Alcohol and Toxicology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to alcohol and its effects on the body, absorption, elimination, and the legal aspects of drinking.

What is the most heavily abused drug in Western countries?

Alcohol.

What are some effects of alcohol on the body?

Increases anger levels, reduces impulse control, impairs visions and motor coordination.

What percentage of traffic deaths are associated with alcohol?

40%.

What is the absorption process of alcohol in the body?

Alcohol is consumed orally, absorbed in the stomach (25%) and small intestine (75%).

What factors determine the rate of alcohol absorption?

Total time taken to drink, alcohol content in drink, amount consumed, stomach contents.

What is the process of elimination of alcohol from the body?

Oxidation and excretion.

Where does oxidation of alcohol primarily occur?

In the liver.

How is most alcohol eliminated from the body?

95-98% is oxidized to carbon dioxide and water.

What are the natural excretion processes for alcohol?

Breath, urine, and perspiration.

What is the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in the U.S.?

0.08%.

What is a common method to determine BAC?

Breathalyzers or field tests.

What test measures involuntary jerking of the eye to assess intoxication?

Horizontal gaze nystagmus test.

What does BAC refer to?

Blood Alcohol Content.

How is the likelihood of causing a traffic crash related to BAC?

Increases with higher BAC levels.

How is alcohol excreted through the lungs?

CO2 and alcohol leave the blood and are exhaled.

What does the concentration of alcohol in breath correlate with?

The concentration of alcohol in the blood.