1. Chapter 4A: In Depth: Alcohol
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2. 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
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4. 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
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5. 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
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6. 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
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7. 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%
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8. 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)
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9. 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
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10. 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
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13. 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
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14. 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
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15. 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)
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16. Alcohol Abuse (cont.)
Narcotic effect: alcohol acts as a sedative, depressant
Toxicity risk: high concentrations destroy cells
Mortality risks from accidents, trauma
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17. 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
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18. 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
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21. 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)
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23. 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
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25. 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
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27. 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
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