Effects of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Stimulants

Alcohol Alcoholic Beverages all contain ethyl alcohol, but different % Serving of alcohol = ½ oz. Absorbed through capillary walls in small intestine Distributed throughout body Is a psychoactive drug Oxidation occurs in liver by gastric ADH enzyme .25-.3 oz. of alcohol oxidized / hr. (up to .5 oz)

Short Term Effects of Alcohol GABA GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that decreases arousal, aggression, & anxiety Alcohol increases effects of GABA Glutamate An excitatory neurotransmitter – blocked by alcohol Dopamine and Serotonin Increase rewards – positive reinforcement

Long Term Effects of Alcohol Brain / Nervous System Liver Gastrointestinal tract Cardiovascular Endocrine system Immune system Cancer Hypoglycemia Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Effects on Physical Activity Inc. isometric muscle strength, Inc. VO2 at submax. ex.?? Dec. fine muscle motor control, Dec. hand-eye coordination Lower levels of glycogen

Tobacco Nicotine is the addictive substance Administration Inhalation, Sublingual Absorption – directly into bloodstream Affects brain & CNS Action Causes a release of norepinephrine – stimulant, increase concentration, alertness, decrease appetite Mimics acetylcholine – increase HR, BP, breathing rate Release dopamine – positive reinforcement

Adverse Effects Cardiovascular Respiratory Cancer Most modifiable risk factor for H.D. Due to carbon monoxide buildup Arteriosclerosis Respiratory Damage to cilia Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease – emphysema, bronchitis Cancer Lung cancer Other cancers

Smokeless Tobacco Chewing tobacco & snuff 1.8 million users – mostly young males, athletes Nicotine w/o exposure to CO & tar Same physiological effects as smoking Time-released absorption Other health problems Gum disease, damage to enamel “Leukoplakia” Risk of oral, gum, & cheek cancers Smokeless tobacco doesn’t injure others

Effects on Physical Activity Carbon Monoxide Not banned, but NCAA has anti-tobacco campaign

Stimulants Administration Action Ingestion, Injection, Inhalation Causes release of excitatory neurotransmitters – norepinephrine, dopamine, adrenaline Prevents release of inhibitory neurotransmitter - adenosine Physiological Effects: Increase CNS activity (alertness, concentration), HR, BP, metabolism Psychological Effects: Dec. perception of fatigue, Feel stronger, more decisive, Feelings of paranoia, mood swings, irritability

Amphetamines Medical uses Narcolepsy Hyperactivity Appetite suppressant Recreational uses – mood altering effects (“pep”) Athletic uses Increase blood flow to muscles Decrease sense of fatigue Improve reaction time Go beyond normal physiological limit Increase time of productive work

Physiological Effects of Caffeine Increase metabolism, BP, HR Decrease appetite Increased alertness, decrease fatigue Vasoconstriction in the brain Diuresis Increase stomach acid release

Ephedrine From Ephedra shrub Found in many natural health products – Ma Huang & OTC products – asthma, weight loss FDA approval for asthma and decongestant Substitute for MDMA (“ecstasy”)

Effects of Ephedrine Physiological effects Side effects Bronchodilator, increase heart rate, increase blood pressure Side effects Dizziness, irritability, anxiety Adverse effects Stroke, heart attack, seizures, liver failure, insomnia, risk increases if used with caffeine

Effects on Physical Activity Inc. HR, BP Decrease appetite Feelings of dec. fatigue Caffeine - Ergogenic effects? IOC - 12µg/ml NCAA - 15µg/ml Cocaine & Ephedra - Banned by IOC & NCAA