Alcohol:The Facts Served “Straight Up” Alcohol


Alcohol: The Facts Served “Straight Up” Objectives:Alcohol: The Facts Served “Straight Up” Objectives In this presentation participants will learn: The age group most likely to engage in heavy drinking and why. Guidelines for personal decisions to use or not to use alcohol. Personal risks involved with irresponsible use of alcohol. Factors that influence alcohol concentration and physical effects of various blood alcohol levels. Myths associated with alcohol Medical consequences of alcohol use Consequences of alcohol poisoning Guidelines for self protection with the use of alcohol. Binge drinking, consequences of alcohol poisoning, and what to do for a person suspected of having overdosed on alcohol. What to do if stopped by the police. Texas laws regarding DUI and underage drinking. Resources available for anyone who has or knows someone with an alcohol problem.


Definitions:Definitions Alcoholism – a physical dependency on and a preoccupation with alcohol to the extent that this behavior interferes with normal personal family, social, or work life. Alcohol abuse – drinking too much or too often without physical cravings or withdrawal symptoms. (this behavior can lead to alcoholism) Alcohol poisoning – an over dosage on alcohol. (this is considered a medical emergency) Binge drinking – drinking too much, too fast. for men is considered five or more drinks in a row. for women is considered four or more drinks in a row.


Definitions, continued:Definitions, continued Blackouts – Alcohol in the brain may cause a person to have gaps in their memory of things that happened while drinking. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) – Alcohol concentration in a person’s blood. Intoxication - The amount of alcohol consumed exceeds the individual's tolerance and produces behavioral or physical abnormalities. Tolerance – Over a period of time more alcohol is required to achieve the same effect. This is a sign that a person is becoming dependent on alcohol and may not realize how impaired they actually are.


Drinking in Young Adults:Drinking in Young Adults Research consistently shows that people tend to drink the heaviest in their late teens and early to mid-twenties.


Reasons College students ages 18 to 25 are at a higher risk for problems involving alcohol.:Reasons College students ages 18 to 25 are at a higher risk for problems involving alcohol. This is an age when young adults are moving out of their parent’s homes and into dorms or their own apartments. They are on their own for the first time and are free to make their own decisions. The roles of their parents weaken.


College students risk for problems involving alcohol, continued :Customs and traditions on some campuses encourage high-risk drinking patterns. Peer pressure to participate in drinking games is commonplace in social settings. Alcohol is often combined with sports betting and other forms of gambling. College students are a primary target for alcohol industry advertising and promotions College students risk for problems involving alcohol, continued


Not all college students choose to drink. However, some do and they choose to drink moderately and responsibly. :Not all college students choose to drink. However, some do and they choose to drink moderately and responsibly.


Here are some guidelines to help you make a decision for yourself::Here are some guidelines to help you make a decision for yourself: To drink or not to drink should be a conscious choice made before the occasion arises. Abstinence from alcohol is a safe and acceptable decision. It is ok not to drink. The use of alcohol can be risky and is not essential for enjoying social events. No one should feel pressured to drink or feel embarrassed because of a personal choice not to drink. Don’t allow yourself to fall prey to peer pressure.


Guidelines to help you make a decision for yourself: continued :Guidelines to help you make a decision for yourself: continued If you choose to use alcohol, do so safely, legally, and responsibly. Set a limit for yourself before you start drinking. Space your drinks, alternate alcohol and nonalcoholic drinks Keep track of how much you’ve had. Never drink and drive or ride with someone who has been drinking Have a designated driver


The decision to use or not use alcohol is a personal one. However, there can be consequences of making poor decisions about drinking.:The decision to use or not use alcohol is a personal one. However, there can be consequences of making poor decisions about drinking.


Possible Consequences of Drinking Irresponsibly::Possible Consequences of Drinking Irresponsibly: flunking courses unintended or unwanted sexual activity unwanted pregnancy getting an STD being involved in fights and accidents engaging in other risky behavior you might not have normally engaged in developing a long-term drinking problem


Some Sobering Statistics::Some Sobering Statistics: The average student spends about $900 on alcohol each year. 159,000 of today’s first-year college students will drop out of school for alcohol or other drug related reasons. One night of heavy drinking can impair your ability to think abstractly for up to 30 days, limiting your reading comprehension, your ability to understand what your professor says your problem solving abilities 70,000 students are victims of alcohol-related date rape or sexual assaults.


40% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related.Could this be you someday?:40% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related.Could this be you someday?


What Happens When You Drink?:What Happens When You Drink? Alcohol enters the stomach and small intestine, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol quickly travels to every organ in the body, including the brain. As you continue to drink, the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream continues to increase. The more alcohol the body absorbs, the higher the Blood Alcohol Concentration – and the drunker the person gets.


