Effects on the Brain

Alcohol impairs behavior, judgment, memory, concentration and coordination (shortened attention span and impaired problem solving abilities), as well as inducing extreme mood swings and emotional outbursts.

Effects on the Liver

Chronic heavy drinking may cause alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation and destruction of liver cells) and then cirrhosis (irreversible lesions, scarring, and destruction of liver cells), impairs the liver's ability to remove yellow pigment, and skin appears yellow.

Effects on the Kidneys

Alcohol abuse can damage cells, says healthchecksystems. com, and boost the chances of kidney failure by preventing the kidneys from maintaining a balance of minerals and body fluids, and impeding their filtering ability.

Effects on the Stomach

Irritation and damage of esophagus lining, induces severe vomiting, hemorrhaging, pain and difficulty swallowing. Can contribute to throat cancer. Irritation of stomach lining, can cause peptic ulcers, inflammation, bleeding lesions and cancer. Minute blood loss may deplete the body's iron stores, causing irritability, lack of energy, headaches and dizziness.

EFFECTS ON THE PANCREAS

The pancreas becomes stressed from having to create insulin to process the sugar present in alcohol. This creates a significant risk of pancreatitis, a chronic inflammation that can be fatal.

EFFECTS ON THE HEART

- Weakens the heart muscle and ability to pump blood (Cardiomyopathy). - Abnormal heart signals, irregular heart beat and heart enlargement. - Increases blood pressure, risk of heart attack and stroke. - Inhibits production of both red and white blood cells.

EFFECTS ON THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Alcohol acts as a sedative on the central nervous system, depressing the nerve cells in the brain, dulling, altering and damaging their ability to respond appropriately. Large doses cause sleep, anesthesia, respiratory failure, coma and death.

EFFECTS ON PREGNANYS
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her unborn baby. Alcohol in the mothers blood passes through the placenta to the baby through the umbilical cord. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of lifelong disorders, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).

Penalties for Drinking and Driving in Tennessee

Seizure and Forfeiture First Conviction 48 hours minimum $350-$1,500 Vehicle may be seized for 24 hours Second Conviction 45 days -- 11 months and 29 days $600-$3,500 2 years Vehicle may be seized permanently Third Conviction 120 days -- 11 months and 29 days $1,100-$10,000 3-10 years Vehicle may be seized permanently Fourth or Subsequent Conviction 150 days $3,000-$15,000 5 years minimum Vehicle may be seized permanently

Drinking and Driving Laws in Louisiana

In the State of Louisiana it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above. The .08 BAC limit is the standard measurement across the United States for an "Impaired" driver. Louisiana has lower BAC limits for minors and drivers of commercial vehicles. The Louisiana driving while intoxicated (DWI) law also covers the use of drugs such as marijuana, amphetamines, tranquilizers and barbiturates. The penalty for driving under the influence of drugs is the same as driving under the influence of alcohol.

17-yearold Oxford Academy senior Douglas Uselton and his father Steven Uselton were killed by drunk driver Rafael Lopez in Buena Park, CA.
They were driving from their home in Buena Park to the school campus to meet classmates for a speech and debate tournament around 5:30 AM. 18-year-old Rafael Lopez of Anaheim ran a red light and struck Uselton's car at over 80 mph. Like most drunks, Rafael Lopez walked away with minor injuries.

Alcohol 101: An Overview for Teens Margaret O. Hyde John F. Setaro

http://www.shesinrecovery.com/addiction/harmfuleffects.ht ml

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Waging the Battle against Drunk Driving: Issues, Countermeasures, and Effectiveness by Gerald D. Robin (Magazine 201)