Short-Term Effects
What are the short-term effects of alcohol on the brain?
Memory is dulled, judgment is altered and coordination is impaired, and increases risk of stroke.
What are the long-term effects of alcohol on the brain?
Damage to brain cells and a reduction in brain size.
What does Psychological dependence mean?
A condition in which a person believes that a drug is needed in order to feel good or to function normally.
Alcohol and the Law
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy, possess, or consume alcohol.
Driving while Intoxicated
Driving while intoxicated, or driving under the influence is illegal.
What are the short-term effects of alcohol on the heart?
Slows heart rate and blood pressure, heart rhythm becomes irregular, and body temperature drops.
What are the long-term effects on the heart?
Increase in blood pressure and an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.
What does physiological dependence mean?
A condition in which the user has a chemical need for a drug.
Alcohol and Violence
Fights are more likely to break out at parties where alcohol is used.
How is pregnancy effected by alcohol?
When a pregnant female drinks, alcohol passes directly from her body into the bloodstream of the fetus, which could cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
What are the short-term effects of alcohol on the liver?
Toxic chemicals are released, chemicals cause inflammation and scarring of the liver tissue.
What are the long-term effects on the liver?
Fat cells build up in the liver which can lead to cell death.
how does peer pressure effect alcohol use?
When alcohol use is not an accepted activity in a group, a teen will not feel pressured to drink.
Alcohol and Sexual Activity
Teens who use alcohol are more likely to become sexually active at an earlier age, and to engage in unprotected sexual activity.
What are the stages of Alcoholism?
Stage 1- Abuse
Stage 2- Dependence
Stage 3- Addiction
What are the short-term effects of alcohol on the stomach?
Increases stomach acid production and can cause nausea and vomiting.
What are the long-term effects of alcohol on the stomach?
Damage to the digestive lining causing ulcers and cancer of the stomach.
How does family influence alcohol use?
When a teen's parents discourage and avoid the use of alcohol, the teen is more likely to do the same.
Alcohol and Family
Young people who live in a household in which a family member abuses alcohol are at a high risk for abuse, social isolation, mental illness, or physical problems.
What are the effects of alcohol poisoning?
Mental confusion, vomiting, seizures, irregular heart beat, and low body temperature.
What short-term effects does alcohol have on the pancreas?
Can cause pancreatitis, can disrupt absorption of nutrients.
What are the long-term effects of alcohol on the pancreas?
Destruction of the pancreas.
How does media messages influence alcohol use?
Media messages may make alcohol use seem glamorous and fun.
Alcohol and School
Students who use alcohol may become ineligible for or be suspended from school activities or graduation, or expelled from school.
What are the factors that influence alcohols effects?
Body size, gender, food, rate of intake, amount, and medicine.