low inhibitions

poor concentration

slow reflexes and reaction time

reduced coordination

slower brain activity

unclear perception

IN MEDIUM DOSES:

slurred speech

poor vision

disruption of sleeping patterns

increased urine production

increased blood flow to skin surface

lower core body temperature

IN HIGH DOSES:

uncontrolled urination and defecation

vomiting

breathing difficulties

passing out

alcohol poisoning

coma

death

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:

Decreased sperm production and testosterone in men

Decreased estrogen metabolism in the liver

reduced tension

sleepiness

altered emotions

impaired judgement

refers to the amount of alcohol contained in a person's blood

measured as weight per unit of volume

measurement is converted to a percentage

example: a measurement of 0.10%, indicates that one-tenth of a percent of a person's blood is alcohol

overdoses range in severity from slurred speech to death

INFLUENCES OF OVERDOSES:

age

gender

ethnicity

amount of food eaten beforehand

drinking experience

• dizziness
  
• stumbling
  
• loss of sphincter control
  
• memory loss
  
• potential death
  

ALCOHOL + STIMULANTS:

• inability to gauge alcohol consumption
  
• impairment of coordination and judgement
• black outs
• death

• slowed or arrested breathing
• lowered pulse and blood pressure
• unconsciousness
• coma
• death

Driving Under Influence of Alcohol:

first time: $400 fine

second time: $1,000 fine + up to 3 weeks in jail + suspension of drivers license up to one year + $200 license restatement fee + participation in Driving While under Influence Clinic ($75)

Illegal Purchase of Alcohol: suspension of license

Providing Alcohol for those who are Underaged: 1 year in jail + $3,000 fine

• Memory loss
• blackouts
• exaggerated states of emotion
• Problems with coordination
• problems with muscle movement
• Depressed nerve centers in hypothalamus
• Affected heart rate, temperature, and breathing
• can lead to unconsciousness and death
• Brain shrinkage
• Thiamine deficiency
• Learning difficulties
• Slowing of the growth of new brain cells
• Sleep impairment
• Peripheral neuropathy, leading to a loss of sensation
  

LUNGS:

• fluid accumulation in the lungs
• Pneumonia, lung collapse, and other pulmonary infections

LIVER:

• Liver failure
• Fat accumulation in liver cells
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatic encephalopathy

HEART:

• Heart disease
• heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy)
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat

KIDNEY:

• Kidney failure

STOMACH:

• Ulcers
• Gastritis
• Acid reflux
• Intestinal bleeding
• Risk of stomach cancer
• Hypoglycemia
• malnutrition

PANCREAS:

• Reduced amount of digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas

THROAT:

• Increased risk of cancer in esophagus, larynx, and mouth
• Vomiting can tear the esophagus

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:

BLOOD:

• Increased blood clotting abnormalities and anemia
• greater risk of bleeding and bruising
• Impaired white blood cell function

SKIN:

• Dehydrated skin
• Widening of blood vessels near the surface of the skin
• Depletion of vitamins and minerals

BONES AND JOINTS:

• Leakage of calcium from the bones
• Increased joint inflammation
• Muscle atrophy

results in:

• Cravings for alcohol
• Loss of control over ingestion of alcohol
• Physical dependence on alcohol
• Tolerance - the need to drink more alcohol to feel the same effect

increased chance of domestic abuse, child abuse, incest

marital conflict leading to separation or divorce

financial insecurity

children of alcoholics suffer from low-self esteem, fear of abandonment, chronic depression, etc.

adult children of alcoholics suffer from aggression, depression, impulsive behavior, etc.

denial and enabling

job loss as a result of chronic tardiness, being sick, accidents, etc.

social problems

increased risk of physical and sexual assault

injuring someone (ex. drinking while driving can result in a serious accident)