Alcohol Lecture II
BrainReaches brain as soon as consumedSlows the work of the central nervous systemThought processes are disorganizedMemory and concentration are dulledDecision making can be badly affected
Short-Term Effects of Drinking
LiverOxidation-changes alcohol to water, carbon
dioxide, energyOxidize 1/3-1/2 an oz. of alcohol per hourAlcohol intake > oxidation = IntoxicationAlcohol circulates through all body parts until
oxidation is complete
Short-Term Effects of Drinking
Blood VesselsAlcohol causes an increase in blood flowMakes the skin feel flush and warm (Sweating)Artificial warmth, greater chance of
hypothermia
Short-Term Effects of Drinking
HeartIncrease in heart rate/blood pressureArrhythmias-abnormal heartbeatsRisk of heart attack/stroke increase
Short-Term Effects of Drinking
KidneysProduces more urineMain reason a person feels dehydrated after
heavily drinking
Short-Term Effects of Drinking
StomachAlcohol is immediately absorbed from the
stomach into the bloodFood slows this process down, yet will not
prevent intoxicationIncreases the flow of gastric acid, irritating the
stomach liningRepeated irritation can cause internal bleeding
Short-Term Effects of Drinking
One of the deadliest and most widespread problem with alcohol
DWI/DUI - .08 legal limitB.A.C- .02, signs are shownFactors of BAC
GenderWeightMetabolismAmount of AlcoholFoodTime elapsed between and after drinking
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol reduces/increases:The ability to judge distances, speeds, and
turnsThe ability to judge one’s
capabilities/limitationsThe tendency to take risksSlows reflexesForgetfulness with signalingThe ability to concentrate
Driving Under the Influence
Consequences: DUI is the leading cause of death among teens Each day. 11 killed, 350 injured Not only the drunk driver is at risk
Costs: Driver’s License confiscation Arrest, jail, court, fine Suspension of DL Possible jail sentence (2nd time) Cost of bail Higher insurance rate Lawsuits
Long term Effects Tolerance Withdrawal “Multiplier Effect”
Driving Under the Influence
DefinitionTraits:
Preoccupied with alcoholAfter 1st drink, they cannot promise/predict
what they say/doCannot manage tension without drinkingPersonality changes/memory lapse
Alcoholism
Stage 1Social drinking to relax/stressBecomes necessary to manage stressIntoxicated regularlyFinds excusesTolerance increasesMight be called a “problem drinker”
Stages of Alcoholism
Stage 2Physically dependant, cannot stopDrink alone/everyday, cravings begin earlier
each dayMore excuses, others are blamedDenies/hide problemResponsibility performance decreases
Stages of Alcoholism
Stage 3Most important thing is the person’s lifeCannot be hidden, and out of controlAggressiveIsolated from friends/familyMalnutrition“Reverse Tolerance” – less alcohol neededDelirum Tremens2/3 of alcoholics get treated
Stages of Alcoholism