Chapter Eight Taking Control of Alcohol Use The most recent information is showing national data indicating alcohol consumption per capita has gradually dropped in the United States since the early 1980’s. Alcohol still does remain the preferred form of drug use for most adults (including college students). There are many reasons why people choose to drink but regardless of these reasons, it still does alter brain chemistry by depressing the central nervous system, resulting in inhibitions(inner controls that prevent a person from engaging in certain types of behavior) being reduced which results in different versions of personalities coming out of check.

Alcohol Use Patterns 85-90% of college students drink Abstainers – don’t drink Infrequent drinkers – once a month (small amounts) Light drinkers – once a month to 3-4 times a month Moderate drinkers – drink once a week Two thirds of all American adults are drinkers. In the college environment, surveys are indicating that 85-90% of college students drink alcohol. Of the drinking population, one third consider themselves light drinkers, one-third consider themselves moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers were in the 10% bracket. The rest of the percentages were in the moderate to heavy drinking category.

Alcohol Use Patterns (cont’d) Moderate/heavy drinkers – drink once a week, medium amounts Heavy drinkers – drink once a week, large amounts Binge drinkers – consume 5 drinks in a row (weekend drinker) Binge drinking is the practice of consuming large quantities of alcohol in a relatively short amount of time. Many college students who fit this category, participate in this behavior 1-2 times per week, possibly during the weekends when classes are not being held. Binge drinking is extremely dangerous and low academic performance has been closely associated with such behavior. Along with health risks, drunk driving, date rape, physical violence, property destruction, and police arrests have been linked to binge drinking.

Nature of Alcoholic Beverages Consumable form of alcohol – ethyl Fermentation: process where sugars are converted into alcohol by yeast Proof: alcohol concentration that is twice the percentage The only consumable forms of alcohol are ethyl or ethanol from the processes of either fermentation or distillation. The alcohol concentration in distilled drinks (whiskey, vodka, rum, etc) are expressed by a term called “proof”. A proof of a beverage is usually twice of the alcohol concentration of the drink. If a drink is 80 proof, the percentage of alcohol is 40%. Alcohol has poor nutritional value and is known to be called “empty calories” due to the lack of important nutrients. Even though alcohol can bring feelings of joy and excitement, it is a depressant and feelings are attributed to the release of a person’s inhibitions. Alcohol is a depressant

Factors that Affect Alcohol Absorption Strength of the beverage Number of drinks consumed Speed of consumption Presence of food Body chemistry Gender The following factors affect how quickly alcohol will be absorbed into the bloodstream. Strength of the drink: the stronger the drink, the greater the amount of alcohol will be released into the bloodstream. Number of drinks: more drinks consumed equate to more alcohol being released Speed of consumption: the faster you drink, the quicker alcohol is released. Presence of food: the amount or type of food can slow down absorption. Foods high in fat and protein will slow down alcohol compared to carbohydrates. Regardless, having food in your stomach is better than no food at all when trying to reduce alcohol in the bloodstream. Body chemistry: Physiological basis for one’s metabolic rate will determine how fast alcohol is broken down or released into the bloodstream. Also, emotional status can affect how quickly alcohol is metabolized. Gender: Women lack the ability to break down alcohol compared to men due to the lack of the stomach enzyme called dehydrogenase. As a result, women could absorb about 30% or more alcohol into their system, despite all other factors being equal with men (body fat%, weight, size, amount of drinks, etc)

Blood Alcohol Concentration Percentage of alcohol in a measured amount of blood Measured from exhaled breath or blood sample Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) rises when alcohol is consumed at a faster rate than what the liver can remove (via oxidation). Most people need two hours to metabolize one drink. Oxidation is a constant variable and cannot be changed or altered due to certain pills, food, or concoctions. The concept of time is the only way to create the term “sobriety”. Blood alcohol concentrations can be measured by an analysis of exhaled air or by a blood sample.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (cont’d) At .10% = physical impairment At .20% = uncontrollable movement At .40% = coma and possible death At a level of .10%, a loss of significant motor skills are observed. Most users at this stage do not feel intoxicated or appear to be impaired. At .20%, characteristics of rude behavior as well as extreme poor coordination is observed. The person has a difficult time moving in a controlled fashion. At .40%, unconsciousness also known as “blackouts” occur. At this level, coma can set in and for some people, death could occur due to the depressive properties of alcohol stopping the breathing mechanism. Emergency first aid is necessary at this stage.

Alcohol Related Health Problems The relationship between alcohol consumption and health problems are shown in this slide. Heavy usage of alcohol can lead to major changes within the body, resulting in morbidity and mortality. Besides the major organs that have been highlighted, alcohol use also damages the immune system and the nervous system.

First Aid for Acute Alcohol Intoxication The following are considered warning signs: Weak, rapid pulse Unconscious stupor = shock Cool and damp skin Skin color is bluish or pale Involuntary regurgitation Treatment: Seek medical assistance Lie person on their side Monitor breathing and pulse rate Make sure the head is lower than their body

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Fetus is exposed to alcohol in a slower manner than an adult Damage results in mental retardation Other characteristics are low birth weight, facial abnormalities, widely spaced eyes, and a much smaller head. Full expression rate: 1-3 out of 1000 births Scientific evidence shows that alcohol use by pregnant women can result in birth defects in unborn children. When alcohol enters the placenta, it enters the fetal bloodstream in a concentration equal to that in the mother’s bloodstream. Unfortunately, the fetal liver is underdeveloped and oxidizes the alcohol much more slower than the mother, which allows overexposure to the toxic effects. Mental retardation is a probable result. Other characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are listed. Is there a safe limit to the amount of drinks a pregnant mother can have? The answer is unknown so the best advice would be not to drink at all.

Alcohol-Related Societal Problems Accidents Motor vehicle collisions Falls Drowning Fires and Burns Crime and Violence Suicide

Organizations that Support Responsible Drinking Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) BACCHUS GAMMA Peer Education Network

Problem Drinking and Alcoholism Problem drinking – alcohol pattern where the behavior creates personal difficulties or difficulties for others Alcoholism – chronic disease due to uncontrolled consumption Co-dependence – relationships that support an alcoholic Problem drinking and alcoholism sometimes are difficult to differentiate. The alcoholic can’t stop drinking. The problem drinker is one where their pattern of poor behavior is due to the alcohol consumption. Problem drinkers are not always heavy drinkers, daily, or weekly drinkers. Every time they do decide to drink, the result is tragic. The concept of co-dependence describes the relationship between the drinker and those around them. The addiction is dual concept. Both are addicted to each other, allowing the person to continue with their problem, enabling the behavior. Codependent people do pay a price since they eventually become dependent upon alcohol themselves or may suffer a variety of psychological problems such as loss of self esteem, anxiety, and depression. Codependents are also high risk for physical and sexual abuse.

Problem Drinking and Alcoholism (cont’d) Denial – unconscious process of using defense mechanism to avoid admitting a problem Enabling – supporting an alcoholic by also denying their problem Denial and enabling are used by the problem drinker or alcoholic as defense mechanisms to maintain their drinking behavior. Currently, family members, friends, or co-workers of alcohol dependent people are encouraged to intervene and force an alcohol dependent person into treatment.

Treatment for Alcoholism Rehab centers Hospitals Medication Counseling Support groups

Current Alcohol Concerns Adult Children of Alcoholic Parents Women and Alcohol Alcohol Advertising Alcohol Advertising in Ethnic Communities

Chapter Eight Taking Control of Alcohol Use end