Alcohol

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Slide 1

ALCOHOL

Intermediate 1 Biology

Unit 1 – Health and Technology

Slide 2

Introduction

A drug is a substance that alters the way the human body works

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in Britain

Alcoholic drinks vary in the percentage of alcohol that they contain

Slide 3

Alcoholic Content of Different Drinks

Typical alcohol content (%)

Beer Cider Wine

Buckfast

Smirnoff Ice

Vodka Whisky

Absinthe

Slide 4

Absorption of Alcohol

Once consumed alcohol is absorbed from the stomach and other parts of the gut

It is carried around the body in the bloodstream

Slide 5

Absorption of Alcohol

When alcohol reaches the brain it affects the brain’s activities

It often makes a person feel relaxed and uninhibited

Alcohol is slowly broken down in to harmless substances by the liver

Effects of alcohol gradually wears off

Slide 6

Absorption of Alcohol

The faster you absorb the alcohol, the higher your blood alcohol level will be,

The more alcohol in your blood, the greater its effect will be.

Absorption is more rapid if you:

-drink quickly

-add a fizzy mixer

-drink on an empty stomach

-are small, young or female

Slide 7

Units of Alcohol

One unit of alcohol is the quantity that can be broken down in a healthy adult’s liver in about one hour

The recommended limit per week for

-men = 21

-women = 14

Slide 8

How many units of alcohol in the following?

A pint of Tenants

- 2 units

A Barcardi Breezer

-1.5 units

A vodka and diet coke

-1 unit

A small glass of wine

-2 units

Slide 9

Harmful Effects of Alcohol

In the short term an excess of alcohol in your bloodstream leads to

-poor reaction time

-poorer muscle control and coordination

-poorer judgement when making decisions

Slide 10

Harmful Effects of Alcohol

Long term abuse of alcohol can have a devastating impact on health, eg.:

Hangovers.

Weight gain.

High blood pressure