Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
Lesson 3
Long-term Risks
of Alcohol
Describe physical effects of long-term alcohol
abuse and the stages of alcoholism.
Identify the steps taken during recovery from
alcoholism.
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
Damage to the Body:
Long-term heavy drinking can cause serious
problems to the body.
1. Brain Damage– Destroys nerve cells that
cannot be replaced (impairs memory, lack of
concentration, reduced judgement making)
2. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-birth defects to
unborn child: heart defects, malformed faces,
delayed growth, poor motor development,
behavioral problems and mental retardation
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
Damage to the Body:
3. Liver Damage – liver fills with fat which blocks
blood flow, cells die causing scar tissue to develop,
which is cirrhosis. This leads to liver failure & death.
(Alcoholic hepatitis-swollen liver)
4. Heart Disease – increased blood pressure &
heart rate, irregular heartbeat, build up of fatty
tissue in heart muscle.
5. Digestive Problems – cancers of
mouth/tongue/esophagus/stomach, reoccurring
diarrhea, indigestion/heartburn/ulcers
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Alcoholism:
Communicating
Alcoholism– person can no longer
control their drinking (psychologicaldisease of the brain, and physical
addiction)
1. Changes to the Brain – body
develops tolerance, which leads to
dependence and finally the drinker
becomes addicted.
2. Who is at Risk – ANYONE, children
of alcoholics, underage drinking
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
The Stages of Alcoholism:
Stage 1, Problem Drinking: Drinking to relieve
stress, escape problems
Stage 2, Absolute Dependence: Cannot stop
after one drink, strained relationships.
Stage 3, Late Stage of Alcoholism: Mental,
Physical and Emotional health decline, reverse
tolerance occurs-less alcohol causes intoxication.
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
Alcohol’s Effects on Others:
Financial Costs: crimes
committed, medical expenses, job
loss
Deaths due to: violence,
accidents, health
Relationships: family
abuse/violence/stress/broken
marriages.
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
Treating Alcoholism:
1. Acknowledging the Problem– first step to recovery
is personally admitting one has a problem.
2. Detoxification – removing alcohol from body may
involve withdrawal (shakiness, sleep problems,
irritability, rapid heartbeat, sweating, hallucinations).
3. Rehabilitation – learn to cope everyday without
alcohol.
4. Support Groups: AA, community/church/health
organizations. (Al-Anon, & Alateen support group
for friends and family of alcoholics)
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
Lesson 3 REVIEW:
Does Alcoholism only affect the alcoholic?
List 5 reasons teens should not drink? Rank
your answers from 1 being the most important
reason not to drink.
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
Lesson 4
Choosing Not to
Drink
Describe how refusal skills help you stick to your
decision not to drink.
Identify benefits of avoiding situations where
alcohol is present.
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Abstaining from Alcohol:
Communicating
Refusal Skills, being able to say NO with
confidence.
1. Prepare for Pressure– role play and
practice saying NO in situations you
may face where alcohol is being
consumed.
2. Stick to Your Decision
Give an example of situations teens may
be pressured to drink. How can they say
NO?
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Avoiding High-Pressure Situations:
Communicating
Alternatives to Parties–
participate in healthy activities
where there will be no pressure to
drink alcohol.
Refusing Rides from Drinkers–
Your life is IMPORTANT, Stay safe!
What are some reasons, why teens
make poor choices and choose to
drink and drive or ride with
someone who has been drinking?
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
Lesson 4 Review:
List 10 facts you have learned from Chapter 15 on Alcohol.
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Chapter 15
Alcohol
Communicating
End of Chapter 15, Lessons 3 & 4
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