Master Sgt. Doug Oswald Assistant Drug Demand Reduction Administrator Drug Abuse Education Course

Alcohol

Alcohol: Quick Facts The drug of choice in our society, and most widely used drug in the U.S. The drug of choice in our society, and most widely used drug in the U.S. 51.8% of the population are current users. 51.8% of the population are current users. Ethanol is the active ingredient in all forms of alcoholic beverages and is a central nervous system depressant. Ethanol is the active ingredient in all forms of alcoholic beverages and is a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol consumption is illegal for those under the legal age limit of 21. Alcohol consumption is illegal for those under the legal age limit of 21.

Alcohol: Quick Facts Peer pressure and depression are often cited as reasons for abuse. Peer pressure and depression are often cited as reasons for abuse. 42% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related. 42% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related. 13% of Americans drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. 13% of Americans drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year.

Males: 58.1% Males: 58.1% Females: 45.9% Females: 45.9% Age 12-13: 4.2% Age 12-13: 4.2% Age 14-15: 15.1 Age 14-15: 15.1 Age 16-17: 30.1 Age 16-17: 30.1 Age 18-20: 51.1% Age 18-20: 51.1% Age 21-25: 67.4% Age 21-25: 67.4% Age 26 and up: 50.4% Age 26 and up: 50.4% High School Drop-out: 36.7% High School Drop-out: 36.7% High School Graduate: 53.2% High School Graduate: 53.2% Some College: 64.4% Some College: 64.4% College Graduate: 69.4% College Graduate: 69.4% Employed full-time: 57.3% Employed full-time: 57.3% Employed part-time: 51.1% Employed part-time: 51.1% Unemployed: 49.1% Unemployed: 49.1% Alcohol: Quick Facts

A 12 ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, a glass of wine and shot of distilled spirits each contain about the same amount of alcohol – 1/2 ounce. A 12 ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, a glass of wine and shot of distilled spirits each contain about the same amount of alcohol – 1/2 ounce. It takes about an hour to metabolize 1/2 ounce of alcohol. It takes about an hour to metabolize 1/2 ounce of alcohol. Tolerance develops quickly and large doses can result in brain damage and death. Tolerance develops quickly and large doses can result in brain damage and death.

.05 = Lightheadedness, giddiness, lowered inhibitions, impaired coordination and judgment..05 = Lightheadedness, giddiness, lowered inhibitions, impaired coordination and judgment..10 = Deterioration of motor skills and loss of coordination and reaction time..10 = Deterioration of motor skills and loss of coordination and reaction time..15 = Impairment of balance and movement..15 = Impairment of balance and movement..20 = Depression of motor skills and sensory functions..20 = Depression of motor skills and sensory functions..30 = Severe confusion and stuporousness..30 = Severe confusion and stuporousness..40 = Unconscious, skin becomes sweaty and clammy..40 = Unconscious, skin becomes sweaty and clammy..45 = Circulation and respiration functions become depressed and possibly stop..45 = Circulation and respiration functions become depressed and possibly stop..50 = Near death..50 = Near death. Alcohol: Blood Alcohol Level

Binge drinking is having five or more drinks without rest, at least once in the past month. Binge drinking is having five or more drinks without rest, at least once in the past month. About 55 million Americans, 22.7%, are considered to be binge drinkers. About 55 million Americans, 22.7%, are considered to be binge drinkers. Heavy drinking is having 5 or more drinks without rest, five or more days in the past month. Heavy drinking is having 5 or more drinks without rest, five or more days in the past month. About 16 million Americans, 6.6%, are considered to be heavy drinkers. About 16 million Americans, 6.6%, are considered to be heavy drinkers. Alcohol: Binge Drinking

32% of heavy drinkers use illicit drugs. 32% of heavy drinkers use illicit drugs. 3.5% of non-drinkers use illicit drugs. 3.5% of non-drinkers use illicit drugs. 60.6% of heavy drinkers smoke. 60.6% of heavy drinkers smoke. 20.4% of non-binge drinkers smoke. 20.4% of non-binge drinkers smoke. 16.7% of non-drinkers smoke. 16.7% of non-drinkers smoke. Alcohol: Gateway Drug?

Alcohol: effects on the body Dulls pain Dulls pain Disrupts vision Disrupts vision Interferes with sleep Interferes with sleep Affects sexual functions Affects sexual functions Interacts with other drugs Interacts with other drugs Severe damage to developing fetus Severe damage to developing fetus In large doses, causes brain paralysis that can shut down the heart and lungs In large doses, causes brain paralysis that can shut down the heart and lungs Damages the liver Damages the liver