcohol becomes the most important thing in the person’s life. There is a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.

Activity – Pages of Stages – Stages of Alcoholism

• Stages of alcoholism:

• H:\Health\Stages of alcoholism.docx

Problem drinking

• Tips for Recognizing Problem Drinking

• The Effects of Alcoholism on Family Members

Binge Drinking

Activity – Binge Drinking Video and questions

Binge Drinking is the consumption of large quantity of alcohol in a very short period of time.

1. How much alcohol can the liver process?2. What is BAC?3. How is BAC determined?4. Describe what acute alcohol intoxication means.5. How does alcohol affect the brain?6. How does alcohol affect the heart?7. How does alcohol affect the liver?8. What are the 3 things to do or not do when someone shows signs

of alcohol poisoning?

Blood Alcohol Concentration

BAC/BAL – The amount of alcohol in a

person’s blood (measured in %).

A BAC of .02 is enough to make most

people feel lightheaded.

Over 21 - .08 or higher – legally intoxicated

Under 21 - .02 or higher – legally intoxicated

HANDOUTS

The Path of Alcohol

Alcohol’s Effects on the Body

Blood Alcohol Concentration

(Factors that affect BAC)

Activity

The Effects of Alcohol

Connecticut DUI process/lawDriving Under the Influence (DUI)

      In Connecticut, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or

drugs is a criminal offense.  This offense may be prosecuted with or without any direct evidence of a person's BAC.  The determining factor is whether a person's

ability to drive has been impaired. 

If You are Arrested for DUI:• You will be detained by the police and read your rights.

• Your vehicle will be towed at your expense.• You will be taken in a police cruiser to the police station.

• You will be asked to submit to a BAC test. If you refuse, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 months.

• If over 21 and the test registers a BAC of .08 or higher, or if under 21 .02 or higher, you will be held on the presumption that you were operating under the influence.

• You will be kept in a police lock-up until you are bailed out.

Ultimately you may face fines and prison time as well as suspension of your drivers license.

Taken from CT DMV website http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?A=813&Q=249562&pp=12&n=1

Additional Info/Activities

• Drunk Driving Goggles

• Alcohol Crossword Puzzle

• Alcohol and Your Choices