Blood Alcohol Concentration – How does this affect you?:Blood Alcohol Concentration – How does this affect you? .02% - Alcohol immediately slows the nervous system and reaction time is impaired to some extent. You become more relaxed .04% - Reaction time continues to slow. A “buzz” develops. Relaxation deepens. .055% - .06% - Effects of alcohol change. Good feelings get less positive and negative feelings more negative. The negative effects will continue as long as you continue to drink. Brain’s ability to process information and make judgments is greatly impaired.


BAC - How it affect you ? Continued:BAC - How it affect you ? Continued .08% - Legally Drunk. Decrease in Motor coordination. May feel nauseous and throw up. This can occur in some people with just one or two drinks. .10% - A clear breakdown in judgment and motor coordination, visibly sloppy. .15% -.25% - High risk of blackouts and injuries. .25% -.35% - Can pass out. Risk of death. .40% -.45% - Lethal dose for most.


What Is A Standard Drink?:What Is A Standard Drink?


Factors that may influence alcohol concentration levels::Factors that may influence alcohol concentration levels: Gender – body compositions differ Body weight Alcohol content in drinks How much you drink Food intake Age Mood


Myths Associated With Alcohol::Myths Associated With Alcohol: Alcohol is a sexual stimulant Alcohol actually decreases your ability to function sexually You may be less inhibited, but are less likely to be able tp follow through One or two drinks has no noticeable effect on a person’s behavior and/or judgment Behavior and judgment changes with the first drink Some people are legally drunk with just one or two drinks You can sober someone up faster with food or coffee It takes the liver one hour to burn off about .016 of your blood alcohol level. As a rule it will take a 150lb male one hour to metabolize one glass of wine, one shot of liquor, or one bottle of beer Beer doesn’t contain as much alcohol as hard liquor A 12 ounce bottle of beer has the same alcohol content as a standard shot of 80-proof liquor or a 5 ounce glass of wine.


Health problems associated with long term use of alcohol::Health problems associated with long term use of alcohol: Alcoholism (addiction to alcohol) Cancers Esophagus, mouth, throat, larynx (voice box). Increase risk of colon and rectal cancer Heart damage Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) High blood pressure High triglycerides leading to heart attack or stroke. Liver damage Cirrhosis Hepatitis Stomach Chronic irritation of the stomach lining and bleeding ulcers pancreatitis


How to control the situation: Protect yourself if you choose to drink::How to control the situation: Protect yourself if you choose to drink: Limit the amount you drink, sip drinks slowly and space them out over time A heavy meal or dairy products before and while drinking may help slow the alcohol absorption Avoid salty foods that make you more thirsty such as salted peanuts or popcorn Drink diluted drinks rather than “straight shots” Avoid carbonated mixers or sparkling wines as they speed the alcohol into your bloodstream Avoid “spiked” punch and other drinks with unknown amounts of alcohol


Binge Drinking Drinking too much alcohol too fast :Binge Drinking Drinking too much alcohol too fast Can result in the brain’s control center closing down, at which point you can black out, slip into a coma, Stop breathing, and die.


Binge Drinking :Is all too often a common pattern of excessive alcohol use at parties fueled by peer pressure. Many times occurs in the form of drinking contests, dares, bets, or guzzling beer. In a recent U. S. college survey, nearly 50% of binge drinkers reported doing something they regretted while drunk. Binge drinkers are more likely to drive drunk or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Every year about 600,000 students between 18 and 24 are assaulted by someone who has been drinking. The proportion of current drinkers that binge is highest in the 18 to 20 year old groups (52.1%). Binge Drinking


Binge drinking is associated with many health problems including::Binge drinking is associated with many health problems including: Unintentional injuries (e.g. car crash, falls, burns, drowning) Intentional injuries (e.g. firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence) Alcohol poisoning and death Sexually transmitted diseases Unintended pregnancy Children born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome one of the leading known preventable causes of mental retardation and birth defects, such as mental and physical disabilities, abnormal facial features, growth deficiencies, vision, hearing and learning disabilities. High blood pressure, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases Liver disease, Neurological damage, Poor control of diabetes Sexual dysfunction


Alcohol Poisoning:Alcohol Poisoning This is a Medical Emergency – Call 911 If alcohol poisoning is not treated, a person may become comatose, suffer brain damage and die! Alcohol poisoning is when someone overdoses on alcohol. Alcohol depresses nerves that control breathing and the gag reflex. This may cause one or both of the following: pass out, stop breathing and die. pass out, choke on their own vomit and die Even after a person passes out their alcohol level keeps rising. The alcohol in the stomach and intestines continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate through the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will just sleep it off.


