VSHTAMPEDE
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| Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:19 pm ALCOHOL FACTS! |
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Alcohol is a natural substance formed by the reaction of fermenting sugar with yeast spores. Although there are many types of alcohol, the kind used in alcoholic beverages is known scientifically as ethyl alcohol, a colorless, inflammable liquid that has an intoxicating effect. Alcohol is also classified as a drug because it dramatically affects the central nervous system.
Different alcoholic beverages are produced by using a variety of sources of sugar for the fermentation process. For instance, beer is made from malted barley, wine from grapes or berries, whiskey from malted grains, and rum from molasses. Hard liquors result from the further concentration of the alcohol produced in fermentation through a process called distillation. Whiskey, scotch, vodka, and other liquors are referred to as distilled beverages.
Most American beers contain 4% alcohol, although malt, dark, ice beers, as well as dinner wines such as Chablis are 10% to 12% alcohol. Dessert wines such as sherries are fortified with more alcohol to bring the level between 17% and 20%. Distilled beverages range from 40% (or 80 proof) to 50% (or 100 proof) alcohol. Proof is double the percentage of alcohol in the beverage.
Any two drinks that contain the same amount of alcohol will have a similar effect on the drinker's blood alcohol content. Thus a 12 ounce can of beer, an average four ounce glass of wine, or the usual highball or cocktail with an ounce of 100 proof liquor all contain approximately one-half ounce of alcohol and, if drunk slowly, will have an equal effect on the body.
HOW DOES ALCOHOL WORK IN THE BODY?
When you drink an alcoholic beverage, 20% of the alcohol in it is absorbed immediately and directly into the blood stream through the stomach walls.
Unlike food, alcohol does not have to be digested. The blood carries alcohol directly to the brain where it acts to slow down or depress brain activity. The remaining 80% is processed only slightly and absorbed into the blood stream more slowly through the gastro-intestinal tract. Alcohol gets into the blood stream so quickly that moments after it is consumed, it can be found in all tissues, organs and secretions of the body.
A low level of alcohol in the blood, which would result from taking one drink containing 1/2 ounce or pure alcohol has a mild tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system since alcohol is a depressant.
Through evolutionary development, the brain consists of many layers. Alcohol's first effects will be upon the upper or newer parts of the brain where learned behavior patterns such as self-control are directed. After a drink or two, this learned behavior may temporarily disappear making you lose your inhibitions, talk more freely, or feel like the life of the party. Or, you may feel aggressive or depressed. Higher blood alcohol levels depress brain activity further to a point where memory as well as muscular coordination and balance are temporarily impaired. Still grater alcohol intake within a relatively short period of time acts to depress deeper parts of the brain producing a state of loss of control in which judgement is severely affected and sensory perceptions are dulled. If steady heavy drinking continues, the alcohol will penetrate the deepest levels of the brain and may result in coma or death.
HOW DOES ALCOHOL TAKE EFFECT?
The rapidity with which alcohol enters the blood stream and exerts its effect on the brain and body depends on several things:
# How fast you drink. The 1/2 ounce of alcohol in the average highball, can of beer,
or glass of wine can be burned up, that is oxidized, in the body in about 1 to 2 hours. If
you sip your drink slowly and do not have more than 1 drink an hour or 2 hours, the
alcohol will not jolt your brain. It will not have a chance to build up in your body and you
will feel little unpleasant effects. Gulping you drink, on the other hand, will produce
immediate intoxicating effects and depression of deeper brain centers.
# Whether your stomach is empty or full. Eating, especially before you drink as well as
while you drink, will slow down the absorption rate of alcohol into your bloodstream and
you will have a more even response to the alcohol. High protein foods like meat and
cheese are best.
# What you drink. Wine and beer are absorbed less rapidly than hard liquors because
they contain small amounts of nonalcoholic substances that slow down the absorption
process. Diluting an alcoholic beverage with another liquid such as water, milk or juice
also helps to slow down absorption. On the other hand, mixing with carbonated
beverages can increase the rate of absorption.
# How much you weigh. The same amount of alcohol can have a greater effect on a 120
pound person than a 180 pound person. Alcohol is quickly distributed uniformly
throughout the circulatory system. Therefore, the heavier person will have smaller
concentrations throughout his or her bloodstream and body than the lighter individual.
# Your gender. Women have generally higher proportions of body fat and therefore
process alcohol at a slower rate. For example, a 160 pound man, on average, can
metabolize one drink per hour, who a 160 pound woman will take two hours to
metabolize the same amount of alcohol. Men and women generally don't weigh the same
amount; consequently it takes a 120 pound woman three hours to metabolize one drink.
# The setting or circumstances you are in. For instance, if you are comfortably sitting
down and relaxed having a drink with a friend, alcohol will not have as much effect on you
as when you are standing and drinking at a party. On the other hand, if you are
emotionally upset, stressed or tired, alcohol may have a stronger impact on you than
usual. Your expectations also have an influence. If you think you are going to become
drunk, the ease and speed with which you become intoxicated will be increased.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT ALCOHOL PROBLEMS?
One way is through early identification of alcohol problems in an individual and the development of low risk behaviors with regard to alcoholic beverages. It also requires full respect and acceptance of an individual's choice not to drink.
Hosts and hostesses have a responsibility to their guests when they provide alcohol at dinner parties or social gatherings. Food should always be served before and with drinks. Soft drinks or other attractive non-alcoholic drinks should be made available as an alternative to alcoholic beverages.
A guest who elects not to drink alcoholic beverages should never be cajoled or shamed into doing so. This includes the abstainer, the recovering alcoholic or the social drinker who recognizes he or she has had enough. Alcohol should not be the focus or primary reason for being together. Drinking games should not be allowed. |
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