# Presentation: 438021

## Alcohol: Effects on the Body and Behavior

- Sherri Garcia
- Full Circle Advertising: A Look at Teen Alcohol Use and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- CDC’s 2005 Science Ambassador Program

## Overview:

- Definitions
- Statistics on teen drinking
- Short- and long-term effects of
**    ****a**lcohol
- Blood alcohol levels
- Introduction to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

## “Drinker” Definitions(1)

-  Binge drinking: Four or more drinks for
-      a female and five or more drinks for a
-      male at one sitting
- _[Click to see data on ](http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss/Trends/TrendData.asp)_
- _[binge drinking in your state](http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss/Trends/TrendData.asp)_

**Notes:**
Before one can get into the effects of alcohol, it is important to know what consumption actually means.  There are different degrees of alcohol consumption.  Students might have heard about binge drinking.  Any occasion where four (for women) and five (for men) or more drinks are consumed at one sitting is considered binge drinking, and it often raises the blood alcohol level very quickly. Clicking on the provided link will take you to the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) Trend Data Web site.  Select “Alcohol Use: Binge Drinking” from the “Negative Behavior/Circumstance” and select your state (or select “Nationwide”) and click go to see a graph of binge drinking by age group in your state from 1990-2002.

Graphic Reference:
Microsoft Office Clipart 2002.  [cited 23 June, 2005].

## “Drinker” Definitions(2)

-  Chronic drinking: Daily or almost
-      daily alcohol consumption
-      (60 drinks per month)
- _[Click here to see data ](http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss/index.asp)_
- _[on chronic drinking in your state](http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss/index.asp)_

**Notes:**
As chronic implies, this is a long term and on-going issue.  Drinking becomes a daily habit.  Click on the Chronic Drinking in Your State link to display a graph of chronic drinking by age group from 1990-2002.  Choose the risk factor “chronic drinking” and your state. Clicking on the provided link will take you to the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) Trend Data Web site.  Select “Alcohol Use: Chronic Drinking” from the “Negative Behavior/Circumstance” and select your state (or select “Nationwide”) and click go to see a graph of chronic drinking by age group in your state from 1990-2002.
This data tracks a wide range of age groups; however, students should be aware that age 18, the lowest in the survey, is an illegal age to drink alcohol in the United States.

Graphic Reference:
Microsoft Office Clipart 2002.  [cited 23 June, 2005].

## Statistics on Teen Drinking(3)

-  Monitoring the Future (MTF) reported
-      that in 2004, nearly one in five 8th
-      graders, more than one in three 10th
-      graders, and nearly one in two 12th
-      graders had a drink in the
-      past month.

**Notes:**
Now that we know  the definitions of drinking, we will look at some statistics on teen drinking. The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth conducted an executive survey regarding teen alcohol use in the United States and issued a status report in 2004.  Two national public health surveys tracked underage drinking.  Monitoring the Future collected data in schools for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive (SAMHDA) through University of Michigan.  They found that in the year 2004, nearly one in five 8th graders, more than one in three 10th graders, and nearly one in two 12th graders had a drink in the month prior to the survey.

Graphic Reference:
Microsoft Office Clipart 2002.  [cited 23 June, 2005]. 

## Teen Statistics (cont.)(4)

- From National Survey on Drug Use and
- Health (2003):
- 10.9 million users ages 12-20
- 7.2 million “binge drinkers”

**Notes:**
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that in 2003 approximately 10.9 million underage youth, ages 12 to 20, reported they consumed alcohol in the month prior to the survey. Nearly 7.2 million underage youth also reported binge drinking, where binge drinking is defined as drinking five or more drinks on a single occasion at least once in the past 30 days.

Graphic Reference:
Microsoft Office Clipart 2002.  [cited 23 June, 2005].

## Short-term Effects(5,6)

- Slower reaction times/reflexes
- Heavy sweating
- Blurry vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lowered reasoning ability

## Short-term Effects (cont.)(5,6)

- Poor motor coordination
- Slower heart rate/breathing rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Anxiety/restlessness
- Lower inhibition

**Notes:**
The characteristics of poor motor skills can be seen in a  task as simple as walking.  Alcohol will decrease the ability of a person to walk in a straight line and might even cause him/her to fall.  Poor motor skills might also lead to driving accidents.  

