Alcohol Addiction
How do your body systems react to
alcohol and what are the bodies
defense mechanisms?
The Bodies Defenses
Throat Stings
Choking Reflex
Vomiting
Sweating
Urinating
What is Alcohol
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) – type used in
drinks
Made synthetically or fermentation of fruit
Mixed with water/flavoring
Little taste with EMPTY calories
12 oz beer = 5 oz. wine = 1 ½ oz. liquor
Alcohols Effects On The
Body
20% passes directly into blood stream
Remainder passes into small intestines &
then into the blood
Brain
Reaches brain as soon as it is consumed and
depresses nerve activity (Slows down CNS or
large amounts of alcohol may shut down CNS)
Effects areas controlling inhibition, attention,
memory, motor coordination (speech) &
emotional behavior
Long Term- loss of intellectual abilities,
memory & problem solving capability
FAS
Blood Stream
Capillaries enlarge and give off excess
heat (pressure drops)
Body temperature decreases even
though the individual may feel flushed
Heart rate increases (compensate for
loss of temperature)
Stomach
Causes stomach to produce too much
gastric juice. (nausea, vomiting &
diarrhea)
Ulcers, gastritis & pancreatitis can occur
with long term use
Kidneys
Increased urine production (trying to rid
body of alcohol)
Dehydration from cell expansion
Liver
Oxidation (changes alcohol into water,
CO2)
½ ounce per hour
Long Term- excessive consumption
results in fatty tissue build up “scarring”
or cirrhosis
Cirrhosis – liver tissue dies, no blood flow
(jaundice)
Healthy & Unhealthy Heart
Other Long Term Effects
Shrinkage of muscles (heart)
Kidney, bladder damage
Skin rashes & sores
Shrinkage & damage of testicles
Failure of ovaries
Lung damage
Mental illness
Cancer – increase chance for mouth, throat, lung,
pancreas, liver, rectum
Diabetes
Interferes with immune system leaving body vulnerable
to many serious diseases
Hangover
A mild form of withdrawal
Symptoms- severe headaches, vomiting,
weakness, nausea
Cure = Time
Causes
Irritation to CNS (nerves)
Dehydrates body cells
Increase of gastric juices irritate stomach lining
Multiplier Effect
Never mix alcohol with any other type of
medications
Why 21?
Alcohol addiction sets in quickly in
younger people.
Growth and development
Invincible
Studies show more teenagers die while
drinking then adults
Drinking does hurt others
http://unclesagainstdrunkdrivers.blogspot
.com/2008/05/repeat-offender-kills-18-
year-old-3.html
Who’s to Blame? Number the
below people from best to worse.
Justify your choices.
Adam had the party
Bart came with beer
Clint bought beer
Darcy did not tell
Ethan drove & drank
Fawn told David to drink
Ginger called for ride
Hank pulled wires