L. 1: Why is Alcohol Harmful
Alcohol is classified as what type of drug that slows down the body’s functions and reactions?
Depressant
Intoxication
when mental and physical abilities are impaired by alcohol.
cirrhosis
What is the disease in which the liver becomes scarred and damaged over time?
What is the process in which a person needs more and more alcohol to feel the same effect?
Tolerance
What is alcohol abuse?
a pattern of drinking that results in one or more well-defined behaviors within a 12-month period
What chemical process creates the type of alcohol found in beverages?
Fermentation.
Why does alcohol slow down a person’s reaction time?
Because alcohol slows the brain and nervous system, making the body react slower to situations.
How does alcohol cause long-term memory and learning problems?
It damages areas of the brain that control memory and learning.
What is the main difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
Alcohol abuse causes problems, but the person is not dependent; alcoholism includes a physical and mental need for alcohol.
What is it called when family and friends gather to encourage a problem drinker to get help?
Intervention
Why are teens aged 15 and younger more likely to become addicted to alcohol?
Because their brains are still developing, and they are 4× more likely to become addicted.
Why do many people say or do things they regret after drinking?
Alcohol weakens judgment and self-control, causing poor decision-making.
What is binge drinking and why is it dangerous?
Drinking a large amount of alcohol quickly; it can lead to alcohol poisoning and long-term health problems.
Name two symptoms of alcoholism.
Loss of control and Physical dependence
What is withdrawal?
Physical and emotional symptoms that occur when someone addicted to alcohol stops drinking.
List two reasons teens may choose to drink alcohol.
They think it will help them relax, and they think it will help them get rid of problems.
Why does drinking alcohol cause slurred speech and poor coordination?
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s ability to send signals to muscles.
Fat builds up in the liver and cannot be broken down, making the liver work poorly.
Why can’t an alcoholic stop after “just one drink”?
Their body depends on alcohol, so they lose control once they start drinking.
Why is recovery considered a lifelong process?
Because staying alcohol free requires ongoing effort, support, and lifestyle changes.
Name three risks alcohol use can cause for teens.
Hurts learning and memory, causes depression, violence, and suicidal thoughts, and can get them in trouble with the law.
What dangerous condition can happen when someone drinks a large amount of alcohol in a short time?
Alcohol poisoning
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and what causes it?
Birth defects in babies caused when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol.
What are the four stages of alcoholism?
Stage 1: Drinks to relax, looks for chances to drink, rising tolerance
Stage 2: Blackouts and memory loss
Stage 3: Loss of control; body depends on alcohol
Stage 4: Drinking all day; cannot keep a job or responsibilities
Why do people often relapse after stopping alcohol use?
Stress, triggers, cravings, or being around situations that remind them of drinking.