Health Sciences 1001A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Ethanol, Water Content, Alcohol Dependence
9 Sep 2013
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Document Summary
Foundation: through automobile crashes and other injuries, alcohol is the leading cause of death among people ages 15-24. Ethyl alcohol is the common psychoactive ingredient in all alcoholic beverages. When consumed, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream from small intestine, stomach, colon. It is then distributed throughout the body"s tissues, affecting nearly every body system. Main site of alcohol metabolism = liver: transforms alcohol into energy and other products. Body can metabolize 1/2 - 3/4 of a drink in 1 hour although varies widely. If more alcohol is consumed than is metabolized, blood alcohol concentration (bac) will steadily increase, as will level of intoxication. To get hurt or injured: miss classes and get behind in schoolwork. Argue with friends: non-binge drinkers bothered by drinking-related behaviors of binge drinkers: Sleep or studying disruptions: roommates were reporting disturbances and having to take care of others when they return from a night of binge drinking.
