Alcohol Flashcards
Alcoholism
Scoial, environmental, genetic Inability to control consumption Continue despite neg consequences Distorted thinking patterns (denial) Physiological state requiring medical treatment Undue emphasis on alcohol
Effects
Impairs senses
Decrease sensitivity in general
Impairs motor skills
Impairs sexual function
Physical process
Absorbed into bloodstream through stomach walls and intestine 15 minutes to reach bloodstream 1 hour to reach peak Carried to liver, heart, brain Cannot leave until metabolized by liver Diuretic and causes dehydration Lowers body temp
Brain effects
Alters behavior – more relaxed, less inhibited
Deficits in concentration, memory, judgment, motor control
Long term intelligence and memory impairment
Depresses CNS, slows neuron activity in brain
Can culminate in unconsciousness, coma, death
Many drinks can debilitate CNS
Response to alcohol
Liver only process 1/2 oz/hour
Heavy drinking = higher intoxication
More potent forms get into bloodstream more quickly
Heavier indiv. tolerate better
Women tolerate less well - less enzyme that neutralizes
Older people - less water, less tolerance
Empty stomach or lack of tolerance exacerbates
Recommended levels
1 drink/day can reduce heart disease
NIAAA: men 2 a day, women 1 a day
Cardio and Immune System
Positive effects if light drinking.
Healthier hearts, lower cholest = lower risk of heart disease
Heavy drinking weakens heart (esp w/tobacco + cocaine)
Chronic use inhibits white blood cells (fight infection) and red blood cells (carry oxygen)
Ill people shouldn’t drink
Suppresses immune system
Digestive
Broken down in stomach and absorbed by lining.
Irritates lining, causing nausea and ulcers
Liver converts to fat.
Heavy drinking leads to fatty liver
Eventually wbc’s will attach liver, causing irrep. damage
Death
Injury, accidents, illness Youth: injury Older: illness 1/2 of all traffic fatalities 1/2 of all homicides 1/4 of all suicides Cirrhosis of liver 1/2 of all people admitted to hospital have alcohol health problem
Combo with other meds/drugs
Exacerbates b/c ingredient affects same area of brain
Increases pharmacological effects
Synergistic combo: antidepressant, anti-anxiety. Can be fatal
Aspirin can diminish stomach’s ability to process alcohol
Social drinking
Light: 3 or less/week
Moderate: 12/week but not impaired in any life area
Reasons why people drink
Relaxation Escape Celebration Feel smarter, sexier, etc. Emulate admired people Media persuasion Peer pressure
Female alcoholism
Less likely to abuse
Diff reasons than men
Genetic susceptibility
Parental drinkers, psychiatric probs, suicide attempts
Sexual or physical abuse
Depression
Married women less likely (cohabiting most likely!)
Triggers: losing social role: job, kids grow up, divorce, death
Less likely to admit, blame on depression or anxiety
Care is lower quality: Lower incomes, burden of children
Binge drinking
5+ drinks in a sitting, 4+ for women
Type I and II
Type I: heavy after 25, personal misfortune, guilt
Type II: before 25, close relative, no guilt
