ALCOHOL Health

General Information Alcohol may be the world’s oldest known drug. Also known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol Big business in today’s society Alcohol abuse has become a major public health problem.

TYPES OF ALCOHOL 1. Ethyl alcohol – common drinking form. Ethanol is another name for this type of alcohol 2. Denatured alcohol – used for medical purposes. Ex. Rubbing alcohol 3. Methyl alcohol – found in wood, solvent, shellac, and if consumed, even in small amounts, may lead to death.

WHEN CONSUMING ALCOHOL: It mostly affects the liver It is first absorbed in the tongue It does not need to be broken down It is immediately available for digestion

FACTORS: 1. Rate of consumption - speed at which alcohol is taken in and consumed, then sent to the liver for oxidation. OXIDATION – process in which the liver converts or breaks down alcohol into carbon dioxide, water, and energy. Average is about one drink per hour or ½ ounce alcohol per hour.

FACTORS: 2. Rate of absorption – how quickly alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and takes effect. Food can affect this – an empty stomach absorbs alcohol quickly. 3. Level of experience – experienced drinkers are better able to anticipate its effect and minimize its impact. 4. Degree of tolerance – presence or absence can play an important role in how quickly alcohol will cause changes in the body.

The path of alcohol in the body 1. Mouth: alcohol enters the body. 2. Stomach: some alcohol gets into the bloodstream in the stomach, but most goes on to the small intestine. 3. Small Intestine: alcohol enters the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine. 4. Heart: pumps alcohol throughout the body. 5. Brain: alcohol reaches the brain. 6. Liver: alcohol is oxidized by the liver at a rate of about 0.5 oz per hour. Alcohol is converted into water, carbon dioxide and energy.

Effects on the body Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. In low doses, alcohol can produce: a relaxing effect reduced tension lower inhibitions impaired concentration slower reflexes impaired reaction time reduced coordination

Effects on the body In medium doses, alcohol can produce: slurred speech drowsiness altered emotions In high doses, alcohol can produce: vomiting breathing difficulties unconsciousness coma DEATH

Addicted? Chronic drinking can lead to dependence and addiction to alcohol Withdrawal symptoms include shaking (tremors), sleep problems, and nausea. More severe withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations and even seizures.

Effects On the Body Central Nervous System Accelerates the loss of brain cells, contributing to cognitive deficits. Chronic use can lead to brain damage. Liver Long-term excessive drinking can cause hepatitis (inflammation and destruction of liver cells) and cirrhosis (scarring and shrinkage of the liver).

ALCOHOL AND THE CNS 1. Cerebrum – controls judgment, memory, speech vision 2. Cerebellum – mostly affects muscle coordination 3. Medulla (brain stem) – breathing, heart rate, vitals – are all involuntary functions 4. Judgment – reaction time is affected

ALCOHOL AND THE CNS 5. Conscious mind – buried feelings, crime, unwanted pregnancy, STD’s 6. Vision – blurred, doubled, or distorted; also depth and distance affected 7. Muscle control – balance, coordination, speech slurred, staggered walking 8. Senses reduced – sights and sounds are reduced

BAL OR BAC Blood Alcohol Level or Content Definition – amount of grams of pure alcohol per 100ml of blood

Effects of alcohol can vary depending on how much and how fast it is consumed. Remember, these effects are compounded and increase as more alcohol is consumed.

BAL OR BAC Blood Alcohol Level or Content 1. Alcohol causes first a tolerance then physical dependence 2. Fatty liver – fat metabolism is affected 3. Cirrhosis of the liver – scar tissue develops and liver hardens

BAL OR BAC Blood Alcohol Level or Content 4. Stomach problems – upsets the lining of the stomach leading to gastritis 5. Cardiomyopathy – the heart muscle tissue weakens over time 6. DT’s (delirium tremens) – hands shake, convulsions, hallucinate

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Is entirely preventable Most common side effects: mental retardation, low birth weight, facial deformities, malfunctions of the heart, short in length, restless, immediate withdrawal

Alcohol and women 1. Women have lower percentage of water and higher percentage of fat so the alcohol stays in the body longer and is diluted less 2. Less stomach enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase) to break down the alcohol 3. Tend to get drunk sooner and stay drunk longer

Alcohol and Nutrition alcohol has calories and is a food. Energy value is 7 cal/g Also causes dehydration due to effect on the kidneys

One drink equals:

Effects On the Body Kidneys Impairs their ability to regulate the volume and composition of fluid and electrolytes in the body. Heart Chronic, heavy alcohol use increases the risk of heart disease. Alcohol use can also worsen high blood pressure and diabetes, two risk factors for heart disease.

Effects on Liver

Effects on Kidneys and Brain Photo courtesy of Sterling Clarren, MD No exposure to alcohol Heavy prenatal exposure to alcohol