Effects of Alcohol on Relationships

Effects of Alcohol on Relationships

• Responsible alcohol consumption can be enjoyable and social.
• Excessive drinking can be harmful to relationships.
• Intoxicated individuals might behave uncharacteristically.
• Physical, verbal, or sexual abuse can result from being intoxicated.
• Misunderstandings are harder to resolve between intoxicated individuals.
• Alcohol abuse can damage parent-child relationships.
• Long-term alcohol abuse may lead to breakups, divorce, or separation.
• Job loss and financial difficulties can arise from alcohol dependence.

Mixing Alcohol and Energy Drinks

• Energy drinks amplify the risks linked to alcohol consumption.
• Caffeine and stimulants can mask the feeling of intoxication.
• People might consume more alcohol because energy drinks mask the feeling of being tired.
• Risks include alcohol poisoning, dehydration, physical injuries, impaired driving, and accidents.
• There is an increased danger as people may drink more, thinking they're less intoxicated.

Short-Term Effects of Energy Drinks

• Increased heart rate, body temperature, and alertness are effects of energy drinks.
• Insomnia, nervousness, dehydration, and hangover symptoms are experienced after energy-drink consumption.
• Energy drinks stimulate brain activity but reduce alcohol metabolism.

MDMA (Ecstasy)

• The euphoric feeling is why people take MDMA, increasing emotional closeness, happiness, and connection with others.
• Risks connected to MDMA use include overheating, dehydration, and overdose.
• Effects include hallucinations, jaw clenching, sweating, and tremors.
• Long-term effects include anxiety, exhaustion, and insomnia.
• Combining MDMA with other drugs or antidepressants can be dangerous.

Ice (Crystal Meth)

• People use ice for the intense rush, increased energy, focus, and euphoria it causes.
• Ice is highly addictive with serious health problems, users will repeatedly chase the high it provides.
• The initial rush can last for hours.
• Ice increases heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
• Health risks include lung problems, heart issues, stroke, tooth damage, and weight loss.
• Overdose from ice can lead to heart attack, seizures, and unconsciousness.

Cocaine

• People use cocaine for its instant euphoria, energy boost, and heightened alertness.
• Users often feel confident and in control when using cocaine.
• Effects include initial euphoria, confidence, and alertness.
• Physical symptoms include a racing heart, tremors, and reduced appetite.
• The "Coming down" period is characterized by anxiety, depression, and exhaustion.
• Regular use can lead to organ damage, addiction, and poor mental function.
• Overdose can cause seizures, stroke, coma, or death.

GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate)

• GHB is taken for its sedative and euphoric effects, used to enhance social experiences or for party scenes.
• It's sometimes used as a date rape drug due to its memory loss effects.
• Risks include overdose which can lead to coma or death, especially if mixed with alcohol.
• Effects include memory loss, drowsiness, and muscle relaxation.
• Call for help if an overdose or suspected drink spiking occurs.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping

• E-cigarettes are used for the nicotine hit, offering a smoother consumption method for nicotine.
• Some view it as a way to quit smoking regular cigarettes.
• Consequences include lung damage and nicotine addiction.
• Short-term effects: Increased heart rate, nausea, and dizziness.
• Long-term effects: Chronic respiratory problems and addiction can occur.
• Adolescents lack awareness of risks, leading to poor choices.

Pre-Drinking and Drugs

• Pre-drinking increases risks of accidents, violence, and risky behavior.
• Adolescent drug use involves experimenting with alcohol, MDMA, and cocaine.
• Consequences of adolescent drug use include addiction, long-term health issues, and criminal behavior.
• Decision-making in adolescents is influenced by peer pressure and immaturity.

Risky Behavior in Young Adults

• Types of risky behavior include alcohol/drug abuse, sexual assault, impaired driving, and unprotected sex.
• Consequences of risky behavior include legal problems, health issues, broken relationships, and accidents.
• Alcohol/drug abuse: Leads to accidents, violence, or unsafe situations.
• Sexual assault is more common with alcohol and drug use.
• Impaired driving increases the chance of accidents.
• Unprotected sex increases the risk of STIs.

Adolescent Decision-Making

• Impulsive choices are made because adolescents' brains are still developing.
• Peer pressure influences teens to engage in drinking, drug use, or other risky behaviors.
• Influences involve lack of experience, low self-control, and the desire for social approval, potentially leading to harmful choices.

Key Notes for Studying

• Understand the impacts of alcohol and drugs on the body and relationships.
• Know the risks and consequences of mixing substances like alcohol and energy drinks.
• Focus on decision-making and how adolescents are influenced by peers and brain development.
• Study emergency responses and how to handle overdoses or risky situations.

Why and How It Impacts Adolescents

• Underdeveloped brains make adolescents more vulnerable to risky decisions.
• The prefrontal cortex is still maturing, leading to poor decision-making.
• Peer influence shapes adolescents' behaviors causing a strong desire to fit in or gain approval which can push them into risky activities.
• Immediate gratification often outweighs the ability to foresee long-term consequences.
• Higher risks for addiction, accidents, and health problems are a direct result of prioritizing immediate gratification.