alcohol

Alcohol is classed as a depressant.  However, at low doses it acts as a mild stimulant.  As concentrations in the bloodstream increase, stimulation gives way to sedation, stupor, coma and finally death. 

When you drink alcohol you are consuming ethanol. Ethanol is produced by a chemical process which is the fermentation of the sugar and water found in ripe fruit combined with yeast.  Ethanol dissolves easily in water, so it can be rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract and circulate throughout the body in the blood.

Alcohol can be dangerous in smaller amounts if it is used in combination with other drugs. 

Effects of Alcohol

The effects of the alcohol (ethanol) on your body depends on the amount of alcohol in your blood (blood alcohol level).  Factors that affect your blood alcohol level include the following:

·          How quickly your body metabolizes the alcohol

·          How strong the alcoholic drink is

·          How quickly you consume the alcoholic drink

·          How much food is in your stomach at the time you drink

Immediate effects

Initially when you drink alcohol, you experience a feeling of pleasure and relaxation. The more you drink, the higher your blood alcohol level becomes, and your body’s reactions begin to slow down.  You may experience slurred speech, inability to walk straight, and impaired judgement and co-ordination.

There are recommended guidelines for safe alcohol consumption.  The more you drink above the recommended guidelines and the more often you do, the greater the health risks.

Some of the effects on your health may include:

Short-term effects

·          weight gain

·          mood and personality changes

·          drink-related accidents

·          feeling anxious

·          missing work due to hangovers, headaches

·          impotence

·          high blood pressure

·          memory loss

·          confusion, disorganisation

Long-term effects

·          major damage to the brain, the central nervous system, digestive system, heart and liver

·          increased risk of some forms of cancer

·          psychiatric problems

·          prone to depression

Overdose

Drinking significantly more than the body can metabolize and eliminate often results in alcohol poisoning, which in some instances is fatal.  Binge drinking (consuming more than the recommended guidelines at one sitting) can also lead to alcohol poisoning.

Nausea and vomiting are two of the first alcohol poisoning symptoms a person with an alcohol overdose will experience.  

The following are other signs of alcohol poisoning:

·          Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing

·          Confusion

·          Difficulty awakening the person

·          No withdrawal from painful stimuli (for instance from pinching)

·          Unconsciousness (passing out)

·          Blue-tinged skin or pale skin

·          Absent reflexes

·          Seizures

IF ALCOHOL POISONING IS SUSPECTED
DIAL 111 IMMEDIATELY

Tolerance & Dependence

Tolerance

Alcohol tolerance refers to a progressive state where, over time, an individual drinker will need to consume progressively more alcohol to achieve the same effect.

Dependence

Psychological dependence occurs when using a drug becomes more important than other activities in a person’s life. 

Physical dependence upon a drug occurs when a person’s body is used to functioning with the drug present in the system. 

Alcohol dependence affects physical and mental health, and causes problems with family, friends, and work.  It is characterized by a mental and/or physical need to consume alcohol in order to prevent the pains of withdrawal.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person dependent on a drug stops using it or significantly cuts down the amount they are using.  Not everyone who stops drinking experiences withdrawal symptoms, but most people who have been drinking for a long period of time, or drinking frequently, or drink heavily when they do drink, will experience some form of withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking suddenly.

There is no way to predict how any individual will respond to quitting.  Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include :

·          Sweating, especially the palms of the hands or the face, clammy skin

·          Nausea and/or vomiting/loss of appetite

·          Feelings of jumpiness or nervousness, irritability or overexcitement

·          Rapid emotional changes

·          Depression, fatigue

·          Difficulty with thinking clearly, bad dreams

·          Headache - general, pulsating

·          Insomnia, sleeping difficulty

·          Rapid heart rate (palpitations), tremor of the hands

·          A state of confusion and hallucinations - known as delirium tremens

·          Fever

·          Convulsions

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Alcohol has the potential to cause harm to the unborn child and also harm to the baby whilst breastfeeding.   Due to this, it is recommended to not use any level of alcohol during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.  

Legal Implications

Research indicates that driving after consuming any level of alcohol impairs your ability to drive safely; you could put your own and other people’s lives at serious risk. 

It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit.   Current legal limits are:

·          Drivers under 20 years - 150mcg per litre of breath or 30mg per 100mls blood. 

·          Drivers over 20 years - 400mcg per litre of breath or 80mg per 100mls blood. 

Drink-driving is considered a serious offence and carries tough penalties, especially for repeat offenders.  Third and subsequent offenders face maximum fines of $6,000, prison terms of up to two years, and a one year minimum disqualification from driving.

If you cause injury or death while drink-driving, you can be fined up to $10,000 for driving carelessly while under the influence (no breath or blood test needed); up to $20,000 where a breath or blood-alcohol test shows you were over the limit and you could be sentenced to prison.

New Zealand does not have a minimum legal drinking age.  However, what we do have is a minimum legal age for purchasing alcohol. 

·          It is illegal for anyone under 18 years old to purchase alcohol, and

·          It is illegal for anyone other than a parent or guardian to supply alcohol to those under 18. 

The current maximum penalty for selling liquor to a minor is $10,000.

For more information on alcohol

call the alcohol drug helpline on

0800 787 797

free from your landline or mobile

10 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week