Alcohol & It's Impact

List some characteristics of alcohol as a drug.

- Alcohol is an addictive drug, - a depressant drug that slows down the messages traveling between the brain and the body, - in high doses, it can be poisonous.

What are some general indicators that a person is using drugs?

- Teeth grinding - Red or glassy eyes and/or enlarged/dilated pupils Jittery and nervous behavior - Sudden changes in mood (irritable then suddenly happy) - Withdrawal from family and friends - Careless about personal grooming - Excessive sweating - Sniffly or runny nose - Dry mouth and lips - Shakes and tremors

What is the path of alcohol through the body?

- The path of alcohol starts in the mouth, enters the body, - moves to the stomach, then to the small intestine, enters the bloodstream, - is pumped throughout the body by the heart, - reaches the brain, and is finally processed by the liver.

What are some effects of medium doses of alcohol?

- doses of alcohol result in reduced coordination, - impaired concentration, - impaired reaction time, - slurred speech, - drowsiness, - changes in emotions, and distortion of visual and hearing abilities.

What are some effects of low doses of alcohol?

- have a relaxing effect, - reduce tension, lower inhibition, - and result in slower reflexes.

What level of BAC can cause considerable depression of the central nervous system?

A BAC in excess of 0.15% can cause considerable depression of the central nervous system.

What is the alcohol-related harm rate among Aboriginal Australian drinkers compared to non-Aboriginal drinkers?

Aboriginal Australian drinkers face a 60% alcohol-related harm rate compared to 35% for non-Aboriginal drinkers.

What effect does alcohol have on the central nervous system?

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system.

Where does alcohol enter the bloodstream?

Alcohol enters the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine.

How is alcohol absorbed into the bloodstream as a person drinks?

Alcohol is initially absorbed through the stomach walls, but the majority is absorbed through the intestines and then carried through the bloodstream to the brain.

What is the common name for ethanol?

Alcohol is the common name for ethanol.

What are some of the costs incurred by alcohol misuse and abuse in Australia?

Alcohol misuse and abuse increase costs for the health system, police, the justice system, road authorities, and reduce productivity.

What is alcohol poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning occurs when the body cannot process the amount of alcohol consumed, leading to severe illness and potentially death.

What is the economic impact of alcohol in Australia?

Alcohol sales contribute over $15 billion annually to the economy, with government taxes exceeding $5.5 billion. It's a significant part of tourism, employing around 925,000 people.

What are the costs to the community associated with alcohol-related issues?

Alcohol-related issues result in costs to the community for hospitals, emergency departments, city streets, ambulances, police stations, and the homes of families and friends.

How can alcoholic beverages be divided into general classes?

Alcoholic beverages can be divided into three general classes: beer, wine, and spirits.

Describe the effects associated with different BAC levels (0.27-0.40)

Apathy, impaired consciousness, stupor, significantly decreased response to stimulation, severe muscular incoordination, inability to stand or walk, vomiting, incontinence of urine and feces.

At what BAC level can unconsciousness occur?

As BAC increases, it can lead to unconsciousness. This can occur with a BAC of greater than 0.40%.

What happens to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and the effects of intoxication as people drink more?

As people drink more, their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) increases, and the effects of intoxication become more pronounced.

Describe the effects associated with different BAC levels. (BAC 0.01-0.05)

Average individual appears normal.

What does BAC stand for and what does it measure?

BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Concentration, which measures the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream, typically expressed in grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

When does the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) typically reach its highest level after the last drink?

BAC will reach its highest level around 30-60 minutes after the last drink.

Describe the effects associated with different BAC levels. (BAC 0.15-0.30)

Confusion, dizziness, exaggerated emotions (anger, fear, grief), impaired visual perception, decreased pain sensation, impaired balance, staggering gait, slurred speech, moderate muscular incoordination.

Describe the effects associated with different BAC levels (0.09-0.25)

Emotional instability, loss of critical judgment, impairment of memory and comprehension, decreased sensory response, mild muscular incoordination.

What is the primary alcohol in alcoholic beverages?

Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)

What is ethyl alcohol?

