Chapter Ten The Responsible Use of Alcohol

Alcohol Use Patterns 49% of Americans abstain from alcohol use49% of Americans abstain from alcohol use 22% are considered “light” drinkers22% are considered “light” drinkers 29% are considered “risky” drinkers29% are considered “risky” drinkers Alcohol is responsible for more than 70,000 deaths per year among AmericansAlcohol is responsible for more than 70,000 deaths per year among Americans

Nature of Alcoholic Beverages Consumable form of alcohol – ethylConsumable form of alcohol – ethyl Fermentation: process where sugars are converted into alcohol by yeastFermentation: process where sugars are converted into alcohol by yeast Proof: alcohol concentration that is twice the percentageProof: alcohol concentration that is twice the percentage Alcohol provides 7 calories per gramAlcohol provides 7 calories per gram Alcohol is a depressant

Factors that Affect Alcohol Absorption and Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels Strength of the beverageStrength of the beverage Number of drinks consumedNumber of drinks consumed Speed of consumptionSpeed of consumption Carbonation of the beverageCarbonation of the beverage Presence of food Body weight Body fat percentage Gender

Metabolism and Excretion Once alcohol reaches the stomach, 20% is absorbed into the bloodstreamOnce alcohol reaches the stomach, 20% is absorbed into the bloodstream 75% is absorbed through the upper part of the small intestine75% is absorbed through the upper part of the small intestine The liver is the main site for alcohol metabolismThe liver is the main site for alcohol metabolism 2-10% of ingested alcohol is not metabolized by the liver or other tissues, it is excreted by the lungs, kidneys, and sweat glands unchanged2-10% of ingested alcohol is not metabolized by the liver or other tissues, it is excreted by the lungs, kidneys, and sweat glands unchanged

Blood Alcohol Concentration Percentage of alcohol in a measured amount of bloodPercentage of alcohol in a measured amount of blood Measured from exhaled breath or blood sampleMeasured from exhaled breath or blood sample Depends upon the balance between the rate of alcohol absorption and the rate of alcohol metabolismDepends upon the balance between the rate of alcohol absorption and the rate of alcohol metabolism

The Immediate Effects of Alcohol At % = relaxation and jovialAt % = relaxation and jovial At.10% = physical impairmentAt.10% = physical impairment At.20% = uncontrollable movementAt.20% = uncontrollable movement At.35% = coma and possible deathAt.35% = coma and possible death

Alcohol Hangover vs. Alcohol Poisonng A hangover is probably due to a combination of toxic products of alcohol breakdown, dehydration, and hormonal effectsA hangover is probably due to a combination of toxic products of alcohol breakdown, dehydration, and hormonal effects Symptoms of a hangover include:Symptoms of a hangover include: HeadachesHeadaches FatigueFatigue Impaired mental functioningImpaired mental functioning Alcohol poisoning is consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time, raising BAC to dangerous levels which could result in death due to:Alcohol poisoning is consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time, raising BAC to dangerous levels which could result in death due to: CNS depressionCNS depression Respiratory failureRespiratory failure Pulmonary edemaPulmonary edema

Other Dangerous Alcohol Use Combination Using Alcohol with Other DrugsUsing Alcohol with Other Drugs Impaired judgment from Alcohol leading to:Impaired judgment from Alcohol leading to: InjuriesInjuries ViolenceViolence SuicideSuicide Alcohol and Sexual Decision-makingAlcohol and Sexual Decision-making Unplanned sexual activityUnplanned sexual activity STD’sSTD’s Accidental pregnanciesAccidental pregnancies Drinking and DrivingDrinking and Driving Dose-response functionDose-response function

The Effects of Chronic Use

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Fetus is exposed to alcohol in a slower manner than an adult via the placentaFetus is exposed to alcohol in a slower manner than an adult via the placenta Damage results in mental retardationDamage results in mental retardation Other characteristics are low birth weight, facial abnormalities, widely spaced eyes, and a much smaller head.Other characteristics are low birth weight, facial abnormalities, widely spaced eyes, and a much smaller head. Full expression rate: 1-2 out of 1000 birthsFull expression rate: 1-2 out of 1000 births

