Alcohol Flashcards
What constitutes healthy vs. unhealthy drinking?
How much is consumed
How quickly the person drinks
Where they are drinking
The person’s biology and physical health
What percent of the population drinks a harmful amount?
approximately 10 percent
What risks are associated with transitioning from social to problem drinking?
Genes
Family history
Age of Onset (first drink)
Stress
Sex
How available is it
Binge drinking (definition)
a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to .08% of alcohol per deciliter
4+ drinks for women; 5+ drinks for men (within 2 hours)
Chemistry of alcohol
two carbons + oxygen + six hydrogen
water and fat-soluble
Benefits of low to moderate alcohol use
reduction in stress and anxiety
lower incidence of heart disease
Heavy drinking (definition)
binge drinking on 5 or more days within the past month
Harm associated with heavy drinking
memory problems
cardiomyopathy
stroke
suppression of immune system
lung and liver disease
neurological disease
cancer
Effect of AUD on the immune system
reduces the expression of genes that regulate the immune system (more susceptible for infections)
Effect of AUD on the gut
alcohol consumption causes an imbalance in intestinal flora which affects cognitive function
Differences in the stimulant and sedative effects
light drinkers don’t show stimulation after 2-3 drinks; heavy drinkers do
heavy drinkers report reduced sedative response
Suicide risks associated with AUD
AUD associated with 10x higher suicide risk
AUD is the second most common psychiatric diagnosis following suicide (mood disorders first)
The 24-hour period following intoxication increases the risk of suicidal behavior by 7x
AUD Relapse
2/3 of relapse due to stressful events
Relapse to alcohol is particularly sensitive to stress exposure because of heightened anxiety in the post-dependent state
