Chapter 4A: In Depth: Alcohol © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Recommended in moderation No more than one drink/day for women, or two drinks/day for men A drink is the amount of a beverage that provides ½ fluid ounce of pure alcohol 12 oz beer 10 oz wine cooler 4–5 oz wine 1½ oz 80-proof whiskey, scotch, gin, or vodka © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

© 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol (cont.) People who should avoid drinking alcohol: Women who are or may become pregnant, or who are breastfeeding People with a history of alcoholism People taking medications that interact with alcohol People who are driving, operating machinery, or engaging in other tasks that require attention and coordination Anyone younger than the legal drinking age © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Intake Social and health benefits Reduced stress, enhanced confidence, stimulated appetite, improved dietary intake Reduced cardiovascular risk: increased HDL, lower LDL, potentially reduced blood clots May reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline or dementia © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Concerns of Moderate Alcohol Intake Linked to increased risk for breast cancer, hypertension, hemorrhagic stroke Increased Caloric intake and risk for obesity Potential for drug–alcohol interactions © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Metabolism Absorbed directly from the stomach and small intestine Transported to the liver to be metabolized Consuming foods with some fat, protein, and fiber can reduce blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by up to 50% © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Metabolism (cont.) Rate of absorption depends on Presence or absence of food, and type of food Gender Most alcohol is oxidized in the liver Some alcohol is metabolized by both stomach and liver enzymes: Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Metabolism (cont.) Women don't oxidize as much alcohol in their stomachs, thus leaving more there to be absorbed On average, a healthy adult metabolizes the equivalent of one drink per hour Excess alcohol is released back into the bloodstream © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Metabolism (cont.) Metabolic tolerance: the liver becomes more efficient in its breakdown of alcohol Functional tolerance: individuals show few signs of impairment/intoxication, even at high BAC © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

© 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

© 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Abuse Alcohol abuse is a pattern of alcoholic consumption resulting in distress, danger, or harm to one's health, functioning, or relationships Both chronic and occasional alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Abuse (cont.) Binge drinking is consuming 5 or more alcoholic drinks on one occasion (men) or 4 or more (women) Increased risk for fatal falls, drownings, and automobile accidents Increased risk for acts of physical violence, vandalism and sexual assuault © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Abuse (cont.) Alcoholism: a disease characterized by chronic alcohol dependence Symptoms include: Craving Loss of control Physical dependence Tolerance (the need to drink more) © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Abuse (cont.) Narcotic effect: alcohol acts as a sedative, depressant Toxicity risk: high concentrations destroy cells Mortality risks from accidents, trauma © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Hangover Lasts up to 24 hours Symptoms include: Headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, extreme thirst, light/sound sensitivity, mood disturbances Consequences include: Fluid/electrolyte imbalance Stomach and gastric irritation/inflammation Metabolic disturbances Biological disturbances © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Abuse Reduced brain function Even low intakes impair reasoning and judgment Teens/young adults: chronic, excessive consumption can permanently damage brain structure and function Alcohol poisoning Serious metabolic response to very high intakes Reduces oxygen level reaching the brain; can result in death from respiratory or cardiac failure © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

© 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

© 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Abuse (cont.) Reduced liver function Fatty liver Alcoholic hepatitis Cirrhosis of the liver Increased risk for chronic diseases Loss of calcium impacts bone health Pancreatic injury and diabetes Cancer (mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, liver, colon, breast) © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

© 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Abuse (cont.) Malnutrition Over time the diet becomes deficient in protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins A and C, iron, zinc, and calcium Increased risk for traumatic injury Fetal and infant health problems No level of alcohol consumption is safe for pregnant women © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

© 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Alcohol harms fetal development The more alcohol a mother consumes, the greater the danger FAS: causes malformations of developing fetus's face, limbs, heart, and nervous system child will suffer from emotional, social, learning, and developmental disabilities Effects are permanent © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

© 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Alcohol Addiction The National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse suggestions for getting treatment: Stop "covering" and making excuses Intervene at a vulnerable time Be specific Get help Enlist the support of others © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.