Advanced Math & Science Academy HEALTH CURRICULUM Topic #14. Alcohol &
Psychoactive Drugs
DO NOW:
Write down some reasons why you think people drink alcoholic beverages.
REASONS WHY PEOPLE DRINK ALCOHOL:
To feel happy-- but the effect wears off and usually leaves you unhappy.
To overcome bad emotions or feelings-- but it just makes them worse!
To sleep better-- but it interferes with sleep!
Social pressures (peer pressure)
HOW TO RESIST:
Say "No!"
Walk away
Develop refusal skills
EFFECTS OF ETHYL ALCOHOL (ETHANOL):
Acute versus chronic effects
Central nervous system (CNS) depressant
Slows reaction time -- motor vehicle accidents, other accidents, drownings
Impairs judgment -- rape, violence of all kinds, accidents
Intoxication -- violence and accidents
Binge drinking -- can lead to coma and death
Date rape
FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME
Liver damage (cirrhosis, etc.)
Brain damage, incl. Korsakov's syndrome
Poor grades (documented by Coors survey)
Impaired relationships, loss of friends, job loss, family break-up
Gateway to other drugs (see DA pamphlet, p. 11)
ALCOHOLISM (AN ADDICTION TO ALCOHOL)
Type I: Males only; begins early; often violent
Type II: Both sexes; begins later;
not usually violent
Impaired judgment
Psychological dependence
Physical dependence
Withdrawal
Recovery
Usually requires help
Twelve-step approach (A.A. and similar programs)
Often need to treat the whole family
ALTERNATIVES TO PROBLEM DRINKING
Good friends (ones who don't encourage unhealthy behavior)
Fun from sports, hobbies, books, games, science, music, art,
social activities
PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS in general
Definition: Psychoactive drugs are drugs that alter your
judgment, mood, or behavior.
Some examples: Alcohol, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, ecstasy
All produce a temporary sense of good feeling (euphoria)
All are strongly addictive because the body builds up tolerance
All are highly dangerous if abused, and addiction leads to their abuse
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT / DISCUSS WITH YOUR PARENTS
Do people in your family drink?
Does anyone in the family have a drinking problem? What can we do
to help them, before the problem gets worse and spreads to others?
