Lesson 1 Why Alcohol is Harmful
What organ breaks down alcohol in the body?
The liver.
Name one immediate effect alcohol can have on coordination.
It can cause loss of balance or poor coordination.
Name one long-term effect alcohol can have on the heart.
It can cause high blood pressure.
What is alcoholism?
A disease where a person has both a mental and physical need for alcohol.
What is the first step in getting help for alcohol abuse?
Admitting there is a problem.
Why are teenagers more affected by alcohol than adults?
Their brains are still developing, so alcohol harms them more.
What short-term effect can alcohol have on speech?
It can cause slurred speech.
What long-term effect can alcohol have on the liver?
It can lead to liver disease like cirrhosis.
What are two signs of alcohol abuse?
Craving alcohol and losing control of how much you drink.
Name one support group for alcohol recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
What is one social harm alcohol can cause?
It can lead to bad decisions or fights/arguments.
What is a “blackout” in alcohol use?
When someone can’t remember what happened while they were drunk.
How can long-term alcohol use affect the brain?
It can cause memory problems and trouble learning.
What does tolerance mean?
When someone needs more alcohol to feel the same effects.
How can counseling help someone with alcohol abuse?
It helps them learn coping skills and understand why they drink.
Why is alcohol harmful even when someone doesn’t drink a lot?
It can still mess with judgment and coordination.
What is alcohol poisoning?
A dangerous condition where breathing, heart rate, and body temperature drop, and it can be life-threatening.
How does long-term alcohol use raise cancer risk?
It damages cells and increases the risk of mouth, throat, liver, or breast cancer.
What is denial in alcoholism?
When someone refuses to admit they have a problem.
Why might someone need medical treatment when quitting alcohol?
To safely go through detox and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Name two factors that affect how harmful alcohol is.
How much someone drinks and how fast they drink it.
Why does alcohol increase accident risk in the short term?
Because it slows reaction time and hurts judgment.
How can long-term alcohol use affect the immune system?
It weakens the immune system, making it easier to get sick.
What is physical dependence?
When the body relies on alcohol and has withdrawal symptoms without it.
What is one treatment used to help people stay sober?
Therapy or sometimes medications (depending on the program).