Alcohol acts as a depressant and slows the heart rate.  It also interferes with normal contraction and rhythm of the heartbeat.  These effects are thought to be major reasons for sudden death among alcoholics.(6) Increased blood pressure, or hypertension, is associated with chronic drinking and usually goes away two to three weeks after drinking has stopped. Mood swings might be noticed, with anxiety and restlessness being at the top of the list.  

Lower inhibitions might lead a teen to do things he or she would not normally do, which could put them in a compromising or dangerous situation. Risky behavior, such as unprotected sex, might result. They might also have poor judgment.  

## Mental confusion
Memory loss
Coma
Death from respiratory arrest

- Memory loss
- Coma
- Death from respiratory arrest

- Short-term Effects (cont.)(5,6)

**Notes:**
When alcohol is consumed at a faster rate than the liver can absorb,  it moves into areas of high water content in the body, for example, the brain.  It can cause mental confusion and memory loss.  Drinking causes some people to “not remember” their evening.  In larger doses, alcohol can affect the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for basic survival functions, such as heart rate and breathing.  Respiratory arrest occurs when a person stops breathing.

## Long-term Effects(5,6)

- Nervous system
- Muscles
- Lungs
- Liver

## Long-term Effects (cont.)(5,6)

- Sexual organs
- Brain
- Heart
- Esophagus/stomach

**Notes:**
Although sexual desire is enhanced, impotence could be a long term result with the use of alcohol.  

Alcohol affects all parts of the brain and can result in brain cell damage. Loss of memory occurs with impairment of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for storing new memories.  Damage to the cerebral cortex will lead to lack of coordination while damage to the cerebellum will affect mood.  Finally, damage to the brain stem may result in lack of normal body functions and regulations, such as breathing, heart rate and body temperature.

Long term affects of heavy drinking may interfere with the mitochondria of the heart cells.  These are the energy producing organelles and without proper energy, the heart does not function as normal.  Hypertension is also a problem for the chronic drinker and could possibly lead to a stroke. 

The esophagus normally contracts and relaxes allowing food to move to the stomach.  Alcohol inhibits this contraction which allows stomach acids to move into the esophagus causing irritation.  It might also be a factor in gastritis.  Scientist are currently undergoing studies to determine if alcohol or bacteria are the major cause of ulcers in alcoholics.(5,6)

## Slide 12

## Studies on Teen Drinking

**Notes:**
So drinking relates to various short term and long term effects on the body.  It could also have a long term effect in the sense that it could affect your future by decreasing brain function during prime learning periods.

A study was performed on teens and drinking.  Susan Tapert illustrates that drinking might harm the ability of a teen’s brain to process information. This slide shows brain activity of a 15 year old with an alcohol problem versus the brain activity of a non-drinking 15 year old.  The pink shows brain activity. It is clear that the teen who does not drink has much more activity.  

Study published and permission granted for use in this PowerPoint by Susan Brown.  
Brown SA, Tapert SF, Granholm E, Delis DC (2000).  Neurocognitive functioning of adolescents:  effects of protracted alcohol use.  Alcoholism:  Clinical and Experimental Research.  24 (2):  164-171.  [Cited 20 June 2005].

## Studies on Teen Drinking

**Notes:**
This is a continuation of the study on brain activity of teens drinking alcohol.  Recall tests were done and the results were clear that alcohol does effect recall.  School and life are based on recall.  

Study published and permission granted for use in this PowerPoint by Susan Brown. 
Brown SA, Tapert SF, Granholm E, Delis DC (2000). Neurocognitive functioning of adolescents:  effects of protracted alcohol use.  Alcoholism:  Clinical and Experimental Research.  24 (2):  164-171.  [Cited 20 June 2005].

