Effects on the brain
Alcohol impairs this part of the brain that is responsible for decision making & impulse control
Prefrontal cortex / frontal lobe
How old do you need to be in Washington to legally purchase & use alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco products?
21
After drinking alcohol, it enters the bloodstream through this organ
Small intestine
Needing increasing amounts of a substance to feel its effects
Tolerance
If someone passes out from alcohol (and potentially has alcohol poisoning), you should put them in the recovery position
FACT!
The recovery position keeps their airway open & prevents them from choking if they vomit. We will learn how to place people in the recovery position during our CPR & First Aid training
Alcohol can impair the hippocampus, which is in charge of our memory storage, which is why people who drink too much alcohol in one sitting (binge drink) may experience a...
Blackout
What is the legal BAC (blood alcohol content) limit for driving after consuming alcohol for people who are 21 years old & older?
0.08%
Which organ filters alcohol OUT of our bloodstream?
Liver
A compulsive, chronic, mental, and/or physical need for a habit forming substance, activity, or behavior. The use of these habit forming substances, activities, or behaviors harm your health and typically cause withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped or delayed.
Addiction / dependence
Eating before drinking alcohol slows down how fast alcohol enters your bloodstream
FACT! This won't prevent intoxication, however!
This part of the brain controls balance and coordination. Alcohol disrupts its function. (this is why sobriety tests involve walking in a straight line)
Cerebellum
In WA, there are two scenarios where it is legal for teens to consume alcohol. Write down one of these scenarios.
1. A teen can legally drink at their own home with parent/guardian consent and supervision. If a friend is over, their own parent/guardian must also be present and consent.
2. Religious ceremonies
Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to this life-threatening condition, which can cause seizures, trouble staying conscious, vomiting, slowed heart rate and breathing rate. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Alcohol poisoning
The use of a substance in a harmful way that impacts a person’s physical health, mental well-being, relationships, or daily functioning, and is often linked to addiction or dependency
Substance abuse / drug abuse
Throwing up gets rid of alcohol from your system.
MYTH! Once alcohol has entered your bloodstream, vomiting won't reverse its effects
Alcohol belongs to the category of substances that slow down our brain function. This category is called...
Depressants! Depressant substances include: alcohol, benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan), rohypnol ('rufies') Prescription depressants are often given to help treat sleep disorders & anxiety disorders
What is the legal BAC limit for WA drivers who are UNDER the age of 21?
0.02%
Alcohol increases urine production, sweating, and suppresses our body's feelings thirst. These symptoms make it especially easy for someone to become...
Dehydrated
Experiencing physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea after ceasing use of a substance
Withdrawal
Teens who start drinking early are more likely to have alcohol problems later in life
FACT! Early use addictive substances is linked to higher risk of addiction & dependency. The adolescent brain also closely links the reward centers of the brain with the habit formation centers of the brain, making it very easy for addiction to develop quickly in teens.
Name one long term effect alcohol abuse can have on the brain
brain damage that causes problems with decision making, emotional regulation, memory, ability to learn, sleep, attention span
shrinks the size of neurons in the brain
increased risk of mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, addiction/dependence
In WA, write down one potential penalty you may face if you are charged with a DUI (driving while under the influence)
Getting a DUI in WA can carry penalties that include jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock device installation in your vehicle.
From the WA Attorney General: "The Washington State MIP law states that anyone under the age of 21 in possession of alcohol, or any illegal drug, is breaking the law. An MIP charge can be given even if the person is not drinking or does not possess an illegal substance. Possession is defined as having alcohol anywhere around you. The first offense could lead to having your license revoked until the age of 17, or for at least one year. A second offense could result in having your driver's license revoked until age 18, or for at least two years. Remember, this can happen even if you are not drinking. A friend's six-pack found under the seat could lead you to lose your driving privileges."
Prolonged heavy drinking can cause cirrhosis, a condition where THIS organ's healthy tissue is replaced with scar tissue and can lead to this organ completely failing.
Liver
The use of a medication or substance that is not consistent with legal or medical guidelines but doesn’t necessarily result in addiction or harm
Substance misuse / drug misuse
Since alcohol is a depressant (slows down your brain & body functioning), you can use stimulants (speeds up your brain & body functioning), like caffeine or nicotine, to cancel each other out.
MYTH!!! The results of combining drugs are unpredictable, often modifying or even masking the effects of one or both drugs. This may trick you into thinking that the drugs are not affecting you, making it easier to overdose.