Alcohol Use and Abuse

Alcohol & Alcoholic Beverages Ethanol Active drug in alcoholic beverages Remember, alcohol is classified as a depressant Social lubricant Makes people more relaxed and uninhibited Did you know?? There are more synonyms for the word “drunk” or “intoxicated” than for any other word in the English language?

Alcohol Use Among Americans Source: National Center for Health Statistics

Alcohol Content in Drinks Beer: 4% alcohol X 12 oz =.48 oz alcohol Wine: 12% alcohol X 4 oz =.48 oz alcohol Whiskey: 40% alcohol X 1.25 oz =.5 oz alcohol All three have the same alcohol content despite different volumes.

Blood Alcohol Concentration and Body Weight Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) The amount of alcohol in the blood in terms of weight per unit volume; used as a measure of intoxication. Factors affecting effects Fatigue level Amount of food in stomach Other medication use (synergistic effect) Body size/weight- gender of alcohol: Rate of consumption Current BAC Genetic predisposition Tolerance (increased risk for health problems)

Binge Drinking Binge drinking Periodically drinking alcohol to the point of severe intoxication. 5 or more drinks in a row for men 4 or more drinks in a row for women Binge drinking affects both drinking and nondrinking students and contributes to: 1,400 deaths per year 70,000 cases of date rape per year 500,000 injuries per year

Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Use

Alcohol: Immediate Effects Absorbed into bloodstream and concentrates in organs of high water content Depresses CNS when absorbed in brain The body can metabolize about one-half of a drink in an hour Low doses of alcohol induce relaxation and release inhibitions High doses of alcohol have many dangerous physical and psychological effects Alcohol is the leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 24 years

Effects of Chronic Use of Alcohol Reduced life expectancy Cirrhosis A disease in which the liver is severely damaged Increased risk of heart attack and cancer Psychological problems and brain damage Drinking during pregnancy Fetal alcohol syndrome A characteristic group of birth defects Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder Learning and behavioral problems

Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Alcohol abuse The use of alcohol to a degree that causes physical damage, impairs functioning, or results in behavior harmful to others Alcohol dependence (alcoholism) A chronic psychological disorder, characterized by excessive and compulsive drinking Development of tolerance and withdrawal DTs (delirium tremens) = state of confusion brought on by the reduction of alcohol intake in a dependent person

Drinking and Driving 70% college students reported driving drunk at least once in past year 2.1 million students ages drove drunk last year 2 of 5 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident in their life Legal limit reduced to.08% BAC There is evidence of impairment at much lower doses 4.In your opinion, why do you believe that people drink and drive?

Health, Behavioral, Social, and Academic Consequences of Alcohol Use 5.List three health problems that could occur due to alcohol consumption. 6.List two negative behavioral consequences of alcohol consumption (not including drunk driving). 7.List two social consequences of alcohol consumption. 8.List two academic problems that could occur due to alcohol consumption.

Why People Start Drinking Peer pressure Need to belong and be accepted Media depiction of drinking Easy access (often at home) Absence of religious attachment Cultural / sociological traditions Social "lubrication" Makes one "feel good“

Drinking and Responsibility Examine your own attitudes and behavior Drink moderately and responsibly Drink slowly and space your drinks Eat before and while drinking Avoid carbonated drinks Know your limits and your drinks Be aware of the setting Use designated drivers Learn to enjoy activities without alcohol Encourage responsible drinking in others Encourage responsible attitudes Be a responsible host Hold drinkers fully responsible for their behavior