Page 153 - Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual

ALCOHOL FACT SHEET

Alcohol is a socially acceptable drug that has been consumed throughout the world for centuries. It is
considered a recreational beverage when consumed in moderation for enjoyment and relaxation during
social gatherings. However, when consumed primarily for its physical and mood-altering effects, it is a
substance of abuse. As a depressant; it slows down physical responses and progressively impairs mental
functions.

Signs and Symptoms of Use

 Dulled mental processes
 Lack of Coordination
 Odor of alcohol on breath
 Possible constricted pupils
 Sleepy or stuporous conditions
 Slowed reaction rate
 Slurred speech

(NOTE: Except for the odor, these are general signs and symptoms of any depressant substance)

Health Effects

The chronic consumption of alcohol (average of three servings per day of beer [12 ounces], whiskey [1
ounce], or wine [6 ounce glass]) over time may result in the following health hazards:

 Decreased sexual functioning
 Dependency (up to 10 percent of all people who drink alcohol become
physically and/or mentally dependent on alcohol and can be termed "alcoholic").
 Fatal liver diseases
 Increased cancers of the mouth, tongue, pharynx, esophagus, rectum, breast and malignant
melanoma.
 Kidney disease
 Pancreatitis
 Spontaneous abortion and neonatal mortality
 Ulcers
 Birth defects (up to 54 percent of all birth defects are alcohol related).

Social Issues
 Two-Thirds of all homicides are committed by people who drink prior to the crime.
 Two to three percent of the driving population is legally drunk at any one time. This rate is
doubled at night and on weekends.
 Two thirds of all Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related vehicle accident during
their lifetimes.
 The rate of separation and divorce in families with alcohol dependency problems is 7 times the
average

FORM SA-8 Page 1 of 2

All Rights Reserved – As approved by the Commission on 05-07-2019 153 | P a g e