Information on Alcohol Myths vs. Facts
HISTORY • Alcohol is the oldest and most widely used drug in the world. • Alcohol has been part of societies ...
HISTORY • Alcohol is the oldest and most widely used drug in the world. • Alcohol has been part of societies for thousands of years.
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 4050%
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.
Intoxication Signs • • • • • • • • • •
Irritability Euphoria Loss of coordination Inappropriate or violent behavior Loss of balance Slurred speech Loss of consciousness Depression Blackouts Slowed thinking
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
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.
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!
Every 15 minutes • http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=_8Hpy zeVAEA
• Someone dies from an alcohol related incident.
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.
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!!
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.
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
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
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms • • • • • • • • • •
Tremors Agitation Anxiety and panic attacks Paranoia and delusions Hallucinations Nausea Convulsions Seizures Elevated body temp. Elevated blood pressure
Dangers • Neurological – Bad vision Bad coordination Memory loss Hallucinations Blackouts Seizures Permanent damage to the brain
Heart - Cardiovascular • Increased blood pressure • Elevated heart rate • Risk of stroke • Risk of heart failure
Pregnancy and Drinking • Lower birth weight • Growth retardation • Danger of infection • Feeding difficulties • Long term development problems • Alcohol Syndrome • Physical abnormalities
Misconceptions • Caffeine will sober you up. • FACT: It does not reverse the effects of alcohol • Can make you more alert
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.
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.
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.
Misconception • Alcoholism is a disease. • FACT: to drink is a choice – it may become a disease but someone must make the choice to drink.
Misconception • Alcohol abuse affects only the abuser. • FACT: Effects on Family: • Destroys the family system • Economic hardships • Health complications • Criminal consequences
Misconception • Nothing can be done about alcohol abuse or alcoholism. • FACT: There is help out there • Alcoholics Anonymous • Al-Anon
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
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.
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.
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