Alcohol use
Alternative names:
beer consumption; hard liquor consumption; wine consumption
Information:
DEFINITION
Alcohol, specifically ethyl alcohol (ethanol), is produced by fermenting the starch or sugar in various fruits and grains. Alcoholic beverages produced by fermentation and distillation include beer (usually about 5% alcohol), wine (usually 12 to 15% alcohol), and hard liquor (which is about 45% alcohol). Related topics include: alcohol and diet, alcoholism, and alcohol withdrawal state.
HISTORY AND INCIDENCE
Archaeological evidence has shown that humans have consumed alcoholic beverages since prehistoric man. Neolithic man is believed to have consumed berry wine in 6400 B.C. The discovery of the distillation process, during the twelfth century, made it possible to make drinks with higher alcohol contents than may be achieved by fermentation alone.
Second only to caffeine, alcohol is used by more people and in larger quantities than any other substance. It has served a variety of purposes as cultures and societies have evolved over the years. Alcohol use has been touted, casually accepted, denounced, and unsuccessfully outlawed.
It is estimated that 70% of American high school seniors have consumed some form of alcoholic beverage within the past month, despite the fact that the legal age for alcohol use ranges between 18 to 21 years of age across the country. Although only about 5 to 7% of adolescents are considered alcoholic, 19 to 20% may be categorized as "problem drinkers." This group includes those adolescents who get drunk six or more times per year and/or who experience negative consequences as a result of their drinking behavior at least two or more times per year. Such consequences may include accidents related to alcohol use or trouble with the law, family members, friends, school, or dates. In the past, men have traditionally drunk more than women. However, the incidence of drinkers is becoming more even between the sexes.
Alcohol use is primarily influenced by attitudes developed during childhood and adolescent years and therefore associated with parental attitudes and behaviors toward drinking in or outside the home, peer influence, societal influences, and family relationships.
EFFECTS
Alcohol is absorbed quickly through the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract. No digestion is required. Absorption rates for alcohol depend on the amount and type of food in the stomach (for example, high protein and high fat foods decrease absorption rates) and whether or not the beverage is carbonated or effervescent (both of which increase absorption rates).
The effects of alcohol may appear within 10 minutes after consumption and peak at approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Alcohol remains in the bloodstream until it is broken down by the liver. If an individual consumes alcohol at a faster rate than it can be broken down by the liver, the blood alcohol concentration level rises.
Most states have standards establishing legal limits for alcohol intoxication at 0.08 to 0.10% (grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood). Most individuals report feeling "high" at 0.05% blood alcohol level, while a level of 0.20% is associated with marked intoxication. At the 0.30% level, one may become stuporous or even comatose, and death has been associated with blood alcohol levels of 0.35% and above .
As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, alcohol depresses the respiratory (breathing) rate, heart rate, and the control mechanisms in the brain. The effects of such CNS depression may include:- impaired ability to perform complex tasks (such as driving)
- reduction of inhibitions and embarrassment
- reduction in anxiety
- decreased attention span
- impaired short term memory
- impaired motor coordination
- prolonged reaction time
- less rapid thought processing
If a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol can adversely affect the developing fetus causing birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome.
ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISKS- alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents
- other accidents including falls, drownings, and fire-related incidents
- increased risk for suicide
- increased risk for homicide
- decreased use of adequate birth control measures
- increased risk for unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- decreased use of safer sex behaviors
- increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases
- the baby is at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome if a pregnant woman drinks
- alcoholism
- chronic liver disease
PROBLEM DRINKERS COMPARED TO ALCOHOLICS
Individuals who consume alcohol (and/or live with individuals who consume alcohol) may want to seek help for themselves or loved ones if the following occur in association with drinking behavior:- driving citations or accidents
- decreased interest or performance levels at work, school
- increased absenteeism from work, school
- isolating or antisocial behaviors
- increased tolerance to amount of alcohol consumed
- inability to decrease or stop alcohol consumption
- defensive or hostile about alcohol use
- lying or being secretive about alcohol use
- neglecting appearance
- neglecting proper nutrition
- involved in violence, either as perpetrator or victim
- unexplained mood swings
It is also important to remember that some individuals are at higher risk for alcoholism due to a family history of alcoholism, stressful lifestyles, peer or cultural influences, and psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or simply low self-esteem.
CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF- you are concerned about your personal alcohol use or that of a family member.
- you are interested in more information regarding alcohol use, alcohol abuse, or support groups.
- unable to reduce or stop your alcohol consumption, in spite of attempts to stop drinking.
Other resources include local Alcoholics Anonymous or Ala-teen groups (see alcoholism - support group), public or private mental health agencies, school or work counselors, student or employee health centers, local hospitals, and possibly some churches.
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The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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