Alcohol-induced State Flashcards
Is alcohol a CNS stimulant or depressant?
Depressant
Alcohol is a psychoactive drug - define..
A substance that changes conscious awareness, perception or moods
What variables can alter how alcohol affects a person?
Amount consumed
Concentration
Context of consumption
Individual variables (gender, height…)
Effects of alcohol when BAC is less than 0.05%?
Lower alertness; more relaxed, talkative and confident
Effects of alcohol when BAC is 0.30-0.40%?
Incapable of voluntary actions, doesn’t respond to stimuli and difficult to wake up
Effects of alcohol when BAC is over 0.40%
Coma, and likely death
Describe levels of awareness while in alcohol-induced state.
Reduced as it’s a CNS depressant; shortened attention span and inability to concentrate.
Content limitations while in alcohol-induced state.
Less restricted, due to less selective attention
Describe perceptual distortions while in alcohol-induced state. (2)
Increased pain threshold
Dulled perception of internal and external environment.
Describe cognitive distortions while in alcohol-induced state. (3)
Slurred speech
Impaired problem solving and judgement
Difficulty in creating memories.
Describe self control while in alcohol-induced state.
Reduced inhibitions; less control of fine/voluntary movements; risk taking behaviour
Describe emotional awareness while in alcohol-induced state.
False sense of confidence/aggression
Describe time orientation while in alcohol-induced state.
Dimished ability to judge it.
Described controlled and automatic processes in alcohol induced state.
Not enough awareness to perform controlled
Effects on cerebellum, causing difficulty in automatic processes such as talking and walking,
