= organic compounds with a hydroxyl (-OH) group Alcohol = organic compounds with a hydroxyl (-OH) group

Used as solvents, found in antifreeze, perfumes, fuels, hairspray, medications, etc. All can be toxic to humans Some in small amounts, others in large amounts

Alcohol in the Body Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) – depressant = slows heart rate, brain activity, and causes drowsiness Absorbed to blood thru stomach / small intestine As alcohol concentration , response to stimuli

Initially, very happy b/c part of brain that controls inhibitions is depressed More alcohol, less coordination, more confusion Part of brain for learning and memory - affected

Liver – alcohol broken down by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) Becomes acetaldehyde  CO2 and H2O (90%) Remaining 10% excreted (breath, sweat, urine) Metabolizes 1-2 drinks/hour If more, excess alcohol goes to tissues

Blood Alcohol Concentrations/ Levels of Intoxication 0.08 BAC = 8 g alcohol per 10,000 mL blood Behavior: 0.01-0.05 – normal 0.03-0.12 – euphoria (talkative, confident, less inhibited); loss of motor skills 0.09-0.25 – blurry vision, loss of balance & coordination; sleepy

0.18-0.30 – slurred speech, dizzy, disoriented; very emotional & confused; ++ increased tolerance for pain & affected resp system 0.25-0.40 – difficulty in walking and standing; vomit; lose control of bladder 0.35-0.50 – impaired resp and circ systems; difficulty breathing; temperature drop; coma; die 0.45+ - potentially fatal

Factors Weight, amount consumed, time frame, food in stomach, how often person drinks Alcohol attracted to water  will collect in body tissues with more water Body fat does not contain much water, so does not absorb much alcohol So, more alcohol in blood

Food in stomach slows absorption  pyloric sphincter closes Carbonation speeds absorption 20% absorbed thru stomach walls 80% absorbed thru small intestine walls Medications with sedative effects enhance alcohol’s effect Alcohol may decrease effectiveness of meds

Tolerance = Body’s need for progressively larger amounts of a chemical to cause the same level of intoxication 2 types: Metabolic tolerance – more EtOH, more ADH  speeds elimination and lowers BAC – serious liver damage Functional tolerance – display fewer symptoms of intoxication, no effect on BAC or impairment

Alcohol and the Law 0.08+ BAC = DUI = illegal If driver refuses breath or blood sample, lose license for 6 months – year 1966 – Schmerber v. California – blood sample tested w/o consent – said it violates 5th Amendment right US Supreme Court – did not – 5th Amend. for testimonial evidence, not physical

Determining Alcohol Levels Quickly – presumptive field tests Field Sobriety Tests: Odor of alcohol Horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test – more pronounced involuntary jerking motions of eyes; small light moved slowly side to side, follow with eyes Divided attention tests – backwards ABCs while on one foot; heel to toe walk

Alcohol diffuses into alveoli of lungs Alcohol in breath = 1/2,100 alcohol in blood (2,100 mL of exhaled air = 1 mL blood) Breath Tests Breathalyzer – measures amount of alcohol in exhaled air

Blood tests more accurate than urine GC-MS – separates components, recorded as peak on chromatogram