Table of Contents:
[
General /
Adrenergic /
Amphetamine
]
[
Ergogenic /
Hormones /
Steroids
]
[
Over the Counter /
Recreational
]
[ Related / Drugs
Interactive Module ]
[ Alcohol / Caffeine
/ Tobacco ]
[ Cocaine / Marijuana
/ Heroin ]
What is the origin of the word "alcohol?"
The word alcohol is derived from the Arabic word "alkuhl"
which means "essence." Alcohol has been used as a
medicine, as a food, as a solvent for therapeutic agents. Alcohol
has also been used in religious ceremonies and social life throughout
history.
What are the patterns of alcohol use in the United States?
The following web site will provide information on drug use
and drug policy:
The National Institute of
Drug Abuse (NIDA)
For further information on the patterns of use
also go to:
U.S.
Department of Justice: Bureau of Justice Statistics: Fact Sheet.
What are the different kinds of alcohol?
There are several types of alcohol: ethyl (drinking alcohol),
methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
Small amounts (about 4 ml) can cause blindness and larger amounts
are fatal. Methyl alcohol is added to ethyl alcohol (ethanol
or grain alcohol) for industrial use. Ethylene glycol is used
in antifreeze. Isopropyl alcohol is used in rubbing alcohol
as an antiseptic, and is toxic. Pure ethyl alcohol or ethanol
is the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks.
How is alcohol manufactured?
The process of making alcohol is called fermentation. Several
basic ingredients such as sugar, water, yeast and warm temperatures
are required for this process. Alcohol is produced by yeast,
which breaks down sugar, by a metabolic form of combustion and
releasing carbon dioxide and forming water and ethyl alcohol
as a waste product.
Fermentation continues until the sugar supply
is exhausted or the concentration of distillation involves boiling
the fermented drink and gathering the condensed vapor in a pipe.
Distillation can increase the concentration of alcohol to 50%
or more. The amount of alcohol is expressed either as percentage,
by volume or the proof system. The percentage of alcohol volume
is one-half the proof number. A 100-proof whisky has a 50% alcohol
content.
What are the physiological and psychological effects
of alcohol use?
Alcohol acts on the central nervous system as a depressant.
Users of moderate amounts of alcohol experience relief from
anxiety and disinhibition. For example, a 150 lb. male with
normal tolerance levels would experience a "relaxing"
effect after drinking one to two (3%-5%) beers in one hour.
The effects of alcohol on individuals vary and are often unpredictable.
One person can become euphoric, friendly and talkative, while
others become aggressive and hostile.
Alcohol interferes with motor activity, reflexes
and coordination. In moderate quantities alcohol increases heart
rate, and dilated peripheral blood vessels. Alcohol is diffused
in the blood stream after ingestion by passing through the gastrointestinal
walls. Once alcohol is in the small intestine its absorption
is not affected by food. The effect of alcohol on the body depends
on the amount of alcohol in the blood (commonly referred to
as BAC or blood alcohol level).
The BAC concentration is affected by the presence
of food in the stomach, the rate of alcohol consumption the
concentration of alcohol and the drinker's body composition.
One drink is equal to one beer (4% alcohol, 12 oz) or 1 oz whisky.
Alcohol can elevate the mood, act as a relaxant and decrease
reaction time and fine muscle coordination, judgement, impair
balance, speech, vision, a feeling of euphoria and loss of motor
coordination. Depending on individual tolerance levels, severe
intoxication can occur with higher BAC levels (0.3%). Deep coma
and death from respiratory failure can occur with 0.5% to 0.6%
BAC levels. Psychological and physiological dependence can result
from the regular consumption of large amounts of alcohol.
Heavy drinking over a long period of time can
result in serious mental disorders and permanent brain damage.
Liver disorders are the most common causes of death among alcoholics.
Prolonged use of alcohol may cause ulcers, hiatal hernia and
cancers throughout the digestive track. The pancreas is also
damaged by heavy alcohol use. High concentrations of alcohol
increases the functioning of the hematopoietic system and effect
a decrease in red blood cell production, white cells and platelets,
problems with clotting, immunity to infection and bleeding disorders.
Other serious consequences of chronic alcohol
abuse includes heart disease, malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies,
sexual malfunctioning, atrophy of testicles and lowered sperm
count, females experience menstrual delays, ovarian abnormalities
and infertility. Alcohol abuse also can cause severe kidney
damage, urinary tract infections, mental disorders and brain
damage. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition that affects children
born to alcohol consuming mothers that is characterized by facial
deformities, mental retardation and growth deficiency.
For additional information on the health effects
of alcohol, go to:
The
Internet Pathology Laboratory for Medical Education: Mini-Tutorials
How is alcohol metabolized?
When large amounts of alcohol are consumed the brain and other
organs are exposed to higher peak concentrations. An enzyme
called alcohol dehydrogenase that is found in the liver metabolizes
alcohol. About 95% of the consumed alcohol is metabolized in
the liver at a slow and constant rate. Alcohol continues to
pass through the brain until the liver oxidizes all the alcohol
into carbon dioxide, water, acetic acid and energy. In a 150lb.
male one 3%-5% beer will take about one hour to be metabolized.
What are the uses of alcohol?
A student athlete may drink alcohol because they wish to relax,
socialize, reduce inhibitions, and cope with everyday stress.
What are the effects of alcohol use on performance?
Although alcohol has been used by student athletes to cope with
anxiety and stress related to competition and academics, and
to enhance mental status before competition, the use of alcohol
decreases reaction time and fine muscle coordination, balance,
speech, vision and hearing. The feeling of disinhibition and
reduced anxiety is accompanied by loss of motor coordination,
decreased reaction time, lack of balance and coordination and
judgment. Alcohol also lowers muscle glycogen.
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