## Blood Alcohol Level:  What’s It All About?(6)

- Blood alcohol level (BAL) depends on:
- Weight
- Amount of food and water in
-     stomach
- Carbonated alcoholic beverages
- Gender

## Blood Alcohol Level Calculations(7)

- BAL = (150/body weight) x (%alcohol/50)
-     x (ounces consumed) x (0.025)

## Blood Alcohol Level Example

- 175 pound man drinks four 12-ounce
-     cans of beer with 4% alcohol content
- BAL = (150/175) x (4/50) x (48) x (0.025)
-  =.86 x .08 x 48 x .025
-  = .08%

**Notes:**
Basically, there are lots of numbers but this is an easy calculation to do.  For example, if a 175 pound man drinks four 12 ounce cans of beer, what will his blood alcohol level be?  

First we take 150 divided by his weight in pounds, which is 175.  We multiply by the percent alcohol found in beer divided by 50.  As noted before, most beers range from 3-6%.  This particular beer was 4%.  Next multiply by the ounces consumed.  Four cans multiplied by 12 ounces is 48.  And finally multiply by 0.025.  This gives him a total blood alcohol level of .08% which means that he currently has .08 grams of ethyl alcohol per 100 mL of blood circulating through his body and his brain. 

So at what level do we start to see the short term effects?

## Blood Alcohol Levels: So What?(8)

- BAL = 0.03 to 0.12 (Euphoria)
- Self-confident/daring
- Short attention span
- Poor judgment
- Fine motor skills impaired

**Notes:**
At blood alcohol levels of 0.03 to 0.12, the drinker is in a state of euphoria.  This is the beginning stage where self confidence increases, and the drinker feels good about him/herself.  The drinker could also exhibit a short attention span, poor judgment, and have trouble with his/her fine motor skills. (8)  All of these effects were discussed in the short term effects earlier in the slide show.  

## Blood Alcohol Levels(8)

- BAL = 0.09 to 0.25 (Excitement)
- Sleepy
- Memory loss
- Reaction time decreased
- Uncoordinated/loss of balance
- Blurry vision and impaired senses

**Notes:**
At the upper edge of euphoria, around 0.09, the drinker heads into a stage known as excitement.  The stage name does not support the characteristics since the drinker becomes sleepy and slow.  Reaction time is decreased, which could make driving or operating machinery a hazard.  The drinker looses coordination and may become unbalanced.  He/she may also experience blurry vision and impaired senses, becoming numb around the face area.(8)  

## Blood Alcohol Levels(8)

- BAL = 0.18 to 0.30 (Confusion)
- Confused/dizzy
- Highly emotional
- Cannot see/slurred speech
- Uncoordinated/sleepy
- May not feel pain as easily

**Notes:**
At the upper edge of excitement, at around 0.18, the drinker may become confused and highly emotional.  Slurred speech is a common characteristic at this level.  They continue to be sleepy and uncoordinated and might not feel pain as easily.  

## Blood Alcohol Levels(8)

- BAL = 0.25 to 0.40 (Stupor)
- Can barely move at all
- Cannot respond to stimuli
- Cannot stand or walk
- Vomiting
- Lapse in and out of consciousness

**Notes:**
Moving up the blood alcohol ladder leads to stupor.  At this point, the drinker basically cannot perform normally and could become ill and even pass out.(8)  

## Blood Alcohol Levels(8)

- BAL = 0.35 to 0.50 (Coma)
- Unconscious
- Reflexes depressed
- Decreased body temperature
- Decreased breathing rate
- Decreased heart rate
- Could die

**Notes:**
The last level is known as alcohol poisoning and could lead to death.  The alcohol affects the brain stem, as well as other basic body functions.  Breathing, heart rate, and body temperature might not be regulated, which could lead to a coma.(8)  

## Blood Alcohol Levels(8)

- BAL = Greater than 0.50 (Death)
- Breathing stops
- That says it all!

**Notes:**
At blood alcohol levels greater than 0.50, death occurs.(8)
Since most students associate blood alcohol levels with drinking and driving, this is a good time to introduce some blood alcohol limits regulated by law.

## Driving Limits(6)

- Most states set the legal level of
-     intoxication at 0.08 to 0.10

**Notes:**
One area regulated by law is the blood alcohol driving limit.
Currently, half of the states in the US have 0.08 BAL and the other half have 0.10 BAL.  This level of intoxication relates to the blood alcohol level of the driver.(6)  

If the driver’s blood alcohol level tests at 0.08 in some states, then the driver is considered legally intoxicated and can be cited with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence).  In other states, blood alcohol levels of 0.10 define whether the driver is legally intoxicated or not.     

