Alcohol Basics
What does BAC stands for
Blood Alcohol Content.
What can alcohol do to your body
Cause slow reaction time, dizziness, poor coordination, trouble thinking clearly.
You can “sleep off” alcohol poisoning.
Myth: alcohol poisoning can get worse while someone is unconscious.
What is the legal drinking age in the US?
21
What is one strategy to reduce risk while drinking?
Drink water constantly, eat before drinking, set a limit, go out with friends
How many ounces of beer are typically considered one standard drink?
12 Ounces
On average, how long does it take the body to process one standard drink?
~1 hour.
Eating before drinking can slow how quickly alcohol enters your bloodstream
Fact
If someone under 21 is caught drinking in public, what type of consequences can they face?
Fines, license suspension, and possible campus disciplinary action.
What is the recovery position used for?
To prevent choking if someone vomits.
What BAC is considered legally intoxicated for drivers 21+ in the US
0.08%
What organ is responsible for breaking down most of the alcohol you drink.
the liver
Vomiting after drinking removes all of the alcohol from your system
Myth: Vomiting empties your stomach so more alcohol doesn't enter the blood stream.
Yes, if you are visually impaired.
What should you do if someone is unconscious and won’t wake up?
Call 911 and place them in the recovery position.
Name one factor that affects how quickly someone becomes intoxicated
Weight, gender (female), food intake, speed of drinking, tolerance
Alcohol affects this part of the brain first, which controls judgement and decision making.
the frontal lobe
Only time can lower your BAC
Fact
What is the Good Samaritan policy
A policy that protects students who call for help during alcohol-related emergencies.
What are some common medications that can increase the effects of alcohol or make drinking more dangerous?
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety, medication, medications, sleep, aids, pain, medication, allergy medication’s, and ADHD medications.
Why is a “solo cup” often misleading when estimating a standard drink?
B/c it typically holds much more than one standard serving, leading to underestimating how much alcohol is being consumed.
Why are blackouts dangerous even if someone seems “awake and functioning”
B/c the brain isn’t forming memories, meaning judgment and decision-making are severely impaired, in increasing risk for an injury, assault, or risky behavior.
If someone seems “fine” and is walking and talking normally, they are not at risk for alcohol poisoning
Myth: someone can look functional, but still have a dangerously high BAC. Breathing and heart rate can slow suddenly.
What is a “social host” law
Laws that hold someone responsible for underage drinking that happens in their residence.
You find a resident summed over and a lounge, breathing but unresponsive. What are the immediate safety steps you should take?
Call 911, place them in the recovery position, stay with them, and monitor breathing until help arrives.