Information on Alcohol

What is it?

Alcohol is a depressant drug that slows the activities in the brain.

Beer and Ale 4-7% Alcohol

Wine 9-14% Alcohol

Hard Liquor 40-50% Alcohol

An "AVERAGE" drink contains 12 oz of beer or 5 oz of wine or 1 1/2oz of Hard Alcohol

It takes approximately 1 hour to burn off 1 "average" drink from the body.

What does it do to the body?

•It rapidly absorbs into the bloodstream.

•It's main effect is on the brain and blocks the control centers.

•Can cause: Malnutrition, Brain/Liver Damage, Cancer, Heart Disease, Ulcers, and Birth Defects.

Why do people drink?

To be a part of the "In" crowd.

To escape from problems or bad feelings.

To relax, have with meals, or on outings.

To celebrate.

For medical reasons.

In religious ceremonies.

May feel it is part of the dating scene.

It is sexy.

It makes it easier to talk to people.

Less nervous when drinking.

Stages and Signs of Intoxication:

1st--Happy

2nd--Excited

3rd--Confused

4th--In a Stupor

5th--In a Coma

•Unconsciousness or semi consciousness.

•Slow respirations of eight or less per minute or lapses in respirations of more than 10 seconds.

•Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin.

•Strong odor of alcohol on the person.

What to do if a person becomes over intoxicated:

Call 9-1-1.

Turn the person on their side and place a pillow in the small of the person's back.

Stay with the person until help arrives.

Effects of Alcohol Abuse:

Violence

Poor Judgment

Losing Work

Trouble with the Law

Broken Families and relationships

Signs of an Alcoholic:

(About 1 out of 10 drinkers becomes an alcoholic)

Greater Tolerance

Blackouts

Denial

Personality Changes

Obvious Uncontrolled Drinking

 

Information about Alcohol and Sex:

•Alcohol clouds a person's judgment, reduces inhibitions, affects decision making, awareness, and provides an excuse. 

•Alcohol weakens the immune system and those who choose to drink are running the risk of having unprotected sex.  This can result in: HIV, STD's, Date Rape, Unplanned Pregnancy, and Emotional Scars.

•To prevent these:  Make your limits clear, plan what to say under pressure, and avoid risky situations.

•If you do decide to have sex, be prepared and have safe sex.