ALCOHOL

ONE DRINK…

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Effects on Your Body

BRAIN

Alcohol is a DEPRESSANT Affects thinking, judgment and reasoning Breathing and reflexes impaired Heavy drinking may cause brain atrophy

STOMACH

Some absorbed quickly from stomach into bloodstream

Causes stomach to release more acids Ulcers, cancers of mouth, tongue,

esophagus, stomach

LUNGS

Some is exhaled through the breathing process

High alcohol levels suppress the brains breathing center and may cause unconsciousness

LIVER

Almost all alcohol consumed is metabolized in the liver

It takes 1-2 hours to fully metabolize 1 alcoholic drink

Heavy drinking causes fat to accumulate in liver – leads to cirrhosis

KIDNEYS

Increase the production of urine from the kidneys

Leads to dehydration

Cardiovascular System

Opens up blood vessels near the surface of the skin

Gives drinkers a feeling of warmth, even though body temp may go down

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Decreases production of testosterone in males

Drinking during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Alcohol is removed from the body through:

Carbon DioxideWaterEnergy

SAYING NO!

Act confident!Be direct – look the person in the eye and say “NO”, “No thanks”, etc… Don’t feel the need to argue.

Have a friend alongMake sure a friend who you know will back up your decision is around. Stick together and make “Peer Power” work for you.

Use Humor

Say something that turns down the suggestion.

Give an excuse

Use a believable excuse and practice beforehand.i.e. “I’m taking medication right now.”

Plan your exitThink of ways to avoid or leave the situation – plan beforehand.i.e. “My friends are looking for me”, “Is there any food around here?”

Suggest an alternative

To help preserve the friendship, suggest an alternate activity or doing something together later on.

Delay your decision

Postpone or hold off on making your decision.

i.e. “Maybe I’ll drink something later”, “Not tonight. I have a big game tomorrow”