alcohol: pharmacological effects. what defines alcohol? alcohol is a colorless volatile flammable...

Alcohol:

Pharmacological

Effects

Chapter 7

What defines alcohol? Alcohol is a colorless volatile flammable liquid used by many in different ways, for example; social activities, relaxation after a strenuous day, escaping from reality and hiding their problems, to celebrate a special event, etc…. Either way how the consumption or distribution, alcohol when abused can effect someone in a way that would create conflict or addiction.Alcohol has been part of human culture since the beginning of recorded history. Many different cultures have used alcohol for numerous reasons to honor their gods in gifts from them. The Egyptians, the Ancient Greeks, the Hebrews and the Arabs to name a few.

Alcohol Definition

Alcohol is the most widely consumed drug in the world today and for many it is as much a part of daily activities as eating (Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012).efoodrecipe.com

Alcohol Definition continued

Alcohol contains many chemical structures that makes it lethal, where people feel dizzy, drunk and even blackout. The types of alcohol found in the ingredients of many alcohol drinks include: Methyl Alcohol (methanol or wood alcohol), which is

made from wood products. It’s metabolites are poisonous and small amounts (4 ml) cause blindness by affecting the retina. Larger doses (80-150 ml) are usually fatal.

Ethylene Glycol, this is another poisonous alcohol that is used in antifreeze.

Isopropyl Alcohol, this is commonly found in rubbing alcohol and antiseptic ( a solution for preventing the growth of microorganisms).

(Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012)

Properties of Alcohol

Pure ethyl alcohol (Ethanol) is recognized as an official drug in the United States Pharmacopoeia. The Concentration of Ethanol in common Alcoholic Beverages:

Properties of Alcohol Continued

Type of Beverage Concentration of Ethanol

United State Beers 4 – 6%

Wine Coolers 4 – 10%

Cocktails and Dessert Wines

17 – 20%

Liqueurs 22 – 50%

Distilled spirits 40% and higher

Alcohol effects the body in many ways, mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It’s direct contact to your body acts as an irritant and anesthetic.

Anesthetic – a drug that blocks sensitivity to painAlcohol influences every organ system in the body by entering into the blood stream, therefore; diffusing the blood rapidly after consumption and passes through gastric and intestinal walls ( the absorption process).Alcohol effects on the human body depends on the amount of alcohol in the blood, which is called BAC or blood alcohol concentration. Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012

The Physical Effects of Alcohol

Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC, also effects the behavioral and physical responses if taken in large amounts. Behavioral aspects are interrupted in the mood alterations, the drinker’s attitude and previous experience with alcohol itself.Individual patterns of psychological functioning occurs and effects their reactions to the alcohol, moreover; the decrease of alcohol in the stomach could result in fear, anger, stress, nausea, and condition of the stomach tissues. Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012

The physical Effects of Alcohol Continued

The blood alcohol level produced depends on: Presence of food in the stomach Rate of alcohol consumption Concentration of the alcohol Drinker’s body compositionFatty foods, meat, and milk slow down the absorption of alcohol. Blood Alcohol Concentration levels are 50% lower on a full stomach versus drinking alcohol on a empty stomach.

The Physical Effects of Alcohol Continued

Alcohol is consumed orally :

http://www.123rf.com/photo_8891405_young-woman-face-with-white-teeth.html

How Alcohol is absorbed in the body

Alcohol is goes right into the stomach. A little of the alcohol passes through the wall of the stomach and into the bloodstream. Most of the alcohol continues down into the small intestine (Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012).

http://www.umm.edu/imagepages/8940.htm

How Alcohol is absorbed in the body Continued

Alcohol goes from the stomach into the small intestine. Most of the alcohol is absorbed through the walls of the intestine and into the bloodstream (Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012).

http://health.bwmc.umms.org/imagepages/19221.htm

Alcohol absorbed in the body Continued

Bloodstream

The bloodstream carries the alcohol to all parts of the body, such as the brain, heart and liver.

http://www.dailytech.com/scientists+Ready+New+Nanobots+To+Swim+In+Human+Blood+Stream/article14018.htm

