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Lesson Nine: Responsible Alcohol Use and Decreasing Tobacco Dependency

Dr. Ches Jones, Ph.D.

Lesson Nine Lecture

 

Lesson Nine Slides

Readings and Videos

WWYD: Man Tries to Take Advantage of Drunk Spring Breaker.[1]

About E-Cigarettes (Vapes) [2]

About Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking.[3]

Study Guide

  • Introduction
    • This guide explores the risk factors associated with alcohol and tobacco use, examining their prevalence, health effects, and societal impacts.
    • Alcohol and tobacco are common substances with significant health risks, contributing to numerous health issues, including addiction, organ damage, and increased mortality rates.
  • Main Concepts
    • Alcohol Use and Effects
      • Alcohol is widely consumed, with varying effects based on body size, gender, and consumption habits. It provides 7 calories per gram, surpassing carbohydrates.
      • Short-term effects include gastrointestinal irritation and increased heart arrhythmia risk, while long-term effects include liver disease, cancer, and cardiovascular issues.
    • Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
      • BAC measures alcohol concentration in the bloodstream, affecting abilities like driving. The legal limit is 0.08 in the US, but individual factors influence intoxication levels.
      • High BAC can lead to alcohol poisoning, unconsciousness, and fatalities, emphasizing the need for awareness of alcohol’s immediate and long-term health impacts.
    • Tobacco Use and Effects
    • Tobacco is a major health concern, classified as a cancer-causing agent. Despite decreased smoking rates, tobacco remains a significant health risk.
    • Tobacco use is linked to various health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, and reproductive problems. Vaping has emerged as a new concern with potential health risks.
  • Key Points
    • Alcohol’s Impact on Health and Society
      • Alcohol use is prevalent on college campuses, with significant rates of binge drinking and associated risks like driving under the influence and academic performance decline.
      • Alcoholism is a severe addiction requiring medical intervention for withdrawal, with risk factors including biological, social, and cultural influences.
    • Tobacco’s Health Risks
      • Tobacco use contributes to lung cancer, emphysema, and cardiovascular diseases, with environmental tobacco smoke posing additional risks to non-smokers.
      • Smoking cessation is challenging due to nicotine addiction, but quitting offers substantial health benefits, including reduced heart attack risk.
  • Key Terms and Definitions
    • Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): The concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream, used to measure intoxication levels.
    • Cirrhosis: A chronic liver disease resulting from long-term alcohol abuse, leading to liver damage and scarring.
    • Nicotine: An addictive substance found in tobacco, contributing to dependence and health risks.
    • Environmental Tobacco Smoke: Also known as secondhand smoke, it includes mainstream and sidestream smoke, affecting non-smokers’ health.
  • Summary and Conclusion
    • The guide outlines the health risks and societal impacts of alcohol and tobacco use, emphasizing the importance of understanding these substances’ effects.
    • Key takeaways include the dangers of alcohol and tobacco use, the importance of recognizing addiction, and the benefits of cessation efforts.
    • Reflecting on these issues highlights the need for awareness and prevention strategies to mitigate the health risks associated with alcohol and tobacco.[4]

  1. ABC News. (2017, March 3) WWYD: Man tries to take advantage of drunk spring breaker. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/J7z_cfAKUmE?si=mF-eLbZL8lKiDUeB
  2. Center for Disease Control. (2024, May 15.) About E-Cigarettes (vapes). https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/about.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/about-e-cigarettes.html
  3. Center for Disease Control. (2024, May 15.) About health effects of cigarette smoking. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/index.htm
  4. This study guide was created using ClipGist, a generative AI tool created by Arizona State University on OpenAI's API platform.https://teachonline.asu.edu/asu-online-ai-tools