Scrollable Chapter Reader
Chapter 21: Alcohol
Lesson 1 — What Alcohol Does to the Body
Alcohol (ethanol) is a central nervous system depressant that slows brain activity. It's absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream and affects every organ system.
BrainImpairs judgment, coordination, memory; slows reaction time
LiverProcesses ~1 drink/hour; overload leads to fatty liver, cirrhosis
HeartRaises blood pressure; heavy use weakens heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
Teen BrainAlcohol is more damaging to developing brains — memory and learning impaired
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
BAC measures alcohol in the bloodstream. At 0.08% (legal limit for driving) coordination and judgment are significantly impaired. At 0.30%+, loss of consciousness and death risk increase dramatically.
BAC measures alcohol in the bloodstream. At 0.08% (legal limit for driving) coordination and judgment are significantly impaired. At 0.30%+, loss of consciousness and death risk increase dramatically.
Quick Check: Why is alcohol especially harmful to the brains of teenagers?
Lesson 2 — Alcohol Risks & Consequences
Alcohol impairs decision-making and increases risk-taking, leading to a cascade of social, legal, and health consequences — especially for teens.
- Leading cause of teen traffic deaths — 1 in 4 teen traffic fatalities involve alcohol
- Increases risk of sexual assault and unwanted sexual activity
- Binge drinking (4+ drinks for women, 5+ for men in 2 hrs) causes acute alcohol poisoning
- Underage drinking is illegal — criminal charges, license suspension, college/career impacts
Quick Check: What is binge drinking, and what are two risks associated with it?
Lesson 3 — Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic medical condition involving loss of control over drinking despite negative consequences. It's a brain disease, not a moral failure.
Warning Signs of AUD
Drinking more than intended, failed attempts to cut back, neglecting responsibilities, continued use despite relationship/health problems, experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Drinking more than intended, failed attempts to cut back, neglecting responsibilities, continued use despite relationship/health problems, experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
- Genetics account for ~50% of AUD risk — family history matters
- Early drinking onset dramatically increases lifetime AUD risk
- Treatment options: counseling, support groups (AA), medication-assisted treatment
- Recovery is possible — millions of people live in sustained recovery
Quick Check: Why is starting to drink at a young age considered a major risk factor for AUD?
Lesson 4 — Refusing Alcohol & Getting Help
Resisting peer pressure around alcohol is a critical skill. Having a plan before social situations makes refusal easier and more effective.
- "No thanks — I'm good" (simple, no explanation required)
- Have a non-alcoholic drink in hand at parties to avoid offers
- Pre-plan an exit strategy or code word with a trusted friend
- If someone is dangerously intoxicated: stay with them, call for help, put them in recovery position
Quick Check: What should you do if a friend shows signs of alcohol poisoning?
Chapter Vocabulary
EthanolThe type of alcohol found in beverages; a central nervous system depressant.
BACBlood Alcohol Concentration — the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream.
Binge drinkingConsuming 4+ drinks (women) or 5+ drinks (men) in about 2 hours, raising BAC to 0.08%+.
CirrhosisSevere scarring of the liver caused by long-term alcohol abuse.
Alcohol Use DisorderA chronic medical condition characterized by inability to control drinking despite negative consequences.
ToleranceThe need for more alcohol to feel the same effect as before.
WithdrawalPhysical and psychological symptoms that occur when a dependent person stops drinking.
Fetal Alcohol SyndromeA group of birth defects caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
Alcohol poisoningA dangerous, potentially fatal condition caused by a high BAC that overwhelms the body.
Peer pressureSocial influence from peers that encourages a person to conform to group behaviors.