Signs of Alcohol Poisoning:Signs of Alcohol Poisoning Mental confusion, unable to wake them Vomiting while asleep Seizures Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute) Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths) Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color and cold to the touch


If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning:If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning Call 911 Keep the person warm and turn them on their side to prevent them from choking on vomit. Don’t worry about the drinker being mad or embarrassed because you sought medical help. Be safe – not sorry.


Texas Law and The Legal Limit:A blood alcohol level of .08 is the legal limit for driving in the state of Texas. However, drivers can be stopped and cited for impaired driving due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. Texas has a zero tolerance law. For anyone under 21, it is illegal to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol. Texas Law and The Legal Limit


Texas Laws: What Happens If You are Stopped:If a law enforcement officer asks you to take a blood or breath test to measure how much alcohol is in your system, you should comply. If you refuse, you are subject to an automatic 180-day driver’s license suspension. Punishment for DWI varies depending on the number of times you've been convicted. Texas Laws: What Happens If You are Stopped


Texas Laws::Texas Laws: First Offense: up to a $2,000 fine 72 hours to 180 days in jail driver’s license suspension: 90 days to 1 year Second Offense: up to a $4,000 fine 30 days to 1 year in jail driver’s license suspension: 180 days to 2 years Third Offense: up to a $10,000 fine 2 to 10 years in penitentiary driver’s license suspension: 180 days to 2 years


:“So i got arrested for drinking and driving so now i have 5 misd. and 1 class 6 felony it f+cking sucks i almost killed two of my friends and myself and the truck i ran in to......if wouldn't have been there i could've killed some little 6 year old a 6 year old kid. The point of this is think befor you act it could mean the differance of life and death....sober or not always think of what could happen this happend on 7/28/06 in tucson arizona” -Anthony


Texas Laws and Underage Drinking:Texas Laws and Underage Drinking If you’re under 21, the first time you are found in possession of alcohol can result in the following consequences: Any amount of beer, wine or liquor will trigger the penalties. 30-day driver’s license suspension up to a $500 fine 8 to 12 hours of community service mandatory attendance in alcohol-awareness classes A second or third offense can lead to suspension of your driver’s license for 90 to 180 days. If you’re 17 or older, you also can be fined as much as $2,000 and go to jail for up to 180 days for a third offense.


Slide 34:Four of my friends were going to a party, They pulled off the road because they saw someone swerving. The drunk driver crossed two lanes of traffic and slammed into their neon going 75mph. One of my friends died, the other one cannot walk, another has a broken arm and blood clots in her chest and the other has serious head injuries. The drunk driver fled on foot and had no serious injuries, he is now being charged with murder.


Texas Laws and Underage Drinking cont.:Texas Laws and Underage Drinking cont. If you are under 21, here’s what happens the first time you are stopped for drinking and driving: 60-day driver’s license suspension up to a $500 fine 20 to 40 hours of community service mandatory attendance in alcohol-awareness classes Get caught drinking and driving a second or third time, and the penalties increase, including suspension of your driver’s license for up to 180 days.


Slide 36:On the early morning of Sunday, February 5, 2006 around 12:15 AM, a drunk driver with a BAC of .227 decided to leave the roadway and go through the side of a friends house. The car managed to snake its way through telephone poles, trees, etc and go through a double wide glass door, through the kitchen wall, and, well, just check out the pictures. No one was hurt badly, the drunk was taken to jail. Don't drink and drive, its stupid, and as the driver told the owner of the house, he was really sorry and he was also really screwed. He summed it all up.


Texas Laws and Underage Drinking cont.:Texas Laws and Underage Drinking cont. If you’re 17 and over, and stopped for drinking and driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater. Some people, particularly teenagers, can reach a .08 BAC with two or three beers in an hour. up to a $2,000 fine 72 hours to 180 days in jail driver’s license suspension of 90 days to one year


Slide 38:A Sixteen year old drinking at a party killed two girls. He lived and was sentenced to prison


Acknowledgements: Information for this presentation was obtained from:Acknowledgements: Information for this presentation was obtained from American College Health Association College Drinking Prevention ETR Associates Health Promotion Resources Journeyworks Publishing Texas Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol, help is available:If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol, help is available AA WWW.alcoholics-anonymous.org Al-Anon WWW.al-anon.alateen.org National Drug Abuse Hotline 1-800-662-4357 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) WWW.niaa.nih.gov Student Health Center 1-409-880-8466