It May Only Be One Drink, but You Only Have One Life

Alcohol and the Body (How it all works) -Alcohol is absorbed through all parts of the gastrointestinal tract through diffusion. Diffusion is the movement of fluids from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. -The area that does most of the absorption is the small intestines due to its large surface area. This is where most of the alcohol finds its way to the blood stream. -Many factors effect alcohol absorption but food consumption is a big influence on that timing. -If one were to eat food closer to the time of alcohol consumption, it would take longer for the alcohol to be absorbed into the blood, and therefore have any noticeable effects on the person. This is because the food is blocking the alcohol’s passageway into the small intestines from the stomach.

Alcohol and the Body (How it all works) - Once the alcohol hits the bloodstream, the alcohol becomes evenly distributed throughout the body. -95% of the alcohol ingested by the body is metabolized by the Liver, which means it is eliminated. However, on average it is only removed at a rate of .5 ounces per hour. - The last five percent is released through urine, sweat, feces, breath, and saliva.

Proof and Percent - Percent (ABV – Alcohol by Volume)– It simply represents the amount of volume of ethanol, which is the alcohol in consumable drinks, compared to the entire volume of the drink. It is expressed as a percentage. - Proof –To compute a liquor’s proof you simply multiply the ABV or Percent by 2. -80 proof is most commonly described as the “normal” amount. Therefore, if you drink alcohol with more than 80 proof, it would be considered more than one drink.

Serving Sizes 1 Beer= 12 ounces 1 Glass of Wine= 5 ounces 1 shot of 80 proof liquor= 1 ounce- 1.5 ounces

Understanding BAC and DUI’s -BAC is the acronym for Blood Alcohol Content. It is shown in decimal form to describe how much alcohol is currently in one’s bloodstream. -While someone who drinks often can build up a tolerance to alcohol (meaning they don’t show effects as much as someone else), they still will have the same BAC as someone who has the same number of drinks and weighs the same. -All the myths regarding changing your BAC are false. The only way to decrease your BAC is TIME.

Understanding BAC and DUI’s -A breathalyzer is a small device used to measure someone’s blood alcohol content through their breath. This works because blood is pumped through the lungs and during this process, some blood is transferred over to the Alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs). When someone blows into the breathalyzer, their exhale is full of this Alveolar air, and this is directly related to the amount of alcohol in the blood. - It is important to note that drunk driving STARTS at .08. So if you have a .08 and are operating a vehicle even 21 and over, you will be arrested for a DUI (driving under the influence).

Consequences of Underage Drinking -Facts you should know and understand: “If you are under the age of 21, the possession, consumption, transportation, and manufacture of alcohol is illegal. This means that even if you did not drink anything, you can still be charged with an underage offense. The consequences for underage drinking (18 Pa.C.S.A. 6308A) violations are as follows: 1st offense: 90-day license suspension 2nd offense: 1 year license suspension 3rd offense: 2 year license suspension” -It is important to note that you can still be arrested even if you personally have not consumed any alcohol. Possession is a vague term but to be safe, you shouldn’t be at a party where underage drinking is occurring.

Consequences of Underage Drinking Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience: -School problems (worse grades or higher absence rates) -Social problems (fighting, lack of participation in activities) -Legal problems -Physical problems (hangover or increased illnesses due to an impaired immune system) - Unwanted, Unplanned, and Unprotected sexual activity -Disruption of normal growth and sexual development -Physical and Sexual Assault -Higher risk for suicide and homicide -Alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional injuries such as burns, falls, and drowning -Memory problems -Abuse of other drugs -Changes in brain development (could be life-long) -Death from alcohol poisoning

Alcoholism and Abuse -Alcoholism is when you have signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. - Alcohol may control your life and relationships. -Alcohol abuse is when your drinking leads to problems, but not physical addiction.

Goal Setting -All this information needs to eventually come back to YOU. How does all this content relate to you, your life, and your future? - -Goals need to be REALISTIC, INCREMENTAL, AND INTRINSICALLY MOTIVATING -They need to be written down. Goals that are written down are MUCH more likely to be accomplished.