As the bloodstream carries the alcohol around the body, it passes through the liver. The liver changes the alcohol to water, carbon dioxide, and energy, a process called oxidation.

http://www.consumergenetics.com/alcoholtest.html

Alcohol absorbed in the body Continued Liver

Alcohol goes to the brain almost as soon as it is consumed. It continues passing through the brain until the liver oxidizes all the alcohol into carbon dioxide, water and energy (Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012).

http://www.alcoholbars.com/side-effects-of-excessive-alcohol-consumption

Alcohol absorbed in the body Continued

http://sciartmag.blogspot.com/2011/04/science-myths-and-truths-behind.html

Hangover Effects from Alcohol

Alcohol hangovers effect everyone differently, depending on the consumption of the alcohol but the stages of the hangover itself are similar.Denial- The denial stage of a hangover is something

that manages to fool its captor nearly every time. While we may not recall anything about the night before, or be able to explain the strange bruises on our bodies, the fantastic feeling on a non-hangover morning is enough to get anyone up and running.

“Wow, I feel a lot better than I thought I would.” http://totalfratmove.com/990864#1ygJ2KdAEt7CLAXR.99

Hangover Effects from Alcohol continued

http://totalfratmove.com/990864#1ygJ2KdAEt7CLAXR.99


Motivation- After the deceptive nature of Stage One, often times the hungoveree will get a surge of motivational energy, and begin to plan out the most effective use of his or her daylight hours. Little do they know, as each minute passes the aura of their intoxication slowly fades away.

“I feel great, I must of not drank as much as I thought”http://totalfratmove.com/990864#1ygJ2KdAEt7CLAXR.99 Decline- Like the final turn on a rollercoaster, the

Decline is the end of any excitement, and the beginning of the blur that is a debilitating hangover. If you didn’t choose to start drinking in Stage 2, the menacing grip of the third will wrestle you into a lifeless ball of dehydrated defeat.

“I’m starting to feel run down, with no energy, all of the sudden. http://totalfratmove.com/990864#1ygJ2KdAEt7CLAXR.99

Hangover Effects Continued





Realization- After several failed attempts at productivity, the wheel has stopped turning and you find yourself deep in the chokehold clutches of a hangover. Usually, this stage coincides with a cascade of whatever you ate that night and morning vomit. Shortly after the realization kicks in, the toilet bowl is your new best friend and the severe pulsating pressure begins to flow in your head.

“I swear, I’ll never drink again, just get me out of this”.





Acceptance- In the epic nightly battle of You vs. Alcohol, the liquid poison has claimed victory yet again. While you surely enjoyed its socially lubricating benefits, and you’ll surely drink again after you recover, the painful nature of a hangover is enough to put you to sleep for the next few hours.

The next step, after some rest and plenty of water or Gatorade, because dehydration has kicked in. After the punishment occurs, the decision to prowl the night of fun hits again. “Don’t let me sleep too late, I want to do this again tonight.”





The physical dependence of alcohol results from the large quantities that are consumed within your body. The severity of the withdrawal levels depends on the length and intensity of the alcohol habit. The withdrawal patterns include:Stage 1, (minor): Restlessness, anxiousness, sleeping

problems, agitation, tremors, and rapid heartbeatStage 2, (major): Minor symptoms plus

hallucinations, whole-body tremors, increased blood pressure, and vomiting

Stage 3, (delirium tremens): Fever, disorientation, confusion, seizures, and fatality in 3% to 5% of cases

Fleming et al.2006, Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012

Physiological Effects of Alcohol

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 140 million people around the world are afflicted with alcohol-related disorders. It is estimated that in the United States alone, 12.5 million men and women suffer from alcoholism and are severely handicapped from functioning normal in today’s society.In the United States only 10-12% of alcoholics receive appropriate treatment in behavioral therapy, therefore; taking certain medications that are approved by the FDA. In either case, alcohol is the major reason for abruptions in our society. Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012

