Alcohol

What is Alcohol? Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the only alcohol used in beverages, is produced by the fermentation of grains and fruits. Fermenting is a chemical process whereby yeast acts upon certain ingredients in the food, creating alcohol. Is a depressant- slowing down vital functions: slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions inability to react quickly.

What is a "drink"? In the United States, a standard drink contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in 12-ounces of beer (5% alcohol content). 8-ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content). 5-ounces of wine (12% alcohol content). 1.5-ounces of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey)

How alcohol is absorbed in the body Alcohol is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and the small intestine It travels through the bloodstream, throughout the body and eventually to the brain. The liver eliminates the alcohol from the blood through a process called “metabolizing,” The liver can only metabolize a certain amount at a time, leaving the excess circulating throughout the body. When the amount of alcohol in the blood exceeds a certain level, the respiratory (breathing) system slows down markedly, and can cause a coma or death, because oxygen no longer reaches the brain. Alcohol is quickly absorbed and can be measured within 30 to 70 minutes after a person has had a drink..  Approximately 20% of alcohol is absorbed through the stomach.  Most of the remaining 80% is absorbed through the small intestine.

YOUNG PEOPLE VERSUS ADULTS… WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Drinking is more harmful to teens than adults because their brains are still developing throughout adolescence and well into young adulthood. Drinking during this critical growth period can lead to lifelong damage in brain function, particularly your memory, motor skills and coordination.

Underage Drinking Risks Death – 5,000 people under age 21 die each year from alcohol-related car crashes, homicides, suicides, alcohol poisoning, and other injuries such as falls, burns, and drowning. Serious injuries – More than 190,000 people under age 21 visited an emergency room for alcohol-related injuries in 2008 alone. Impaired judgment – Drinking can cause kids to make poor decisions, which can then result in risky behavior like drinking and driving, sexual activity, or violence. Increased risk for physical and sexual assault – Youth who drink are more likely to carry out or be the victim of a physical or sexual assault. Brain development problems – Research shows that brain development continues well into a person’s twenties. Alcohol can affect this development, and contribute to a range of problems.

Alcohol Abuse vs. Alcoholism Alcohol Abuse Drinking too much, too often, and drinking at inappropriate times Alcoholism A disease that causes a person to lose control of their drinking behavior Q: Is a person who abuses alcohol an alcoholic? Explain

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) The amount of alcohol contained in a person's blood. Typically this measurement is converted to a percentage such as 0.10%, which indicates that one-tenth of a percent of a person's blood is alcohol. Individuals with the same BAC may experience different degrees of impairment. Variables that affect your BAC include gender, body weight, time spent drinking, and the amount of food consumed. Q: Who would sober up first, a Male weighing 165 pounds having 5 drinks or a female weighing 120 who has had 2 drinks? Why? Click chart for affects

A larger person with more muscle mass will have more blood then a smaller person. The same amount of alcohol will cause a higher BAC in the person with less body mass because it is mixing with a smaller quantity of blood Woman have more body fat, less muscle mass, blood, and stomach enzymes that help metabolize alcohol. As a result they experience higher concentrations of alcohol in there systems after drinking the same amount as men

How long does it take to get alcohol out of your system? If you go to bed intoxicated with a BAC of.18 and alcohol leaves your system at.015/ hour how long will it take for your BAC level to return to zero? Subtract.015 from your BAC (.18) each hour starting at 2am when you finally go to bed. TimeActivityBAC 2amGo to bed.18 3amSleep 4amSleep (restless) 5amSleep (tossing & turning) 6amSleep 7amWake up 8amRides bike to a friends house 9amPlaying video games 10amCloudy thinking 11amFeeling really tired NoonGoes to subway for some lunch 1pmFeeling better 2pm

Binge Drinking Most common pattern of excessive drinking Brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above. Typically happens when men consume 5 or more drinks, and when women consume 4 or more drinks, in about 2 hours.

Intoxication The state of physical and cognitive impairment caused by drinking alcohol. Typically has both physical and mental effects, difficulties controlling movement, mood changes impairment of cognitive skills impaired judgment impaired impulse control

Effects of Alcohol on the Body (scroll over the individual pictures on the website to gain more information)