Alcohol

Chapter 10

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Chemistry of Alcohol

Psychoactive ingredientEthyl 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 ValueIngestion

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Absorption20% is rapidly absorbed 75% is absorbed in the upper small intestinesRemain is absorbed along the GI trackCarbonation increases the absorptionFood in the stomach decreases the absorptionEventually all the alcohol ingested will be absorbed

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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.

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Alcohol Intake and Blood Alcohol Concentration

Body weight and body fatSize of the individualPercentage of body fatDifference between women & men

Balance of alcohol absorbed and rate of metabolism

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Effects of Alcohol on Health

Dependant on the individual.Low Concentrations .03% -.05%.Higher Concentrations 0.1%, 0.2%,.Concentration of .35%.PoisoningHangoverUse in combination with drugs.

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Drinking and Driving

800,000 people are injured a year

40,000 people are killed in alcohol related accidents

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The Effects of Chronic UseDiseases of the digestive and cardiovascular systems

Liver function• liver cell damage and destruction (cirrhosis)• Cirrhosis causes drinker to lose Tolerance

Pancreas inflammationCardiovascular system

• moderate doses may reduce the risk of HD• Higher doses elevates BP, may weaken heart muscle or

cardiac myopathy.

CancerMortality

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The Effects on PregnancyEffects 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.

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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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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.

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Alcohol Abuse and Dependence

Binge DrinkingAlcohol Dependence (alcoholism)

Involves physical tolerance and withdrawal

Signs of Impending Problems with Alcohol

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Alcoholism

ToleranceDifferent PatternsHealth Effects

DTs (delirium tremens)paranoia

Social and Psychological effectsCauses of Alcoholism

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Treatment Programs

Not one program works for everyone.

AA.• 12-step program

Al-Anon.Employee Assistance.Pharmacological treatments.• Disulfiram• Naltrexone

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Gender and Ethnic Differences

MenWhite American menWomenAfrican AmericansLatinosAsian AmericansAmerican Indians and Alaska Natives

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Drinking Behavior and Responsibility

Examine your attitudes about alcohol use.Examine your drinking behavior.Drink Moderately and responsibly

Drink slowlySpace your drinksEat before and while drinkingKnow your limits and your drinks

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Promote Responsible Drinking In Others

Encourage responsible attitudesBe a responsible hostHold the drinker responsibleLearn about prevention programsTake community action

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Thank You!