Physiological Effects of Alcohol Continued

Definitions or categories of behavior that represents alcoholic type is difficult because all behaviors vary enormously from one person to the next, thus most behaviors range along a continuum. Stereotypes of alcoholics are hard to determine. Some may seek the alcoholics to the homeless, searching for food or money. The people who drink everyday when coming home from work to relax and end up drinking a six pack or more. The weekend bingers, the doctors or lawyers that we see walk in the liquor store or come out of a bar. Stereotyping is obviously what we see, being judgmental but most of the alcoholics are in secret or closeted drinkers who look very much like everyday working people. Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012

Behavioral Effects of Alcohol

When attempting to understand the meaning of chronic drinking, one additional clarification that needs to be made is to distinguish the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Alcohol Abuse: uncontrollable drinking that leads to alcohol craving, loss of control, and physical dependence but with less prominent characteristics than found in alcoholism. Alcoholism: a state of physical and psychological addiction to ethanol, a psychoactive substanceAlcohol Abuse behavior differs as a matter of degree and is pronounced less than alcoholism. Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Examples of Alcohol abuse versus Alcoholism:Diminished ability to full obligations and goalsMore occasions of drinking at the wrong time, 1) while driving 2) legal problems (driving under the influence, and relationship problems (Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012)

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Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Continued

Alcoholism is described and defined in many ways, but yet characterized as a sinful perspective of addiction, an illness and not the result of lacking personality discipline and morality.Alcoholism is also described as a chronic behavioral disorder manifested by repeated drinking of alcoholic beverages in excess of the dietary and social uses of the community.The extent that interferes with the drinker’s health or his social or economic functioning (Gold, 1999)


The major components of Alcoholism, include;Craving: An overwhelming compulsion to drink even

when not feasible, such as at work, driving a car, mowing the lawn, and so on

Very impaired or loss of control: An ability to limit one’s drinking once drinking has begun

Physical Dependence: The presence of withdrawal symptoms when attempting to abstain from usage. Symptoms include; nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety about the availability of alcohol are common

Tolerance: A need to continually increase the amount of alcohol consumed to maintain it’s effects or buzz

Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012


Alcohol consumption patterns for women are different than they are for men. Women have greater sensitivity to the alcohol and have a greater chance for addiction and develop alcohol-related health problems. Three reasons are: 1) Women have a smaller body frames 2) Alcohol is absorbed quicker because of more body fat 3) Women possess less of a metabolizing enzyme that functions to get rid of the alcohol


Alcohol: Behavioral Effects

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism concluded:The course of alcohol addiction progresses at

a faster rate among women than men. Female alcoholics are generally younger than males (Medical News Today, 2007)

Many women experience heavy drinking after a health problem, such as; depression, reproductive difficulties

Women in the 21 to 34 year old age group were likely to report alcohol related problems if they had stable marriages and had a fulltime job. Young mothers with fulltime occupations reported less reliance on alcohol in comparison to childless women without fulltime work

Alcohol: Behavioral Effects Continued

Women tend to marry men whose drinking habits match their own

In the 35 to 49 year age group, the heaviest drinkers were divorced or separated women without children in the home

In the 50 to 64 year age group, the heaviest drinkers were women whose husbands or partners drank heavily

Women 65 years or older constitute less than 10% of drinkers with drinking problems (Hansen, Venturelli, Fleckenstein, 2012)


Alcohol consumption in college students have remained largely stable but some findings still exist:Death: 1825 college students between the ages of 18 and

24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes each year (NIAAA, 2010)

Injury: 599,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are unintentionally injured under the influence of alcohol (NIAAA, 2010)

Assault: 696,000 students between the ages of 18 to 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking (NIAAA, 2010)

Sexual Abuse: 97,000 students between the ages of 18 to 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape (NIAAA, 2010)

Unsafe Sex: 400,000 students between the ages of 18 to 24 had unprotected sex and more than 100,000 students of that age group reported having been intoxicated to know if they consented to having sex (NIAAA, 2010)


Academic Problems: 25% of college students report academic consequences of their drinking including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving poor grades overall (NIAAA, 2010)

Health Problems/Suicide Attempts: More than 150,000 students develop an alcohol-related health problem and between 1.2% and 1.5% of students indicate that they have tried to commit suicide within the past year due to drinking or drug use (NIAAA, 2010)

