1. Chapter 11
Alcohol in the Body

2. Alcoholic Beverages
Fermentation: production of alcohol from sugars through action of yeasts
Distillation: heated process that allows formation of alcohol via evaporation and condensation
Proof = measure of beverage’s alcohol content (2 x’s percentage of alcohol)

3. Types of Consumer Alcohol
Beer
Wine
Distilled spirits

4. Absorption of Alcohol Stomach
Small intestine responsible for most of this
Meals slow alcohol absorption while carbonated liquids increase it
Carbon dioxide acts to move alcohol to small intestine

5. Metabolism Requires no digestion  bloodstream
Cannot be stored or converted into lipids or protein
Women lack dehydrogonase resulting in increased absorption than men

6. Metabolism, cont’d
Liver metabolizes alcohol (90%); skin, breath, urine are the other methods
Acetaldehyde conversion to acetic acid is constant = slow sobering process

7. Central Nervous System Effects
Depresses the CNS
GABA receptors are involved with behavioral effects of alcohol
Table 11-2 shows behavioral effects with BAC percentages
Blackouts are a sign of excessive usage
Promotes sexual behavior by decreasing inhibitions

8. Alcohol Withdrawal – Delirium Tremors
Progression of withdrawal occurs in stages
Stage 1: tremors increase heart rate, increase blood pressure, insomnia
Stage 2: hallucinations (auditory, visual, tactile)
Stage 3: delusions, delirium, amnesia
Stage 4: seizure activity
Medical treatment is sought during stage 1-2

9. Physiological Effects
Peripheral circulation
Fluid balance
Hormone effects

10. Alcohol Toxicity Concepts
Hangover
Chronic diseases upon every body organ
Brain damage
Liver disorders (i.e., cirrhosis)

11. Alcohol Toxicity Concepts, cont’d
Heart disease
Cancer
Compromised immune system

12. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Physical and behavioral abnormalities due to the presence of alcohol during fetal development
Three criteria:
Growth retardation before and/or after birth
Pattern of abnormal features of face and head
Evidence of CNS abnormalities (i.e., mental retardation)

13. Chapter 11
Alcohol in the Body