Alcoholism

The path of alcohol in the body

1. Mouth: alcohol enters the body.
2. Stomach: some alcohol gets into the
bloodstream in the stomach, but most goes
on to the small intestine.
3. Small Intestine: alcohol enters the
bloodstream through the walls of the small
intestine.
4. Heart: pumps alcohol throughout the body.
5. Brain: alcohol reaches the brain.
6. Liver: alcohol is oxidized by the liver at a
rate of about 0.5 oz per hour.

• Alcohol is converted into water, carbon

dioxide and energy.
 Alcohol is a drug and affects your
body and behavior

• Speed of drinking and type of drink have effects

on absorption of alcohol into your blood stream
 Effects on the body
• Alcohol is a central nervous system
depressant.
• In low doses, alcohol can produce:
– a relaxing effect
– reduced tension
– lower inhibitions
– impaired concentration
– slower reflexes
– impaired reaction time
– reduced coordination
 Effects on the body
• In medium doses, alcohol can produce:
– slurred speech
– drowsiness
– altered emotions
• In high doses, alcohol can produce:
– vomiting
– breathing difficulties
– unconsciousness
– coma
– DEATH
 Addicted?
• Chronic drinking can lead to
dependence and addiction to alcohol
• Withdrawal symptoms include shaking
(tremors), sleep problems, and nausea.
• More severe withdrawal symptoms
include hallucinations and even
seizures.
 Alcohol Poisoning
• Body systems are shutting down.
– Liver
– Kidneys
– Cardiovascular
– Pulmonary

• Signs that someone is on their way:

– Vomiting
– Blacking out
– Passing out
 Effects On the Body
• Central Nervous System
– Accelerates the loss of brain cells,
contributing to cognitive deficits.
Chronic use can lead to brain
damage.
• Liver
– Long-term excessive drinking can
cause hepatitis (inflammation and
destruction of liver cells) and cirrhosis
(scarring and shrinkage of the liver).
 Effects On the Body
• Kidneys
– Impairs their ability to regulate the
volume and composition of fluid and
electrolytes in the body.
• Heart
– Chronic, heavy alcohol use increases
the risk of heart disease.
– Alcohol use can also worsen high
blood pressure and diabetes, two risk
factors for heart disease.
Effects on Kidneys and Brain

No exposure Heavy prenatal

to alcohol exposure to
alcohol

Photo courtesy of Sterling Clarren, MD

Studies on Teen Drinking
 Short Term Effects
• Effects on the brain: • Effects on the heart:
– Development – Increase heart rate and
– Memory blood pressure
– Judgment and control – Heart rhythm becomes
– Risk of stroke irregular
– Decreased body
temperature
 Short Term Effects
• Effects on Liver and • Effects on Stomach:
Kidney: – Nausea and vomiting
– Chemicals that are – Disrupt the absorption of
metabolized can cause nutrients (pancreas)
inflammation and
scarring of the liver.
– Increase urine output
and increase the chance
of dehydration.
 Long Term Effects
• Damage to brain cells
• Increase in blood pressure (heart attack,
stroke)
• Buildup of fat cells in the liver
• Damage to digestive lining of the stomach
(ulcers and cancer)
• Destruction of the pancreas
• Cirrhosis of the liver
 Symptoms
• Passing out, semi-conscious
• Cold, pale, or bluish skin
• Vomiting while sleeping
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Seizures (attack)

• If you see someone with these symptoms...

Never leave the person alone.
Never put her or him to bed to "sleep it off".
Get medical help.

It always better to be safe than sorry.

 Emotions and alcohol
•Alcohol is a depressant
•Depressant + depressed
state = Desperation
•Depressant + elevated state
= Decreased inhibitions (self
consciousness)
 Drinking and Driving
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and Driving
under the influence (DUI) are illegal. Adult
drivers 21 and over with a BAC of 0.08 are
considered to be drunk driving.

• Consequences can include: injuries or

death, arrest, jail time, police record,
restricted driving privileges, loss of license,
and higher insurance rates.
 Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a
group of alcohol-related birth
defects that include physical and
mental problems.
• Problems can include:
– Small head, deformities to face,
hands, and feet.
– Heart, liver, and kidney defects
– Vision and hearing problems
– CNS problems and
developmental delays
– Short attention span
– Hyperactivity, anxiety, and social
withdrawal
 What extent alcohol affects the brain

• how much and how often a person drinks;

• age at which he or she first began drinking,

• how long he or she has been drinking;

• person’s age, level of education, gender, genetic

background, and family history of alcoholism;

• his or her general health status.

Drinking is a Personal Choice
but Who Else is Affected?

• Friends and family

• Strangers
• Unborn babies –
Fetal alcohol syndrome
 Benefits of living Alcohol-free
• Maintaining a healthy body
• Establishing healthy relationships
• Making healthy decisions
• Avoiding risky behavior
• Avoiding illegal activities
• Avoiding violence
• Achieving your goals