Drunk-Driving: 3,360,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 drive under the influence of alcohol (NIAAA, 2010)

Vandalism: About 11% of college student drinkers report that they have damaged property while under the influence of alcohol (NIAAA, 2010)

Property Damage: More than 25% of Administrators from schools with low drinking levels and over 50% from schools with high drinking levels say their campus have a moderate or major problem with alcohol-related property damages (NIAAA, 2010)


Police Involvement: About 5% of 4 year college students are involved with the police or campus security as result of their drinking, and 110,000 students between the ages of 18 to 24 are arrested for an alcohol-related violation (NIAAA, 2010)

Alcohol Abuse and Dependence: 31% of college students met the criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6% for an alcohol dependence in the past 12 months (NIAAA, 2010)


Codependency is another form of alcohol dependency, for example; when a family member finds alcohol containers lying around or in places they shouldn’t be, they hide or make excuses for the addict.In these cases, usually children or young adults are involved; protecting their loved ones. Children of alcoholics are at a greater risk for developing the same addiction, for instance; 1) They often do poorly in school 2) Live with pervasive tension and stress 3) Have high levels of anxiety and depression 4) Experience coping problemsApproximately 9.7 million children age 17 or younger were living in households with one or more adults who were diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence within the past year (NLAES)

George Washington University Medical Center, 2002


Within the last decade, both Children of Alcoholics (COA) and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA), were studied and the findings were:COAs have an increased risk of alcohol involvement

because of genetically transmitted (Zucker et al, 2009)

Higher transmission of risky temperamental and behavioral traits lead the COAs into greater contact with earlier and heavier drinkers (Zucker et al, 2009)

COAs are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop alcoholism and marry into families where alcoholism is prevalent

Approximately one-third of alcoholics come from families in which one parent was or is an alcoholic



Both physiological and environmental factors appear to place COAs and ACOAs at greater risk of becoming alcoholics

COAs and ACOAs exhibit more symptoms of depression and anxiety than do children of nonalcoholic parents

Young children of alcoholics exhibit an excessive amount of crying, bed-wetting, and sleep problems (Nightmares)

Teenagers display excessive perfectionism, hoarding, staying by themselves, and excessive self-consciousness

Phobias develop, and difficulty with school performance is not uncommon



In the United States today, have now come together with government agencies and other counseling based therapeutic facilities to control the habit forming of alcohol and other drug abuse problems. It’s not an easy process for anyone who has addiction related issues but with the right guidance, educational programs and medical professionals, the balance of life can be maintained.Getting through the withdrawal is one step, but being able to admit there is a problem and commit to the steps needed are other steps. There are several levels to consider and partake as an alcoholic, and other individuals that are affected. This is a timely process unlike no other and with the recovery, goals can be achieved.


1)Article and video on Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel, “Wasted in Wisconsin”2) Viewed sites on "Binge Drinking". Vital Signs of Binge Drinking ; CDC Fact Sheet on Binge Drinking3) article by National Institute of Health on Underage Binge Drinking4)watched news report on "College Binge Drinking" 5) read Chapter 7, "Alcohol: Pharmacological Effects" and chapter 8 "Alcohol: Behavioral Effects" in the textbook 6) PowerPoint on Chapter 7 and Chapter 87) video Topiramate in clinical trials for the treatment of alcoholism.8) http://alcoholism.about.com/od/hangovers/a/hangover.htm9) http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/effect/a/blsam031014d.htm10) http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body11) http://www.caron.org/alcohol.html?gclid=CP3Dw7WftLYCFaI-MgodoSEACg12) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/28/alcohol-effects-body-infographic_n_2333328.html

References:

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/hangovers/a/hangover.htm



http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/effect/a/blsam031014d.htm

http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/effect/a/blsam031014d.htm

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body

http://www.caron.org/alcohol.html?gclid=CP3Dw7WftLYCFaI-MgodoSEACg

http://www.caron.org/alcohol.html?gclid=CP3Dw7WftLYCFaI-MgodoSEACg

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