1. What is Alcohol? Most abused drug in America About 40 percent of all traffic deaths are alcohol- related Toxic—affecting the central nervous system, especially the brain Colorless liquid, generally diluted in water Acts as a depressant Alcohol appears in blood within minutes of consumption; 30–90 minutes for full absorption Detoxification—about 90 percent in the liver About 5 percent is excreted unchanged in breath, perspiration, and urine

2. Standard measures of alcohol One drink is defined as any drink that contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This includes: 12-ounces of regular beer or wine cooler 8-ounces of malt liquor (similar to beer, but with a higher alcohol concentration) 5-ounces of wine 1.5-ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor such as gin, rum, vodka or whiskey. A fifth (or 750 ml) of hard liquor (40% alcohol) is equal to 17 standard drinks.

3. Standard Drink Measurements One drink= 12-ounces of beer 5-ounces of wine (one glass)/1 wine cooler 1 shot or mixed drink

4. Factors influencing rate of absorption Depends on: ▫ Amount of alcohol consumed ▫ The alcohol content of the beverage ▫ Time taken to consume it ▫ Quantity and type of food present in the stomach ▫ Physiology of the consumer

5. Alcohol in the body has 3 stages: 1.Absorption (stomach/small intestine) 2.Distribution (blood) 3.Elimination (oxidation/excretion)

6. Men vs. Women Capacity to dilute alcohol: While the concentration of water in the body of an average man is around 61 percent, a woman has a considerable less water content, that of 52 percent. As a result, a man’s body is naturally equipped to dilute alcohol more efficiently than a woman’s body – regardless of the weight factor. Capacity to metabolize alcohol: As mentioned earlier, women have lower concentrations of dehydrogenase – the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol before it passes into the bloodstream. So, a woman’s body processes alcohol comparatively slower than a man’s body would. Hormonal changes: Variations in the hormonal levels prior to menstruation can cause women to become intoxicated faster. Body fat: The content of body fat is directly related to the rate of absorption and metabolizing of alcohol. Women have a higher concentration of body fat than men. Since fat does not absorb alcohol, the entire alcohol content remains in a highly concentrated form in the bloodstream. Consequently, women experience alcohol-induced intoxication faster than men.

7. Alcohol in the blood/breath Closed circulatory system consisting of a heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries Alcohol absorbed from the stomach and small intestines Carried to the liver where the process of its destruction starts Blood, carrying alcohol, moves to the heart, pumped to the lungs ▫Carbon dioxide and alcohol leave the blood ▫Oxygen enters the blood in the air sacs (alveoli) Carbon dioxide, alcohol exhaled

9. BAC: Blood Alcohol Concentration/Content Expressed as percent weight per volume of blood Legal limit in all states is 0.08 percent Parameters influencing BAC: Body weight Alcohol content Number of beverages consumed Time since consumption

10. BAC Calculation Male BAC = Female BAC = Burn-off rate of 0.015 percent per hour, but can vary: 0.071  (oz)  (% alcohol) body weight 0.085  (oz)  (% alcohol) body weight

11. Field Tests Preliminary tests —used to determine the degree of suspect’s physical impairment Breathalyzer portable, handheld, roadside breath tester Horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN): follow a pen or small flashlight, tracking left to right with one’s eyes. In general, wavering at 45 degrees indicates 0.10 BAC. Nine-step walk and turn (WAT): comprehend and execute two or more simple instructions at one time One-leg stand (OLS): maintain balance; comprehend and execute two or more simple instructions at one time LabTests Blood test

12. Alcohol Statistics According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (2005): Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug by youth in the United States. More than 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth is consumed through binge drinking.

13. Alcohol Statistics According to the National Institute of Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse: Nearly 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In 2013, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 10,076 deaths (30.8 percent of overall driving fatalities).