Possible Health Benefits of Alcohol Moderate drinking can benefit people who currently have or are at risk for Coronary Heart Disease by raising HDL levels and reducing inflammationModerate drinking can benefit people who currently have or are at risk for Coronary Heart Disease by raising HDL levels and reducing inflammation Some evidence suggests that moderate drinkers may reduce the onset of:Some evidence suggests that moderate drinkers may reduce the onset of: DiabetesDiabetes StrokeStroke Arterial blockagesArterial blockages Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s Disease Prostate enlargementProstate enlargement

Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Alcohol Abuse is recurrent use that has negative consequences that result in personal forms of difficultiesAlcohol Abuse is recurrent use that has negative consequences that result in personal forms of difficulties Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism) is a result of needing alcohol on a regular basis to function, involving physical tolerance and withdrawal symptomsAlcohol Dependence (Alcoholism) is a result of needing alcohol on a regular basis to function, involving physical tolerance and withdrawal symptoms

Problem Drinking and Alcoholism Problem drinking – alcohol pattern where the behavior creates personal difficulties or difficulties for othersProblem drinking – alcohol pattern where the behavior creates personal difficulties or difficulties for others Co-dependence – relationships that support an alcoholicCo-dependence – relationships that support an alcoholic

Health Effects of Alcoholism Withdrawal symptoms can be acute (shakes or jitters) to more severe i.e. seizures, delirium tremens (DTs)Withdrawal symptoms can be acute (shakes or jitters) to more severe i.e. seizures, delirium tremens (DTs) Alcoholism takes a heavy physical toll upon the body’s organs and tissues as well as causing psychological problemsAlcoholism takes a heavy physical toll upon the body’s organs and tissues as well as causing psychological problems Socially, it is a serious problem to families and friendsSocially, it is a serious problem to families and friends Economically, it effects employment and healthcare costsEconomically, it effects employment and healthcare costs

Causes of Alcoholism The precise causes are unknown, however the following factors are probably involvedThe precise causes are unknown, however the following factors are probably involved GeneticsGenetics PersonalityPersonality Social factorsSocial factors EnvironmentEnvironment Family structureFamily structure

Binge Drinking Defined as having 5 or more drinks in a row for men, 4 or more for women on at least one occasion in the last two weeksDefined as having 5 or more drinks in a row for men, 4 or more for women on at least one occasion in the last two weeks A common form of alcohol abuse on college campusesA common form of alcohol abuse on college campuses Binge drinking kills dozens of college students each year in this countryBinge drinking kills dozens of college students each year in this country Fast, heavy drinking can easily raise BAC levels quickly, leading to unconsciousness and deathFast, heavy drinking can easily raise BAC levels quickly, leading to unconsciousness and death

Treatment for Alcoholism Rehab centersRehab centers HospitalsHospitals MedicationMedication CounselingCounseling Support groupsSupport groups

Gender and Ethnic Differences on Alcoholism Among White American men, drinking starts in the teenage years and progresses into late adulthoodAmong White American men, drinking starts in the teenage years and progresses into late adulthood Women tend to become alcoholics much later (40’s or 50’s)Women tend to become alcoholics much later (40’s or 50’s) African-Americans tend to have more health related problems with alcohol useAfrican-Americans tend to have more health related problems with alcohol use Drunk driving and cirrhosis tend to be common elements with Latino menDrunk driving and cirrhosis tend to be common elements with Latino men American Indians and Alaskans tend to abuse alcohol early in lifeAmerican Indians and Alaskans tend to abuse alcohol early in life

Tips to Drink Responsibly Drink SlowlyDrink Slowly Space your drinksSpace your drinks Eat before and while drinkingEat before and while drinking Know your limits and your drinksKnow your limits and your drinks

How to Promote Responsible Drinking? Encourage Responsible AttitudesEncourage Responsible Attitudes Be a Responsible HostBe a Responsible Host Hold the Driver ResponsibleHold the Driver Responsible Learn About Prevention ProgramsLearn About Prevention Programs Take Community ActionTake Community Action

Chapter Ten The Responsible Use of Alcohol