Information on Alcohol. Myths vs. Facts

Transcription

1 Information on Alcohol Myths vs. Facts

2 HISTORY Alcohol is the oldest and most widely used drug in the world. Alcohol has been part of societies for thousands of years.

3 Types Beer made from fermented grains with an alcohol content of 3-6%. Wine- made from fermented fruits and has an alcohol content of 11-14%. Liquor- is made by distilling a fermented product that has an alcohol content of 40-50%

4 Path of Alcohol 1. enters the mouth 2. to stomach 3. absorbed into the blood by stomach and small intestine 4.travels through the blood to water containing organs 5. goes to brain 6. metabolizes (cleans) in the liver 7. excreted from the body after processed in the kidneys.

5 Intoxication Signs Irritability Euphoria Loss of coordination Inappropriate or violent behavior Loss of balance Slurred speech Loss of consciousness Depression Blackouts Slowed thinking

6 Stimulant or Depressant? Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows the function of the central nervous system. Alcohol actually blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters a person's perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing

7 Drinking and Driving Reaction times are slowed dramatically which is why people are told not to drink and drive. People who are intoxicated may think they're moving properly when they're not. They may act totally out of character.

8 DON T RIDE WITH A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN DRINKING! 1,500 teens die every year from drunk drivers. Call a ride- a sober friend. Call a parent the punishment is nothing compared to death!

9 Every 15 minutes com/watch?v=_8hpy zevaea Someone dies from an alcohol related incident.

10 Other Risks of Drinking Alcohol can damage the part of your brain that controls coordination, memory, judgment and decision-making. Straight up, drinking makes you dumber you may slur your words and lose coordination, and your reactions will become slower.

11 Binge Drinking Drinking 4 or more drinks on a single occasion. Possible Effects: Risky behaviors Long term memory loss Higher risk for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure Trouble breathing Death!!

12 Bottom Line Alcohol on a developing brain (YOURS) can have long term effects. There is a reason for 21 years being the legal age to drink alcohol.

13 Alcohol Abuse Signs Failing to fulfill major work, school or home responsibilities. Drinking in dangerous situations driving Being repeatedly arrested for alcohol related incidents Continued drinking even when it effects your relationships

14 Alcoholism Signs Craving alcohol Out of control drinking Use alcohol despite negative consequences Failure to acknowledge the problem Drinks a lot to get intoxicated Withdrawal symptoms when stop drinking

15 Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Tremors Agitation Anxiety and panic attacks Paranoia and delusions Hallucinations Nausea Convulsions Seizures Elevated body temp. Elevated blood pressure

16 Dangers Neurological Bad vision Bad coordination Memory loss Hallucinations Blackouts Seizures Permanent damage to the brain

17 Heart - Cardiovascular Increased blood pressure Elevated heart rate Risk of stroke Risk of heart failure

18 Respiratory - Lungs Breathing failure Pneumonia Tuberculosis Lung abscesses Increased risk of mouth and throat cancers

19 Liver Fatty Liver Hepatitis Cirrhosis Kills 25,000 Americans each year

20 Gastrointestinal System Stomach ulcers Duodenal ulcers Acid Reflux Diarrhea

21 Pregnancy and Drinking Lower birth weight Growth retardation Danger of infection Feeding difficulties Long term development problems Alcohol Syndrome Physical abnormalities

22 Misconceptions Caffeine will sober you up. FACT: It does not reverse the effects of alcohol Can make you more alert

23 Misconception Food will keep you from becoming drunk. FACT: Eating a meal high in fats and carbs prior to drinking does slow the absorption of alcohol.

24 Miconception Drinking beer is safer than drinking wine or hard liquor. FACT: Although the alcohol in beer is lower the serving size for each determines the amount.

25 Misconception Alcohol related car crashes are all caused by drunk drivers FACT: In some crashes the driver does not blow the.08 on a breathalyzer.

26 Misconception Alcoholism is a disease. FACT: to drink is a choice it may become a disease but someone must make the choice to drink.

27 Misconception Alcohol abuse affects only the abuser. FACT: Effects on Family: Destroys the family system Economic hardships Health complications Criminal consequences

28 Misconception Nothing can be done about alcohol abuse or alcoholism. FACT: There is help out there Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon

29 Misconception Alcohol is healthy especially to prevent heart disease. FACT: While some studies show 1-2 glasses of red wine per week may benefit your heart more than that is harmful

30 Misconception Drinking large amounts of alcohol occasionally is less harmful than drinking a smaller amount every day. FACT: Both are harmful! Binge drinking is very harmful. The body can metabolize one alcoholic drink every hour.

31 Misconception Drinking alcohol makes you feel more confident. FACT: Everyone reacts differently to alcohol. It may make you feel over confident or it can make you depressed and unsure.

32 Drinking and Violence Alcohol use is a significant factor in 68% of manslaughter cases 62% of assault offenders 54% of murders 48% of robberies 44% of burglaries