Untitled Quiz

Study Notes

Fermentation: Sugar dissolved in water exposed to air
- Yeast converts sugar into ethanol and carbon dioxide
- Alcohol content approximately 10-15%
Distillation: Ethanol has a lower boiling point than water
- Process separates ethanol from water, resulting in a higher alcohol concentration
- Typically reaches 40-50% alcohol content

Proof: US measurement, 100 proof equals 50% alcohol by volume
- Proof is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume
ABV: Alcohol by volume, used in Canada and other countries

Alcohol consumption dates back to before recorded history
Most cultures engage in regular alcohol consumption
Fermented honey or fruit likely the first forms consumed
Agriculture development likely led to deliberate fermentation
Egypt: Beer referenced in the Book of the Dead (around 3000 BC)
China: Distillation around 3000 BC
Ancient Greece and Rome: Alcohol use, but lead poisoning was a concern due to lead containers
Early British and American Experience:
- Usquebaugh (whiskey) popularized in 1500s
- First extensive study on alcohol's effects published in 1785
American Prohibition:
- Influenced by the Temperance Movement
- Enacted in 1917 by the Eighteenth Amendment
- Repealed in 1933 by the Twenty-First Amendment
Yearly Alcohol Consumption: Peaked in the United States in 1979

Blood Alcohol Level (BAL): Concentration of alcohol in the blood
Measurement: Milligrams (mg) of alcohol per 100 milliliters (ml) of blood
- Conversion: Move decimal point three places (80 mg/dl = 0.08%)
Breathalyzer: Excretion from lungs allows for estimation of BAL

Absorption: Primarily occurs in the digestive tract (orally)
- Some first-pass metabolism in the stomach
- Faster absorption on an empty stomach (direct to small intestine)
- Gender Differences: Females have less alcohol dehydrogenase leading to faster absorption
- Concentrations: 40% alcohol is absorbed fastest, higher concentrations slow stomach emptying
  - Carbonation can increase absorption speed
Distribution: Alcohol distributes throughout the body
- Crosses the blood-brain barrier and the placental barrier
- Differences: Influenced by sex and age
Excretion: Only a small percentage eliminated through breath, sweat, tears, urine, and feces
- Liver Metabolism: 90% metabolized by the liver
  - Rate-limiting step depends on alcohol dehydrogenase
    - Alcohol converted to acetaldehyde (first step)
  - Second Step: Acetaldehyde is converted to acetyl-coenzyme A
    - Produces energy, water, and carbon dioxide
- Individual Differences: Drinking experience and food influence metabolism
- Microsomal Ethanol-Oxidizing System (MEOS): Alternate metabolism pathway
  - More active in heavy drinkers
  - Stimulated by barbiturates

Complex and Mysterious: Alcohol's mechanism of action is still not fully understood
Nonspecific Receptor Sites: Alcohol may interact with alcohol-sensitive sites on receptors
Ion Channels: Alcohol can enter and block ion channels, influencing neuronal activity
- Glutamate NMDA Receptor Inhibition:
  - Upregulation (increased sensitivity) can lead to seizures and withdrawal
- GABA-Receptor Excitation: Enhanced inhibition
  - Leads to downregulation of GABA receptors over time
Alcohol Antagonists:
- Naltrexone: Used in alcohol dependence treatment
- Caffeine: May have some antagonistic effects on alcohol

Sleep Induction: Decreases time to fall asleep
Depresses REM Sleep: Leads to rebound REM sleep upon cessation
Long-Term Effects: Disruptions in sleep patterns can persist after chronic alcohol use.

Low Dose:
- Stimulation: Increased talking, higher pitch, excitement, elation.
- Social Lubricant: Can lower inhibitions and increase social interaction.
High Dose:
- Sedation: Slurred speech, impaired coordination, drowsiness.
- Anger & Depression: Alcohol withdrawal can lead to mood swings and irritability.
Perception:
- Alcohol can alter perception, leading to distortions in vision, hearing, and sense of time.
- Impaired Judgement: Can lead to risky decision-making and impulsive behaviors.