Alcohol Use

Effects

Alcohol is absorbed quickly, as it does not require digestion by the stomach. Roughly 90% of alcohol consumed is absorbed by the small intestine. Absorption rates for alcohol depend on the amount and type of food in the stomach. For example, high carbohydrate and high fat foods decrease absorption rates. A carbonated or effervescent alcoholic beverage, like champagne for example, will be absorbed faster.

The effects of alcohol may appear within 10 minutes after consumption and peak at approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Alcohol remains in the bloodstream until it is broken down by the liver. If an individual consumes alcohol at a faster rate than it can be broken down by the liver, the blood alcohol concentration level rises. When ingesting the same amount of alcohol as a man, a woman will have a higher blood alcohol concentration because of gender-related physiological differences.

Each state has its own legal definition for alcohol intoxication which is defined by blood alcohol concentration. The BAC is defined as grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood and the legal limit usually falls between 0.08 and 0.10 in most states. Different levels lead to different effects:

• 0.05 produces disinhibition and facilitates social interactions
• 0.10 results in slurred speech
• 0.20 is associated with euphoria as well as motor impairment
• 0.30 produces confusion
• 0.40 leads to stupor
• 0.50 is associated with coma
• 0.60 results in respiratory paralysis and death

As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, alcohol depresses the respiratory (breathing) rate, heart rate, and the control mechanisms in the brain. The effects of such CNS depression may include:

• impaired ability to perform complex tasks (such as driving)
• reduction of inhibitions which may lead to embarrassing behavior
• reduction in anxiety
• decreased attention span
• impaired short-term memory
• impaired motor coordination
• prolonged reaction time
• less rapid thought processing