lesson 1 why is alcohol harmful
what are depresants
are drugs that slow down the body’s functions and reactions
Reaction time
the ability of the body to respond quickly and appropriately to situations
fatty liver
a condition in which fats build up in the liver and cannot be broken down
Alcoholism
a progressive, chronic disease involving a mental and physical need for alcohol
relapse
is a return to the use of a drug after attempting to stop
Why is alcohol classified as a depressant?
It slows down the central nervous system and brain activity.
What measurement is used by law enforcement to determine a person's level of intoxication?
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
What chronic disease occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue due to heavy drinking?
Cirrhosis
What is the term for consuming 4 to 5 or more drinks within two hours?
Binge drinking
What medical process involves safely removing alcohol from a person's body under clinical supervision?
Detoxification (Detox)
Name two factors that influence how quickly alcohol affects a person's body.
Body weight, gender, amount consumed, or food in the stomach.
What dangerous condition occurs when a person consumes a fatal amount of alcohol in a short period?
Alcohol poisoning
How can long-term excessive drinking impact the cardiovascular system?
High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or increased risk of stroke/heart attack.
What are the painful symptoms experienced when a dependent person suddenly stops drinking alcohol?
Withdrawal symptoms
Name a popular support group specifically designed to help individuals recover from alcoholism.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Why is underage drinking particularly damaging to teenagers compared to adults?
The brain is still developing, making it more vulnerable to long-term memory and learning damage.
Name two common physical signs of short-term alcohol intoxication.
Slurred speech, loss of balance, blurred vision, or nausea.
What condition in newborns is caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) / Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
What is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
Alcohol abuse involves dangerous drinking habits, while alcoholism includes physical dependence and inability to stop.
What support organization specifically helps teenagers who have family members or friends struggling with alcoholism?
Alateen (or Al-Anon)
What term describes the condition where a person needs increasingly larger amounts of alcohol to feel the same effect?
Tolerance
What is the legal BAC limit for drivers aged 21 or older in most US states?
0.08%
How does long-term alcohol abuse affect the digestive system?
It causes inflammation/ulcers in the stomach lining and increases the risk of stomach/esophageal cancers.
What are the three stages of alcoholism in order?
Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction
What is the term for learning to live an alcohol-free life after completing treatment?
Recovery (or Sobriety)