Ethyl alcohol is a spirituous or fermented liquid made by fermenting organic material, typically sugar-based, to develop a beverage of an intoxicating nature intended for human consumption.

What are the risks associated with alcohol consumption for minors?

Excessive drinking may harm cognitive development and have long-term detrimental effects on minors whose brains are still developing.

When are the first effects of alcohol generally registered?

Generally, the first effects of alcohol are registered around 10 minutes after the first drink.

What is Guideline 1 of the NHMRC regarding reducing alcohol-related harm over a lifetime?

Guideline 1 states that the lifetime risk of harm from drinking alcohol increases with the amount consumed. For healthy men and women, drinking no more than two standard drinks on any day reduces the lifetime risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury.

What is Guideline 2 of the NHMRC regarding reducing the risk of injury on a single occasion of drinking?

Guideline 2 states that on a single occasion of drinking, the risk of alcohol-related injury increases with the amount consumed. For healthy men and women, drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of alcohol-related injury arising from that occasion.

What is Guideline 3 of the NHMRC regarding children and young people under 18 years of age?

Guideline 3 advises that for children and young people under 18 years of age, not drinking alcohol is the safest option. It emphasizes that children under 15 years of age are at the greatest risk of harm from drinking, and for this age group, not drinking alcohol is especially important. For young people aged 15-17 years, the safest option is to delay the initiation of drinking for as long as possible

What is Guideline 4 of the NHMRC regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Guideline 4 states that maternal alcohol consumption can harm the developing fetus or breastfeeding baby. Therefore, for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking is the safest option. Similarly, for women who are breastfeeding, not drinking is the safest option.

What are some social problems associated with intoxication?

Intoxication contributes to assaults, family violence, road deaths, accidents, falls, and chronic illness.

Why is it important for those serving alcohol to understand the amount they are providing to customers?

It is important for people serving alcohol to understand how much alcohol they are providing to their customers to prevent alcohol-related issues like poisoning.

What is the classification of liqueurs in relation to alcoholic beverages?

Liqueurs are essentially based on spirits but have undergone further processing.

How serious is long-term alcohol consumption in terms of contributing to ill health in society?

Long-term alcohol consumption is a serious contributor to ill health in society, especially when compounded by the negative effects of smoking, poor diet, and other drugs.

What are the long-term impacts of alcohol consumption?

Long-term impacts of alcohol consumption refer to health risks associated with drinking at harmful levels, which can be compounded by the effects of smoking, poor diet, and other drugs.

What do long-term impacts of alcohol consumption refer to?

Long-term impacts refer to the risk of harm due to regular daily patterns of drinking, defined by the total amount of alcohol typically consumed per week.

Describe the effects associated with different BAC levels. (BAC 0.05-0.08)

Mild euphoria, talkativeness, decreased inhibitions, decreased attention, impaired judgment, decreased reaction time. Patrons below this line could be considered 'intoxicated' for RSA purposes.

What is the impact of mixing alcohol with medications or drugs?

Mixing alcohol with medications or drugs can lead to adverse side effects due to interactions between substances.

Where can one find more information about the guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol?

NHMRC website.

How does age affect alcohol consumption risk?

Older individuals may have decreased ability to process alcohol and may experience adverse effects when combined with medications. Harmful use of prescription medications and alcohol is increasing among older people in Australia. (60 and over)

Why do people consume alcohol?

People drink alcohol for socializing, cultural events, relaxation, mood alteration, addiction, and to overcome inhibitions or escape problems.

What actions should be taken if you believe someone is under the influence of illicit drugs?

Persons believed to be under the influence of illicit drugs must be denied service and entry. Each venue may have its own house policy, which may include speaking with the customer to assess further, refusing service and explaining the reason, offering assistance in getting home, involving the manager or seeking assistance from the police, and completing an incident report.

Why should we care about responsible service of alcohol?

Poor customer behavior, when left unchecked, can lead to serious injuries or harms such as assault, drink driving, and property damage.

How do pubs and clubs contribute to community life in Australia?

