Transcript The Health Risks of Alcohol Use

The Health Risks of
Alcohol Use

Alcohol is an addictive drug
– Alcohol is a depressant, which
means it slows the central
nervous system
 Intoxication
is the state in which the
body is poisoned by alcohol or
another substance, and the person’s
physical and mental control is
significantly reduced.
Factors that Influence Alcohol’s
Effect
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Body Size
Gender
Food
Rate of intake
Amount
Medicine
– decrease/increase effectiveness
– change absorption rates
– change chemicals
Short-term Effects of Alcohol
1. Changes in the brain
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Though processes disorganized
Memory/Concentration dulled
Judgment altered
Coordination impaired
Increase risk of stroke in young
people
Short-term Effects of Alcohol
2. Cardiovascular changes
– Large amounts of alcohol
decrease heart rate and blood
pressure
Short-term Effects of Alcohol
– 3. Toxic chemicals are released as
the liver metabolizes alcohol
– 4. Alcohol increases stomach acid
production and can cause nausea
and vomiting
Long-term Effects of Alcohol
 1.
Addiction, loss of brain function,
brain damage
 2. Heart damage and high blood
pressure
 3. Cirrhosis of the liver
 4. Swelling of the pancreas lining
Binge drinking
 Binge
drinking is defined as drinking
5 or more alcoholic drinks at one
sitting
 Binge drinking can lead to alcohol
poisoning – a severe and potentially
fatal physical reaction to an alcoholic
overdose.
Binge drinking
 Symptoms
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of alcohol poisoning
Mental confusion
Coma
Vomiting and/or seizures
Slow respiration
Irregular heartbeat