Alcohol Basics
Define alcoholism
Mental and physical dependence to alcohol
Which organ breaks down alcohol?
The liver
What is the BAC limit for driving in the United States?
0.08
First stage of alcoholism
Experimentation
Alcohol percentage of 160 proof liquor
80%
Consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time is known as
Binge drinking
What happens to blood vessels when alcohol is consumed?
widen/dilate
The liver can process how many ounces of alcohol per hour?
0.25-0.5
Final stage of alcoholism
Addiction/dependence
Alcohol percentage of an 80 proof liquor
40%
What does BAC stand for?
Blood alcohol content/concentration
Name two factors that influence BAC
Gender, body weight, emotional state, fatigue, mix with meds, rate of consumption, alcohol content
What percent of alcohol is lost through urine?
1%
Second stage of alcoholism
Regular use
A buildup of scar tissue in the liver
cirrhosis
What is oxidation?
The process of breaking down alcohol into water, carbon dioxide, and energy
Three signs of alcohol poisoning
Unconsciousness (black out), vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, pale skin, hypothermia (low body temperature)
What percent of alcohol is lost through a person's breath?
2%
Third stage of alcoholism
Tolerance
What is one serious short-term consequence of binge drinking?
Name the process of "drying out" and removing alcohol from the body
Detoxification
Three symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
DTs/shakes, hallucinations, paranoia, night sweats
What percent of alcohol is lost through a person's sweat?
2%
What is Delirium Tremens (DTs)?
Severe uncontrolled shaking; withdrawal symptoms of an alcoholic
Name four factors that influence BAC
Gender, body weight, emotional state, fatigue, mix with meds, rate of consumption, alcohol content