Pubs and clubs serve as community meeting places, particularly in rural or remote locations, contributing to community cohesion and identity. They are often the main venue for community and sporting groups, symbolizing values such as 'self-reliance', 'hardiness', and 'mateship'.

How does responsible service of alcohol benefit the community and the liquor industry?

Responsible service of alcohol helps to reduce alcohol-related crime and violence, improve health outcomes for customers, create a more positive social experience, enhance staff morale and safety, and improve the reputation and sustainability of businesses while reducing compliance and legal costs.

What are the short-term impacts of alcohol consumption?

Short-term impacts of alcohol consumption include the risk of accidents, injury, and violence associated with drinking on a single day.

What is the purpose of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines?

The NHMRC guidelines enable people to make informed decisions about the amount of alcohol they choose to drink and aim to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm.

What do the NHMRC guidelines relate to?

The NHMRC guidelines relate to reducing the risk of alcohol-related harm over a lifetime, reducing the risk of injury on a single occasion of drinking, guidelines for children and people under 18 years of age, and guidelines for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What role does the liver play in processing alcohol?

The liver oxidizes alcohol at a variable rate, converting it into water, carbon dioxide, and energy. This rate depends on various factors including gender, health, stomach fullness, type of drink, etc.

: How does the misuse and abuse of alcohol affect individuals, families, and society?

The misuse and abuse of alcohol can have devastating effects on individuals, their families, and society at large due to its negative consequences when not used carefully and moderately.

How does alcohol contribute to the night-time economy?

The night-time economy generates $102 billion, employing over one million people, with around 25.8% of Australian employees connected to it directly or indirectly.

Describe the effects associated with different BAC levels (BAC 0.35-0.50)

Unconsciousness, depressed or abolished reflexes, abnormal body temperature, coma, possible death from respiratory paralysis.

Why are women at higher risk of alcohol-related harm?

Women cannot drink as much as men due to differences in metabolism, and drinking during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Is alcohol a legal drug?

Yes

What are some long-term consequences of excessive drinking over a prolonged period?

a. Range of diseases affecting the heart, blood, and including stroke and hypertension. b. Cirrhosis of the liver. c. Cancer, especially of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. d. Cognitive problems and dementia. e. Problems with the nerves of the arms and legs. f. Gut and pancreas disease. g. Harm to an unborn baby. h. Sexual problems, especially male impotence. i. Alcohol dependence. j. Alcohol-related brain injury. k. Problems with memory and reasoning.

What are some short-term health consequences of excessive drinking on a single day?

a. Risk-taking behavior, accidents, falls, reduced coordination, altered thinking and speech, and at the highest level, unconsciousness. Alcohol is a contributor to accidental deaths, including road deaths and drowning. b. Aggravated sleep, stress, and sexual functions. Moderate alcohol consumption is sometimes seen as a method to minimize stress and induce sleep, but it can lead to increased wakefulness and disturbed sleep patterns. c. Heart problems. Even one or two standard drinks can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and heart muscle contraction, potentially negatively impacting individuals with cardiovascular disease. d. Lowered immunity. e. Trouble concentrating and difficulty getting motivated.

What are some additional factors that influence the risk of alcohol-related harm?

a. Specific situations where alcohol has the potential to endanger life, such as when combined with activities like driving, operating machinery, or supervising children. b. Groups at increased risk if they drink alcohol, such as young adults (18-25 years), older people (60+ years), individuals with a family history of alcohol dependence, and those who use illicit drugs. c. People who may need to seek professional advice before drinking, including individuals taking medication, those with alcohol-related or other physical conditions, and those with mental health conditions . d. People who should not be drinking according to guidelines, such as pregnant women and minors (under 18 years of age).

What is the role of the government in regulating alcohol?

he government introduces legislation and regulations to protect the community and encourage appropriate alcohol use.

What do short-term impacts of alcohol consumption refer to?

hort-term impacts refer to the risk of harm, particularly injury or death, associated with given levels of drinking on a single day, assuming overall drinking patterns remain within long-term risk levels and heavy drinking days occur infrequently and never more than 3 times a week.

What is one of the first effects of alcohol consumption?

loss of judgment and inhibitions.