Information on Alcohol. Myths vs. Facts

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 ...
Author: Dorcas Floyd
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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 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

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

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

Gastrointestinal System • Stomach ulcers • Duodenal ulcers • Acid Reflux • Diarrhea

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