Alcohol and DrugsEffects and Dangers

General InformationAlcohol may be the worlds oldest known drug. Also known as ethyl alcohol or ethanolBig business in todays societyAlcohol abuse has become a major public health problem.

The path of alcohol in the bodyMouth: alcohol enters the body. Stomach: some alcohol gets into the bloodstream in the stomach, but most goes on to the small intestine.Small Intestine: alcohol enters the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine.Heart: pumps alcohol throughout the body. Brain: alcohol reaches the brain.Liver: alcohol is oxidized by the liver at a rate of about 0.5 oz per hour.

Alcohol is converted into water, carbon dioxide and energy.

How alcohol can effect youFactors that influence how alcohol will affect a person include:agegenderphysical conditionamount of food eatenother drugs or medicines taken

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant.In low doses, alcohol can produce:a relaxing effect reduced tensionlower inhibitions impaired concentrationslower reflexesimpaired reaction time reduced coordination

Effects on the bodyIn medium doses, alcohol can produce:slurred speech drowsinessaltered emotionsIn high doses, alcohol can produce:vomiting breathing difficultiesunconsciousnesscomaDEATH

Addicted?Chronic drinking can lead to dependence and addiction to alcohol Withdrawal symptoms include shaking (tremors), sleep problems, and nausea. More severe withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations and even seizures.

Effects On the BodyCentral Nervous SystemAccelerates the loss of brain cells, contributing to cognitive deficits. Chronic use can lead to brain damage.LiverLong-term excessive drinking can cause hepatitis (inflammation and destruction of liver cells) and cirrhosis (scarring and shrinkage of the liver).

Effects On the BodyKidneysImpairs their ability to regulate the volume and composition of fluid and electrolytes in the body. HeartChronic, heavy alcohol use increases the risk of heart disease. Alcohol use can also worsen high blood pressure and diabetes, two risk factors for heart disease.

Effects on Liver

Effects on Kidneys and BrainPhoto courtesy of Sterling Clarren, MD

No exposure to alcoholHeavy prenatal exposure to alcohol

Statistics16,885 alcohol-related fatalities in 2005 39 percent of the total traffic fatalities for the year.

Nationwide in 2005, alcohol was present in 24 percent of the drivers involved in fatal crashes.

The 16,885 fatalities represent one alcohol-related fatality every 31 minutes.

254,000 injured in crashes where alcohol was present an average of one person injured every 2 minutes