Alcohol Alcohol is considered a drug because it

Alcohol

Alcohol is considered a drug because it changes a person’s physical & emotional state (also known as intoxication) Classified as a depressant All forms of alcohol is dangerous • 1 beer = 1 shot of hard liquor = 1 glass of wine

Factors That Influence Alcohol’s Effects Body size Gender Food Rate of intake Amount Medicines

What A Drink Does Right Now! Slows nervous system down 15 minutes after 1 or 2 drinks More relaxed & talkative, laugh more easily After only 2 drinks Loses ability to make good decisions Unable to pay attention & follow complex thought Loses inhibitions After a few more Loses ability to focus eyes Slurred speech Loss of coordination Mood swings

Short Term Effects Irritates digestive tract Nausea Vomiting Liver works harder Dehydration Loss of judgment & self-control Slows reaction time Impairs vision Memory loss Body loses heat Blackouts Coma Death

Long Term Effects of Alcohol Permanent damage to body Liver • Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, liver cancer Heart damage • Irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, enlargement of the heart Anemia Esophagus, mouth & stomach damage Small intestine & kidney damage Permanent damage to the Brain Cell death Alcoholism Dementia

Effects of Alcohol Poisoning Binge drinking Having 5 or more drinks in one sitting Alcohol continues to enter the body after a person passes out Symptoms: Mental confusion & stupor Coma & inability to be roused Vomiting & seizures Slow breathing Irregular heartbeat Hypothermia

Alcohol Use Several factors influences teen alcohol use Peer pressure Family Media messages Health Risks The law: illegal for anyone under 21 • Arrested, sentence to youth detention center, conviction Alcohol & violence • More likely to get into fights; be raped, assaulted or robbed Alcohol & sexual activity • Lowers inhibitions & judgment

Alcohol Use Alcohol & family Neglect, abuse, social isolation Economic hardship Personal use of alcohol themselves Mental illness & physical problems Alcohol & School Zero-tolerance No allowed to take part in school activities Expelled

Avoiding Alcohol Helps a person to: Maintain a healthy body Establish healthy relationships Make healthy decisions Avoid risky behaviors Avoid illegal activities Avoid violence Achieve their goals

6 Ways To Say No To Alcohol 1. Buy yourself time 2. Give good reason why 3. 4. 5. 6. you choose not to drink State consequences Say NO firmly Say NO again & include alternative activity Walk away