Alcohol Fact Sheet

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  Alcohol Fact Sheet

Coast to Forest Resources

Thank you for exploring our fact sheet series. To learn more about substance use and mental health, check out our other fact sheets. To find local resources, check out the Coast to Forest County-Specific Resource Guides. For a variety of national and state-focused resources, please visit our Helplines & Practical Tools page.

What is Alcohol?

• Alcohol is an ingredient in beer, wine, and liquor that acts as a depressant drug¹
• Alcohol is produced when yeast, starches, or sugars are fermented²

What is a standard drink?

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• 12 oz Beer
• 8-9 oz Malt liquor
• 5 oz Wine
• 1.5 oz Distilled spirits

How alcohol works

• Once ingested, alcohol travels into the bloodstream where it affects the brain, kidneys, lungs, and liver and can cause a variety of negative effects when used in excess³

Short term health effects of alcohol

• Alcohol poisoning, confusion, decreased heart rate, difficulty concentrating, impaired motor function, nausea/vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, slowed breathing^{1, 3-5}

Long term health effects of alcohol

• Alcohol poisoning, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), cancer, heart disease, learning/memory impairment, liver disease, increased risk of mental illness, and weakened immune system^{4, 5}

Alcohol use disorder (AUD)

• When consumption of alcohol results in significant impairment of daily living⁶

Alcohol use disorder treatment

Therapeutic interventions⁷

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
• Marital/Family Counseling
• Group Therapies

Medications⁶

• Naltrexone
• acamprosate
• disulfiram

References

1. Drug Facts: Alcohol
2. Alcohol Basics: Frequently Asked Questions
3. What happens when you drink alcohol
4. Effects of Alcohol on the Brain (Long & Short Term Effects)
5. Alcohol Basics: Alcohol Use and Your Health
6. Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
7. Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help