Alcohol
What is Alcohol? it is a liquid obtained by fermentation of sugars and starches. Alcohol is used as a solvent, cleaning solution and intoxicating beverage. Also, referred to as ethanol.
How does it work? Alcohol goes into the stomach and small intestine and from there it is absorbed into the bloodstream. It quickly circulates to every organ in the body, including the brain.
Binge Drinking
- Binge drinking is the abusive-consumption of alcohol.
- Binge drinking is consuming 5 or more drinks in one hour for men, and 4 or more drinks for women.
- Drinking a lot in a short period of time.
- Rapidly reaching a very high blood alcohol level.
- Experiencing physical and mental problems as a result of your drinking.
- Drinking games lead to binge drinking.
Signs and Problems of Binge Drinking
- Blackouts – a loss of long-term memory.
- Tolerance increases as the brain cells become damaged with alcohol consumption. It takes more alcohol to achieve the desired euphoria.
- Increase of negative experiences, such as hangovers, vomiting, passing out, injuries, assaults/fights, legal problems and depression.
- Putting responsibilities aside in favor of drinking which can cause negative consequences.
B.A.C. (Blood Alcohol Concentration)
- Blood alcohol concentration is the ratio of blood to alcohol in your body.
- Intoxication is measured by the B.A.C.
- Any individual under the age of 21 with a B.A.C. of .01 or more will receive a D.U.I.
- Any individual 21 and older with a B.A.C. of .08 or more will receive a D.U.I.
- The liver burns off .016 B.A.C. an hour. Vomiting, coffee or showers will not affect this.
Risk Reduction Techniques
- Know your limits. Drink in moderation.
- Don’t drive if you are drinking. Have a designated driver take you home or call a taxi.
- Avoid drinking games because you will surpass your limits without knowing it.
- Make a habit of eating before you drink, this way alcohol will be absorbed into your system slower.
- Pace yourself and space out your alcohol drinks by consuming water or juice in between.
- Don’t drink when you are upset or angry.
