An addictive depressant with the active ingredient ethanol; alters brain function.
Alcohol
A medical emergency where a person consumes more alcohol than the body can break down, suppressing the nervous system and vital body functions to dangerous levels; also called alcohol overdose
Alcohol poisoning
Psychological restraint that keeps people from acting in dangerous ways
Inhibition
A substance that slows down the central nervous system, including the brain
Depressant?
Negative symptoms caused by excessive alcohol use, such as nausea, fatigue, and headaches
Hangover
Operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration at or over 0.08% for adults; for teens, this level is lower and varies by state; also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI) or drunk driving
Driving under the influence (DUI)
A buildup of scar tissue in the liver
Cirrhosis
The percentage of alcohol in a person’s blood
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
A set of health conditions that affect the baby born to a person who has consumed alcohol during pregnancy
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
A substance use disorder where a person has an addiction to alcohol and continues to consume it despite negative health effects
Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
A support group and program for people with an alcohol use disorder (AUD); outlines 12 steps for overcoming alcohol addiction
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Protecting a person from the negative consequences of chosen behaviors
Enabling
The process that allows the body to clear itself of all alcohol or drugs
Detoxification