The body must process the Alcohol because it is poison!! Body actually creates.3 grams of ethanol per day during fermentation in the digestive system Biologically we have enzymes that process this toxin so it doesn’t kill us

Series of biochemical steps breaks down alcohol 1. Alcohol is broken down by dehydrogenase enzyme into Aldehyde 2. Aldehyde is broken down by dehydrogenase enzyme into acetate 3. Acetate processed by mitochondria during cellular respiration

Individuals react differently to alcohol. Individuals react differently to alcohol. This may be because some people inherit slightly different forms of the enzyme that breaks alcohol down This may be because some people inherit slightly different forms of the enzyme that breaks alcohol down If someone is missing or has a defective enzyme, they cannot tolerate alcohol !! If someone is missing or has a defective enzyme, they cannot tolerate alcohol !! Several nationalities seem to inherit forms of this enzyme that make them more susceptible to alcoholism Several nationalities seem to inherit forms of this enzyme that make them more susceptible to alcoholism SO YES – alcoholism is genetic!! SO YES – alcoholism is genetic!!

Individuals also react differently due to….. Body weight Body weight Gender Gender Diet Diet Liver health Liver health Mood Mood Amount of sleep Amount of sleep Use of other drugs Use of other drugs

Alcohol inhibits reactions and is a central nervous system DEPRESSANT People often think alcohol is a stimulant. They think that they speak more intelligently, dance better etc. This is not the case…..

Alcohol affects judgment!!

Experts agree alcohol plays a part in over ½ of all fatal road accidents!! As the amount of alcohol increases, so does the risk of being in an accident! But by how much???

A study was conducted in Grand Rapids Michigan to look at causes of traffic accidents. They collected data on 13,575 drivers

For example, a person with a BAC of.1 is how many more times likely to have an accident than someone who hasn’t been drinking?? This data was used to calculate relative probability of causing an accident at different BAC. 6 times!! How about at a.15? 25 times more likely!

Other impacts on society…. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome = F.A.S. Results of women drinking alcohol during pregnancy FAS – FAS – –Stunted growth –Characteristic facial features –Mental retardation –Difficulty with coordination –Behavioral problems –Learning disabilities –Speech and language delay –Altered muscle tone –Seizures –Etc.

FAS Range of effects Range of effects –Alcohol use appears to be the most harmful during the first 3 months of pregnancy; however, drinking alcohol any time during pregnancy can be harmful –It is impossible to predict how a fetus will be affected –1 in 100 births –(8% of all pregnant women are alcoholics)

Mixing Alcohol and drugs Alcohol does not mix well with drugs, even over the counter drugs. For example, too much Acetaminophen can cause fatal liver failure!! (tylenol/excedrin etc.) Never take acetaminophen for hang-overs – it is a common cause of emergency room trips for partiers