14. Why should you care? Alcohol, the most commonly used addictive substance, can cause severe harm to those who use this drug, as well as those who are in the drinker’s environment. College students between 18 and 22 years of age, in comparison to same-age non-college peers, report higher levels of episodic drinking. -According to O’Malley & Johnston; 2002; and Wechsler, Dowdall, Davenport, & Castillo; 1995 (as cited in Orchowski & Barnett, 2012)

15. How does alcohol affect your body? Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This means that alcohol lowers your brain’s ability to control behaviors and bodily functions. Alcohol causes you to feel less inhibited in your actions. Some symptoms of alcohol use include slurred speech, sluggish walking, blurred vision, and impairment to make rational decisions (in comparison to your sober state of mind).

16. What is binge drinking? Binge drinking occurs when one drinks in excess to raise blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to above 0.08% grams percent or above. For men: ▫ Binge drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks during a single occasion (such as a party or social event) For women ▫ Binge drinking is define as 4 or more drinks during a single occasion

17. Binge-drinking is a serious concern Binge drinking is a nationwide problem More than 38 million adults binge drink in the United States, and the largest number of drinks per binge is 8, on average Binge drinking can lead to numerous risky behavior, such as physical and sexual violence towards others, sexually transmitted diseases, increased likelihood of developing certain cancers and an increased chance of becoming addicted to other substances

18. Myths about alcohol consumption Myth: “I can drink and still be in control.” Fact: Drinking impairs your judgment and ability to make rational decisions. Therefore, drinking may increase your likelihood to engage in risky behaviors such as criminal activity and unprotected sex. You may also be at a greater risk of being the victim of date rape while intoxicated.

19. Myth: “Drinking isn’t too dangerous” Fact: Statistics tell otherwise. One in three 18- 24-year-olds who are admitted to hospitals for serious injuries are intoxicated. Myth: “I can quickly sober up when I want to” Fact: The only thing that can sober you up is TIME. It takes about three hours for your body to eliminate the alcoholic content of two drinks (depending on weight). Drinking water or eating food will not sober you up quickly. More Myths about alcohol consumption

20. One of the biggest (and most dangerous) myths of all…. Myth: “I can manage to drive well after a few drinks” Fact: Every drink you consume affects your mind and body and slows your reaction time. About half of all fatal car crashes among 18-24-year-olds involved someone who had been drinking alcohol. Even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below 0.08%, you may still be impaired. If you are below 21 years of age, it is illegal to drink and you may lose your driver’s license if caught drinking and driving. More Myths about alcohol consumption

21. Long-term effects of alcohol abuse Alcohol abuse or dependence Social problems such as unemployment, relationship concerns, family problems, violent behavior towards others, and lost productivity Increased risk for cancer of the liver, throat, mouth, larynx, and esophagus Increased risk of psychiatric problems, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.)

22. Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages Combining caffeinated beverages with alcohol can be a deadly combination Since caffeine is a stimulant, you may not experience fatigue and will be unable to gauge your alcohol consumption Combining caffeinated alcoholic beverages with prescription medications may lead to severe side effects or death

23. Practicing responsible drinking Be mindful of how drinking affects yourself and others around you If you are unsure of your safety, such as when going to a social event, bring others you trust with you Remember, the legal age of alcohol consumption in the United States is 21 Drinking alcohol always carries risks. Be aware of how alcohol can affect your mind and body.

24. Signs of alcohol poisoning Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or the person cannot be woken Vomiting Seizures Slow breathing Irregular breathing Low body heat (i.e. Hypothermia), bluish skin color or pale skin color Remember that a person’s BAC levels will continue to rise even after the person has passed out. Do not allow the person to simply “sleep it off.” If you have concerns, call 911 immediately. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2007)

26. What to do if you or a friend consumes too much alcohol? -Call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Dial 911 -Do not leave the individual alone. An individual with alcohol poisoning may vomit and choke if left unattended. -If you have consumed too much alcohol, contact a trusted friend or an individual to stay with you.