alcohol and health 2.2.6

• alcohol is a depressant which causes slower reaction times
• the short term affects of alcohol are slow reaction times, reduced inhibitions, lack of self-control and a lack of judgement
• the long term consequences of excessive alcohol consumption are cirrhosis of the liver, where the liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, liver cancer and also causes the brain to become soft and pulpy
• it is dangerous for pregnant women to consume alcohol because alcohol passes across the placenta and can cause stillbirth, low mass and premature birth
• alcohol can also cause foetal alcohol syndrome where the baby is born with brain damage, facial deformities and kidney, liver and heart problems
• other consequences of excessive alcohol consumption include aggression and fights, loss of control and accidents when drink drivers crash due to slow reaction times
• its illegal to sell alcohol to under 18s because the liver and brain arent fully developed so they are more likely to become damaged