Lesson 1 (pg 348-351)
Definitions
Alcohol- a drug created by a chemical reaction in some foods, especially fruits and grains
Drug- a substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the body or mind
Depressant- a drug that slows down the body’s functions and reactions, including heart and breathing
Inhibitions- conscious or unconscious restraint on behaviors or actions
Binge Drinking- having several drinks in a short period of time
Minor- people under the age of adult rights and responsibilities (21 years of age for alcohol)
What physical changes does a depressant have on the body to make it difficult to think and act
responsibly?
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the effects of a depressant- the slowing down of messages to and from the brain that allow the
body to function and react.
How much alcohol is said to be beneficial for some men and women’s cardiovascular systems? Does this
benefit all adults?

Women- One 5 ounce glass of wine; Men- Two 5 ounces of wine; No
According to the book, studies show that most teens do not use alcohol. But for those that do, list 5
reasons the book gives for teenagers to drink alcohol.
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Curiosity, popularity, to feel relaxed, to feel more grown up, escape from emotions
Explain how media influences teenagers to drink.

They make using alcohol seem fun and exciting and is okay to use at any age.
Explain negative peer pressures role in underage drinking and binge drinking.

It can be a major role in why some teens use alcohol- to try and fit in or not be embarrassed in
front of friends
According to the USDA, adults should only consume alcohol in moderation. What does this mean?

Women- no more than 1 drink per day; Men- no more than 2 drinks per day
List 5 groups of people that should NOT use alcohol at all.

Minors, pregnant or those trying to become pregnant, those taking medications, recovering
alcoholics, those with serious medical conditions, those planning on driving
Explain why teens are especially at risk to experience harmful effects when using alcohol.

Alcohol prevents your body from developing properly and harms the brain. Teens are also
developing emotionally, so alcohol can create more difficulties for that area of growth as well.
Lesson 2 (pg. 352-355)
Definitions
Intoxicated- physically and mentally impaired by the use of alcohol
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)-the amount of alcohol in the blood
Alcohol Poisoning- a dangerous condition that results when a person drinks excessive amounts of
alcohol over a short time period
Ulcer- an open sore in the stomach lining
Fatty Liver- a condition in which fats build up in the liver and cannot be broken down
Cirrhosis- the scarring and destruction of liver tissue
Reaction Time- the ability of the body to respond quickly and appropriately to situations
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)- alcohol-related birth defects that include both physical and mental
problems
How long does it take for alcohol to affect the brain and central nervous system?

Because alcohol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, it affects the brain and central
nervous system as soon as 30 seconds after it is consumed.
Does alcohol affect everyone in the same way? What is one of the biggest factors in how alcohol will
affect an individual? List 4 additional factors that influence how alcohol can affect an individual.

No. Biggest Factor: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Additional Factors: a person’s size and
gender as well as how much alcohol is consumed and how fast.
What is considered “one drink”?

12 ounce beer – 5 ounces wine – 1.5 ounces liquor
Alcohol and the Brain
Why does the brain and nervous system slow down immediately after consuming alcohol?

Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the brain very quickly
Why does it become harder to concentrate, remember, speak clearly or walk in a straight line after
several drinks?

Alcohol blocks messages trying to get to the brain
What additional risk behaviors is a person under the influence of alcohol more likely to engage in?

Driving while intoxicated, tobacco and other drugs, sexual activity, and acts of violence
Alcohol and the Stomach
How does alcohol affect the stomach?

Alcohol increases the flow of acid used for digestion, causing people to become sick to their
stomach
Where does the alcohol go once in the stomach?

Most of the alcohol passes into the small intestine and some is absorbed into the bloodstream
and causes the blood vessels to expand
Alcohol and the Heart
How does alcohol affect the heart?

Alcohol affects the way the heart pumps blood through the body – slows down a person’s heart
rate. It makes the blood vessels wider so the blood comes closer to the surface of the skin
making the person feel warmer even though the body temperature is actually dropping (lower
heart rate).
Alcohol and the Liver and Kidneys
What is the liver’s role in alcohol consumption?

The liver acts like a filter, taking alcohol from the bloodstream and removing it from the body.
The liver filters about 1 drink per hour and all additional alcohol that is consumed stays in the
bloodstream and affects the body.
How are the kidneys affected by alcohol?

Alcohol causes the kidneys to produce more urine, leading to dehydration or the loss of
important body fluids.
Long Term Effects
Brain – Effects parts of the brain that help with memory and problem solving. Destroys brain cells that
do not grow back, limited everyday functions.
Heart- Makes the heart weak and enlarged, increasing blood pressure and the risk of congestive heart
failure and stroke.
Stomach- Creates more stomach acid than needed causing ulcers in the stomach lining.
Liver- Puts a serious strain on the liver as it is caused to work overtime to filter the alcohol consumed.
Can result in having a fatty liver or cirrhosis.
Explain how alcohol can affect driving, behavior, and pregnancy? (pg. 355)
Lesson 3 (pg. 356-359)
How can you tell if someone has an alcohol problem?







Frequently uses alcohol alone and/or need to use alcohol every day
Often becomes intoxicated
Alcohol becomes more important than anything else in that person’s life
They may ignore friends or lose them entirely
Neglects his or her family
Performs poorly in school or at work
Often forget to eat regularly and stop taking care of themselves physically
What is an alcoholic? What are 4 signs that someone may be an alcoholic?


Craving, loss of control, tolerance, physical dependence
Alcoholism- a disease in which a person has a physical and psychological need for alcohol
What are the stages of alcoholism? Briefly explain each stage.



Abuse: misuse of alcohol
Dependence: loses control and cannot stop drinking
Addiction: intoxicated for long periods of time
What is the difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse?


Alcohol Abuse: the misuse of alcohol
Alcoholism: the dependency on alcohol