Alcohol Chapter 10

2 Chemistry of Alcohol Psychoactive ingredient Ethyl Alcohol Beer 3-6% alcohol by volume Malt Liquors 6-8% alcohol by volume Table wines 9-14% alcohol by volume Fortified wines 20% alcohol by volume Hard liquors 35-50% alcohol by volume Proof Value Ingestion

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4 Absorption 20% is rapidly absorbed 75% is absorbed in the upper small intestines Remain is absorbed along the GI track Carbonation increases the absorption Food in the stomach decreases the absorption Eventually all the alcohol ingested will be absorbed

5 Metabolism and Excretion Transported throughout the body via the bloodstream. Main site for metabolism is the Liver. 2-20% of ingested alcohol is not metabolized.

6 Alcohol Intake and Blood Alcohol Concentration Body weight and body fat Size of the individual Percentage of body fat Difference between women & men Balance of alcohol absorbed and rate of metabolism

7 Effects of Alcohol on Health Dependant on the individual. Low Concentrations.03% -.05%. Higher Concentrations 0.1%, 0.2%,. Concentration of.35%. Poisoning Hangover Use in combination with drugs.

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10 Drinking and Driving 800,000 people are injured a year 40,000 people are killed in alcohol related accidents

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12 The Effects of Chronic Use Diseases of the digestive and cardiovascular systems Liver function liver cell damage and destruction (cirrhosis) Cirrhosis causes drinker to lose Tolerance Pancreas inflammation Cardiovascular system moderate doses may reduce the risk of HD Higher doses elevates BP, may weaken heart muscle or cardiac myopathy. Cancer Mortality

13 The Effects on Pregnancy Effects are dose-related. FAS Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Under weight, flat nasal bridge, and long upper lip.  Small and have heart defects.  Physical and mental growth is slow.Remain mentally impaired. Fine motor skill problems, coordination, learning and behavioral problems (ADS). ARND Alcohol-related neurodevelopment disorder. Heavier drinking early in pregnancy.

14 Health Benefits of Alcohol Abstainers and light to moderate drinkers live longer than heavy users. Moderate drinking = one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. May lower coronary heart disease. Raising blood levels of HDL. May lower risks of; diabetes, arterial blockages, Alzheimer’s

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16 Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Alcohol abuse is recurrent use that has negative consequences. Drinking in dangerous situations. Patterns that lead to problems at home, work, school, interpersonal, or legal.

17 Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Binge Drinking Alcohol Dependence (alcoholism) Involves physical tolerance and withdrawal Signs of Impending Problems with Alcohol

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19 Alcoholism Tolerance Different Patterns Health Effects DTs (delirium tremens) paranoia Social and Psychological effects Causes of Alcoholism

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21 Treatment Programs Not one program works for everyone. AA. 12-step program Al-Anon. Employee Assistance. Pharmacological treatments. Disulfiram Naltrexone

22 Gender and Ethnic Differences Men White American men Women African Americans Latinos Asian Americans American Indians and Alaska Natives

23 Drinking Behavior and Responsibility Examine your attitudes about alcohol use. Examine your drinking behavior. Drink Moderately and responsibly Drink slowly Space your drinks Eat before and while drinking Know your limits and your drinks

24 Promote Responsible Drinking In Others Encourage responsible attitudes Be a responsible host Hold the drinker responsible Learn about prevention programs Take community action

25 Thank You!