Is alcohol a drug?
People often do not associate the term “drug” with alcohol, however alcohol and tobacco are the most commonly used drug substances.

Why does alcohol affect me so emotionally?
Alcohol is classified as a “depressant”. It may initially have a stimulating effect, but mainly depressants such as alcohol, slow or “depress” the central nervous system. Sometimes people use alcohol as a means to cope with problems, and find that they feel much worse. Alcohol tends to intensify a person’s mood, so a person who uses alcohol to escape from their problems usually ends up feeling worse. Drinking can also worsen psychiatric problems. 

How does the body process alcohol?
The body processes alcohol in four stages: it is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and then eliminated. Upon consumption, alcohol is absorbed by the small intestine (approximately 80%), the stomach (approximately 20%), and a small amount is absorbed through the small capillaries within the mouth. As alcohol is water soluble, it rapidly enters the bloodstream where it is distributed throughout the body, reaching areas with the richest blood supply most quickly: the heart, the liver, and the brain. The brain responds to the presence of alcohol within two minutes of it being in the bloodstream. Alcohol is considered by the body to be toxic. As a result the role of the liver in metabolizing the alcohol, or breaking it down, is critical to the process of eliminating it from the body. The liver metabolizes 90% of the alcohol that enters the bloodstream. A very small amount is removed through sweat, urine, or breathing. Special enzymes in the liver are responsible for breaking alcohol down to “acetaldehyde”, which is then converted, to acetic acid, then carbon dioxide, then water. 

What does BAC mean?
Blood Alcohol Content, or BAC, refers to the how many milligrams of alcohol are in 100 mL The only way alcohol is eliminated from the body is by time. People can drink alcohol much faster than it can be expelled from their bodies. It takes approximately two hours for the body to process one standard drink. A standard drink is:

1.5 oz. (43 mL) “shot” of spirits (e.g., whiskey) (40 % alcohol)
5 oz. (142mL) glass of table wine (10-12% alcohol) 
12 oz. bottle of regular strength beer (4-5 % alcohol)
12 oz. bottle of regular strength cooler (4-5% alcohol)

In Canada, you can be charged with impaired driving if you have a BAC of .08%, or higher. This means having over 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 mL of blood. BAC can be measured by analyzing blood or breath samples. Both are equally effective in measuring one’s BAC.

What factors effect how high my BAC gets?
The factors that effect how high your BAC gets, and how intoxicated you get is dependent on:

1. How you drink: the more you drink, the faster you drink, and the amount of food you have in your stomach (as food slows the absorption of alcohol), increase one’s BAC.

2. The proportion of water in your body: heavier people have more water in their bodies than lighter people; older people have less water than younger people do; and women have less water in their bodies than men. Weight, age, and sex are all factors, as the less water in your body, the more pure amount of alcohol in your system.

3. Other Factors: a person’s build, and their drinking experience can also affect their BAC.

What are the effects of alcohol?
Short-term effects of alcohol include drowsiness, impaired physical coordination, and compromised ability to think clearly, and respond well. People may behave in ways that are not normally characteristic of themselves, as alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes people feel more relaxed. Aggression is commonly associated with alcohol use, as people are prone to be more argumentative and less likely to be able to see others points of view due to cognitive distortions and an inability to think clearly. With heavier use, alcohol can cause blackouts, stupor, unconsciousness, coma, or even death.

Long-term effects of alcohol include cognitive problems because drinking kills nerve cells, and can cause the brain to shrink. This can lead to problems with memory, learning ability, and if severe enough, dementia (total loss of mental abilities). Long term drinking weakens the heart muscle, and the cardiovascular system (irregular heart rhythms, stroke, and high blood pressure). As alcohol is an irritant, it increases the likelihood of increased digestive disorders (ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, and cancer). The liver, the organ responsible for processing the alcohol, can become diseased (fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis). The immune system becomes more compromised due to the body’s weakened state brought on by the toxic effects of alcohol. Hormonal problems may occur in both men and women as a result of heavy drinking.

What is a “safe” amount to drink?
Generally everyone’s body is different. Those who have health conditions should not drink. The effects of alcohol on other drugs taken can also have an adverse effect on the body, whether the drug was a prescribed drug, an over the counter drug, or illegal substance. A sensible limit depends on your goals and the occasion. It is never advised to consume alcohol if there is the possibility that you will be driving. 

How do I know if I have a problem with alcohol?
Answer the 4 questions below with a response of “yes” or “no”, as it relates to your drinking style:

1. Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your drinking? Yes No

2. Has anyone ever angered you by criticizing your drinking? Yes No

3. Have you ever felt guilty about the consequences of your drinking? Yes No

4. Have you ever had an “eye-opener” (a morning drink) Yes No

If you answered “yes” to 2 or more questions you may wish to discuss your drinking style with a counsellor. The Teen Health Centre provides drug and alcohol counselling. Call 253-8481 and ask to speak to a counsellor to make a referral. 

For help with alcohol contact 
the Teen Health Centre at (519) 253-8481
and ask to speak to a counsellor