Transcript Drug Abuse Education Course

Drug Abuse Education Course
Master Sgt. Doug Oswald
Assistant Drug Demand Reduction Administrator
Alcohol
Alcohol: Quick Facts




The drug of choice in our society, and most
widely used drug in the U.S.
51.8% of the population are current users.
Ethanol is the active ingredient in all forms
of alcoholic beverages and is a central
nervous system depressant.
Alcohol consumption is illegal for those
under the legal age limit of 21.
Alcohol: Quick Facts



Peer pressure and depression are often
cited as reasons for abuse.
42% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol
related.
13% of Americans drove under the
influence of alcohol at least once in the
past year.
Alcohol: Quick Facts






Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
12-13: 4.2%
14-15: 15.1
16-17: 30.1
18-20: 51.1%
21-25: 67.4%
26 and up: 50.4%









Males: 58.1%
Females: 45.9%
Employed full-time: 57.3%
Employed part-time: 51.1%
Unemployed: 49.1%
High School Drop-out: 36.7%
High School Graduate: 53.2%
Some College: 64.4%
College Graduate: 69.4%
Alcohol: Quick Facts



A 12 ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, a
glass of wine and shot of distilled spirits
each contain about the same amount of
alcohol – 1/2 ounce.
It takes about an hour to metabolize 1/2
ounce of alcohol.
Tolerance develops quickly and large
doses can result in brain damage and
death.
Alcohol: Blood Alcohol Level








.05 = Lightheadedness, giddiness, lowered inhibitions,
impaired coordination and judgment.
.10 = Deterioration of motor skills and loss of
coordination and reaction time.
.15 = Impairment of balance and movement.
.20 = Depression of motor skills and sensory functions.
.30 = Severe confusion and stuporousness.
.40 = Unconscious, skin becomes sweaty and clammy.
.45 = Circulation and respiration functions become
depressed and possibly stop.
.50 = Near death.
Alcohol: Binge Drinking




Binge drinking is having five or more drinks
without rest, at least once in the past month.
About 55 million Americans, 22.7%, are
considered to be binge drinkers.
Heavy drinking is having 5 or more drinks
without rest, five or more days in the past
month.
About 16 million Americans, 6.6%, are
considered to be heavy drinkers.
Alcohol: Gateway Drug?





32% of heavy drinkers use illicit drugs.
3.5% of non-drinkers use illicit drugs.
60.6% of heavy drinkers smoke.
20.4% of non-binge drinkers smoke.
16.7% of non-drinkers smoke.
Alcohol: effects on the body





Dulls pain
Disrupts vision
Interferes with sleep
Affects sexual
functions
Interacts with other
drugs



Severe damage to
developing fetus
In large doses, causes
brain paralysis that
can shut down the
heart and lungs
Damages the liver