Graphic Reference:
Microsoft Office Clipart 2002.  [cited 23 June, 2005].

## Drinking is a Personal Choice but Who Else is Affected?

- Friends and family
- Strangers
- Unborn babies –
-     Fetal alcohol syndrome

**Notes:**
Drinking may be a personal choice, but it affects more than just you.
For example strangers may be affected through accidents.  

Statistics from the US Department of Transportation include:
Alcohol was involved in 39% of fatal crashes in 1997.
About 3 in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.
In 1997, the highest rates for fatal crashes while intoxicated involved persons 21-24 years of age.  
One third of all pedestrians 16 years or older killed in traffic crashes in 1997 were intoxicated.(6)

Drinking lowers inhibitions and increases risky behavior.  Teens might engage in unprotected sex while under the influence, which could lead to unplanned pregnancy.  If a woman drinks while pregnant, it could lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. 

Graphic Reference:
Microsoft Office Clipart 2002.  [cited 23 June, 2005].

## What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

- When mother drinks, baby drinks
- Alcohol disrupts brain development
- Your turn to research!

**Notes:**
Now that we have discussed the effects of alcohol on your body, as well as others around you, we can discuss FAS.

The fetus is fed through the placenta so every time the mother drinks, the alcohol is passed to the baby.  Fetal exposure to alcohol can impair the development of the corpus callosum, which divides the brain into left and right halves, and lead to smaller brain size.  The brain is developing all through the pregnancy so there is no safe time to drink.

There may also be some developmental delays, poor coordination, hyperactivity and abnormal facial features.  The child’s IQ could also be lower.  

There is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy; therefore, no alcohol consumption is recommended.(5)

Students will gain a greater understanding of FAS through research on Web sites in the next activity.

## Looking Back

- Drinking has various definitions
- Binge and Chronic
- Drinking can have short- and long-term
-     effects
- Slower reaction times
- Memory loss
- Nervous system/liver problems

**Notes:**
Now we have a better idea of the different types of drinking behavior, including binge drinking and chronic drinking.  Drinking does have both short and long term effects on the body and behavior, for example, slower reaction times, memory loss, and problems with the nervous system and liver disease.   

## Looking Back (cont.)

-  Blood alcohol levels are affected by
-      weight and gender
-  Drinking is a personal choice, but it
-      can affect those around you

**Notes:**
Alcohol is measured using a calculation known as blood alcohol levels, which measures the percent alcohol present in the blood stream.  Blood alcohol levels are affected by several factors and are associated with certain behaviors and characteristics.  Drinking is a personal choice, but now it will be an informed choice.

## Works Cited

- 1. Understanding Alcohol - Glossary [online]. 2003. [cited 2005 Jul 13].  Available from URL:** **http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih3/alcohol/other/glossary.htm.** **
- 2. Alcohol Use: Chronic Drinking [online]. 1992. [cited 2005 Jul 13].  Available from URL:  http://www.indicators.ak.org/indicators/alcoholusechronic98F.htm
- 3. Johnston LD, O'Malley PM, Bachman JG, Schulenberg JE. Overall teen use continues gradual decline; but use of inhalants rises. Ann Arbor (MI): University of Michigan News and Information Services; December 21, 2004. Table 3. [cited 2005 Jul 7).  Available from URL:  http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/data/04data.html#2004data-drugs.
- 4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Overview of Findings from the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Rockville (MD): Office of Applied Studies; 2004. p. 14. [cited 7 July 2005].

## Works Cited (cont.)

- 5. Short-Term Effects of Alcohol . [cited 2005 July 22]. Available from URL: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/alcohol/short-term.htm.
- 6. Understanding Alcohol - Information about Alcohol. Teacher’s guide. [online]. [cited 20 June 2005]. Available from URL:  http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih3/alcohol/guide/info-alcohol.htm.
- 7. Neuroscience for Kids - Alcohol. Alcohol [online]. [cited 2005 Jun 20]. Available from URL: http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/alco.html.
- 8. HowStuffWorks. How Alcohol Works [online].  [cited 2005 Jun 20]. Available from URL:  http://www.science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol5.htm.