Alcohol Education and Health Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the biological, medical, and social aspects of alcohol use and dependence based on lecture notes.

Ethanol

The specific type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, which is a psychoactive and toxic substance that can cause dependence.

Fermentation

A chemical reaction where yeast or bacteria react with sugars in grains, fruits, or vegetables to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide.

DWI in NY State

The legal threshold for Driving While Intoxicated in New York, set at a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of $.08$.

Multiplier Effect

A phenomenon where other drugs or medications intensify the physical and mental effects of alcohol.

Absorption (Stomach vs. Intestine)

The process where alcohol enters the bloodstream, with about $20\%$ absorbed through the stomach and $80\%$ through the small intestine.

Metabolism Rate

The speed at which the liver breaks down alcohol, which is approximately one standard drink per hour.

Standard Drink

distilled spirits (liquor) = $1.5\,\text{ounces}$, wine=$5\,\text{ounces}$, Beer=12 ounces

Lethal Dose (BAC)

A Blood Alcohol Concentration typically above $0.40\%$ that can cause the brain to shut down vital functions such as breathing.

Cirrhosis

Late-stage scarring of the liver caused by chronic inflammation, where healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impairing function.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by alcohol consumption, infections, or other diseases.

Binge Drinking

The consumption of alcohol with the primary intent to become intoxicated or drunk. Typically defined as consuming 5 or more drinks in a single occasion for men and 4 or more for women.

Alcohol Poisoning

A dangerous condition where alcohol concentration reaches a level that stops the body from working properly, often causing slow breathing and unresponsiveness.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

A chronic relapsing brain disease, also known as alcoholism, characterized by an inability to control alcohol use despite negative consequences.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A condition that can occur in a child if the mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy, leading to facial deformities and learning problems.

Alateen

A support organization specifically designed to help the teenage children of individuals struggling with alcoholism.

Al-Anon

A support organization for family and friends of individuals struggling with alcoholism, focusing on shared experiences and coping strategies.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

A worldwide fellowship aimed at helping individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Members share their experiences and offer support to encourage recovery through a 12-step program.

Factors that affect how a person reacts to alcohol

include genetics, age, body weight, food in the stomach, other drugs in the system and individual tolerance levels, all of which influence how alcohol is metabolized and its effects on behavior and health.

hangover

A group of unpleasant symptoms that occur after excessive alcohol consumption, typically including headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, resulting from dehydration and the toxic effects of alcohol on the body.

tolerance

The body's reduced response to alcohol after repeated use, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effects. It can lead to increased consumption and higher risk of alcohol dependence.

Alcohol withdrawal

Symptoms that occur when an individual reduces or stops alcohol intake after prolonged use, which can include anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures. This condition may require medical intervention for safe management.

inhibitions

The psychological restraints that prevent individuals from acting on impulses or desires, often reduced by alcohol consumption, leading to increased risk-taking behaviors.

The Liver breaks alcoho into:

Water, Carbon Dioxide, Energy/calories

“Blacking out”

A temporary loss of memory or consciousness related to alcohol intoxication, where the individual is unable to recall events that occurred while under the influence. This phenomenon often results from high levels of blood alcohol concentration and can be dangerous, as it may lead to risky behavior and injuries. The brain’s hippocampus is temporarily unable to move short-term memories into long-term storage.

“Passing out”

A state of unconsciousness or deep sleep caused by excessive alcohol consumption, where the individual is unresponsive and cannot be easily awakened. This may pose serious health risks, including aspiration and alcohol poisoning.

depressant

A substance that reduces the functions or activity of the central nervous system, leading to decreased alertness and coordination.

Recovery position

A first aid position used to keep an unconscious person who is breathing and has no spinal injury safe, allowing them to breathe easily while preventing choking.

Good Samaritan Law

A law that protects minors from legal prosecution for underage drinking if they call 911 to seek medical help for a friend who has overdosed or is in danger.