˚₊‧ʚ♡ɞ‧₊˚ alcohol ˚₊‧ʚ♡ɞ‧₊˚ Flashcards
What category of drug is alcohol?
Depressant- decreases nervous system activity—opposite of stimulant
What are some pros and cons of prohibition?
PROS: lowest alcohol consumption in US history; less alcohol-related illnesses, hospitalizations & deaths; less drunk driving & alcohol-related arrests.
CONS: significant increase in organized crime—bootleggers, rumrunners & speakeasies. Gov’t lost taxable revenue source.
What is alcohol? What is alcohol “proof”? How is it made?
Alcohol occurs when fermentation occurs. Raw material containing sugar is fermented into alcohol by yeast; afterward, beverages go through distillation to concentrate the alcohol.
“proof” is ABV x2
What is the standard drink in the U.S.?
18mL / 14g
How readily is alcohol absorbed from stomach & intestines? What factors influence absorption?
Alcohol is absorbed via GI tract: about 10% stomach; 90% small intestine. Absorption is influenced by age, sex, race, tolerance, other drugs, and environment.
How does alcohol distribute?
All tissues—very water soluble & moderately fat soluble; able to squeeze through BBB easily. Damages lung tissue—more likely to cause death when vaporized bc it can’t be thrown up.
What is the 3 step process for metabolization?
Metabolized into acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase;
Acetaldehyde is metabolized into Acetic Acid by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.
Acetic acid is then excreted as carbon dioxide & water, mostly via kidneys (95% in urine).
What factors affect how alcohol is metabolized?
women have less acetaldehyde dehydrogenase than men.
How does alcohol affect GABA?
GABA is the #1 inhibitory NT, and its subtype receptor (GABAa) is a binding site for alcohol. Alcohol enhances GABA activity, creating MORE inhibition of postsynaptic neurons. Alcohol is a GABA agonist; it enhances the activity of this NT.
How does alcohol affect Glutamate?
Glutamate is most excitatory NT in CNS. Alcohol decreases activity of glutamate & its receptors. sometimes can cause receptors to not open enough for ions to come in. alcohol is glutamate’s ANTagonist, it decreases excitatory effects of the NT.
How does alcohol affect dopamine?
Dopamine & endogenous opioids are increased w/ first drink; later drinks don’t continue to increase levels.
Acute physiological & behavioral effects?
CNS depressant causing sedation & relaxation; less restful/deep sleep.
Mild & brief euphoria (dopamine release) leading to poor decision making & less impulse control; cognitive, perceptual, verbal & motor impairment bc of activity on cerebellum & peripheral NS slowing signals.
What are some withdrawal symptoms?
anxiety, difficulty sleeping, tremors, sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat.
What is blacking out?
When an individual cannot remember what happened while under the influence—amnesia; they don’t have to be unconscious to black out. Likely due to effects on hippocampus & creating memories.
What factors may play a role in a hangover?
Mild withdrawal-build up of acetaldehyde (build-up causes hangover symptoms); dehydration; GI irritation (alcohol makes stomach more acidic which increases nausea & vomiting); blood sugar (alcohol contains lots of starch & sugar so it raises blood sugar); congeners (substances produced during fermentation)
