Alcohol Flashcards
Alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream through the:
Small intestine
T/F Alcohol is widely distributed in tissues.
TRUE
Alcohol is primarily metabolized in _________ at rate of / of ________________.
Liver 2/3 standard drink per hour
Factors that effect absorption rate?
Aging
Chronic Disease
Being female
Alcohol is excreted via:
Sweat
Breath
Urine
For most people it takes - hours to break down one drink.
1-2
Why do women require less alcohol to reach same BAC as men? (2)
Smaller statures, less H20 to dilute alcohol
Less gastric form of ADH than men, resulting in more alcohol in bloodstream
T/F Women often develop alcohol related health problems slower than men.
FALSE - quicker
Alcohol acts as a…..(Pharmacodynamics)
CNS Depressant
Alcohol affects the CNS in direct…
Proportion to amount of alcohol in BS
Continued consumption will cause gradual reducftion in LoC from…
Drowsiness->Light sleep->
Deep sleep->Coma->Death
Use levels of alcohol include:
Use
Misuse
Alcoholism
Levels of involvement from least to most:
Noninvolvement Irregular Regular Harmful Dependent
Random or infrequent use with little or no adverse consequence.
Use
Adverse consequences & continued use despite repeated or persistent problems in one or more life areas.
Misuse
Physiological & psychological need for continued use, patterned with increased tolerance and WD processes.
Alcoholism
Evidence of alcoholism includes (PLAWT)
Preoccupation Loss of control Adverse consequences Withdrawal distress Tolerance/Progression
Short term fx include? (Drunk person pic - vokka diet coke)
Drowsy/dizzy Slurred speech Balance & vision altered Hostile/depressed Short-term memory loss Hangover
This can quickly lead to coma, trouble breathing and sometimes death.
Binge Drinking
Social & personal long-term effects? (4xLoss)
Loss of self-worth
Loss of family/relationships
Loss of job
Loss of health
Long-term GI effects?
NVD, Pain & GI Bleeds
Long-term brain effects?
Impaired memory, judgment & thought processes
Heavy drinking & poor eating can cause…
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
S&S of Wernicke’s?
Drowsiness
Confusion
Problems walking
Abnormal eye movements
Wernicke’s is associated with a lack of…
B Vitamins
If Wernicke’s remains untreated it can become…
Korsakoff’s Syndrome
Korsakoffs S&S?
Short-term mem loss
Poor coordination/disorientation
What is usually required in Korsakoffs?
Institutionalization
Long-term effects specific to men?
Gynecomastia
Impotence/Small nuts
Loss of body hair
Long-term effects specific to women?
Dis/amnorrhea
Trouble conceiving
Long-term use increases risk of what cancers?
Mouth/throat
Liver/pancreas
Stomach/LW/Rectum
Breast
With long-term use, the liver becomes…
Covered in layer of fat
Females experience these sooner than men:
Fatty liver
Anemia/Malnutrition
Bleeding bowels/GI
Hypertension
Biggest killer in alcoholics?
Cirrhosis - liver cells replaced with scar tissue
What constitutes toxic effects?
Drinking so much, so fast that liver can’t detoxify. Can lead to death/alcohol poisoning.
This occurs when chronic drinkers need more & more..
Tolerance
The process of allowing time for the body to metabolize and excrete all of the substance present.
Detox
Two types of detox?
Medical & Non-Medical
Symptoms of WD?
Increased BP
Irritability/Sweating
N/V/D - Loss of appetite
Emergency in WD if DBp is over?
100 - risk of seizure, treat w benzo
Delusions, hallucinations, agitation, high body temps & speedy heart rate. The bugs!!!
DT’s - Delirium tremens
How long for WD to resolve?
48-72 hours
These programs may be long or short term.
Residential Programs
Other types of programs?
Intensive day Non-intensive community Supportive housing Aftercare Crisis Call
Self help includes…
12-Step, AA
Peer suport
