Alcohol comes from the Arabic word "finely divided spirit"

• Fermentation - This process forms the basis for all alcholic beverages. It involes the conversion of sugars into alcohol using yeast. Alcohol content can only reach 15%, as the yeast will die at this concentration.
• Distillation - a fermented liquid is heated, which releases water. The condensed vapors produced are re-collected. Since water has been boiled off the solution now has a higher alcohol content.

• 18 to 25 year olds are more likely to binge drink than any other group

• Alcohol molecules water soluble, and cross the blood-brain barrier
• 80% is absorbed through the small intestine
• Alcohol is distributed throughout the body
• On an empty stomach, peak levels from one drink occur 20-30 minutes after ingestion, faster when carbonated
• Higher proofs lead to quicker absorption

• Alcohol is metabolized by the liver at a rate of 1/3 to 1/2 ounce per hour
• The rate of metabolism is controlled in part by the enzyme Alcohol Dehydrogenase
• The calories consumed through alcohol cannot be stored by the body, and are used as energy before any other source

• The presence of Acetaldehyde (a byproduct of metabolism) affects toxicity
• Alcohol is typically measured by BAC, or Blood Alcohol Concentration:
• .05 - euphoria, a sense of stimulation, loss of coordination
• .10 - impaired motor functioning and decision making
• .20 - "smashed," poor reaction time
• .30 - stupor, slowed respiration
• .40 - death

• Causes sedation of the CNS by binding to GABA receptors.
• ETOH causes blood vessels to the periphery, causing a warm flush of the skin.
• Chronic use will break the blood vessels in the face and cause the characteristic red nose.
• It stimulates the release of pepsin in the stomach, as serves as an appetite stimulant.
• Blood flow is also increased to the genitals, giving the sensation of sexual arousal. However, performance, especially for males (such as inability to obtain an erection or ejaculate) is diminished, since the production of testosterone is suppressed. Reduced inhibitions may make people feel more sexy and adventurous, however.
• ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) is suppressed, causing the kidneys to reabsorb less water.
• REM is disrupted, leaving the person feeling fatugued. REM rebound may occur the night after drinking has stopped.

• Withdrawal is severe, including the presence of the DTs (shakes, delirium, delusions), possible seizures, hallucinations, sweating.
• Liver damge occurs by clogging the blood vessels of the liver or through cirrhosis, whereby scar tissue forms in the liver, creating jaundice and increased risk of cancer.
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) may also occur, or stomach bleeding.
• Hypertension, enlarged heart, and angina often occur.
• Malnutrition results from lack of proper diet. Long term Vitamin B deficiency (called beriberi) can contribute to Korsakoff's Psychosis
• Wernicke's Disease sometimes accompanies Korsakoff's in later stages, due to permanent lesions in the thalamus.
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is seen with just 3 drinks per day during pregnancy
• Alcohol interacts negatively with a number of other drugs

• Alcohol was believed to be discovered around 8000 BC (the Paleolithic Era)
• Beer and berry wine have existed since @ 6000 BC, grape wine since 400 BC.
• During these eras alcohol was used primarily for religious or medicinal purposes.
• Distilled products became available around 800 AD
• During the Middle ages wine, brandy, liquors and sherry were popular
• Whiskey was developed, the name derived from the term aqua vitae, or "waters of life."
• Gin was made in 1650 by a Dutch physician

• Colonial Americans viewed alcohol as a gift from God and drank regulary
• The Temperance Movement portrayed hard liquor as a "demon"
• American physicians like Benjamin Rush began to notice an increase in health problems in their patients who drank heavily
• Refridgeration and the addition of hops to beer increased the consumption of beer

• Andrew Volstead authored the Prohibition Amendment and submitted it to the Senate in 1917
• In 1919 Nebraska became the 36th satte to ratify the amendment (the 18th), and the sale of alchol was federally prohibited (beginning the following year)
• Legislaters were surprised when the law needed enforcement...they thought Americans would simply comply