Mera Durgapersad
Chelsea Kerr
Whitney Seagle
Alcohol
A College Student’s Drug of Choice
Type of drug: Liquid substance made of ethanol and classified as a depressant
 Also has stimulant effects during initial use
 Depressant: slows down the central nervous system (CNS) and causes decreased motor coordination,
reaction time, & intellectual performance
o At high doses, respiratory system can slow down & can cause coma or death
Where it comes from: Ethanol is formed from fermentation of grains and fruit
 Fermentation occurs when yeast breaks down into alcohol and carbon dioxide
Intoxication effects: depend on the person’s size, age, gender, amount of alcohol consumed, & time to
consume it
 Slurred speech, slowed body movements, decreased inhibitions, dizziness, decreased decision-making
 Acts on the brain to decrease nerve cell stimulation
 Often used for it’s initial relaxing effects, such as euphoria & decreased inhibitions
How it works: Enters the bloodstream through small blood vessels in the stomach & small intestine
 Metabolized by the liver, where enzymes break it down
How much: The liver can generally metabolize one ounce of alcohol in one hour
 If more than this is consumed quickly, it accumulates in blood & body tissues & alcohol overdose occurs
OD effects: depresses the CNS
 Decreased or stopped respirations, decreased heart rate, loss of gag reflex
 Cardiac arrest can occur if the body loses ability to thermoregulate & severe hypothermia can occur
 Seizures can occur from low blood glucose levels
 Change in mental status resulting in confusion or coma
 Vomiting, and possible aspiration, are common in alcohol overdose
Treatment: Usually occurs in an acute care setting & includes IV fluids, oxygen via mask, & thiamine or glucose
to prevent further complications
 Glucose to raise the blood sugar & thiamine to prevent brain damage, such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Withdrawal: Occurs in individuals who have consumed alcohol heavily over weeks, months, or years & no
longer consume it
 Can occur as soon as two hours after the last drink & can last up to two weeks
Signs/Symptoms: Include anxiety, shakiness, seizures, & delirium tremors
 People might also have nausea, vomiting, & headaches
Treatment for withdrawal: Usually involves the use of benzodiazepines
 Tegretol (an anticonvulsant) for mild to moderate symptoms; has less sedating effects & less potential for
dependence
 Beta blockers & antipsychotics, such as Phenytoin, can be used in conjunction with benzodiazepines
Is hospitalization needed? May be required for severe symptoms such as delirium tremors
Mera Durgapersad

Chelsea Kerr
Mild symptoms may be treated at home following consultation with a physician
Whitney Seagle
Mera Durgapersad
Chelsea Kerr
Whitney Seagle
References
Alcohol. (2010). University of Santa Barbara Alcohol and Drug Program: Student Health. Retrieved from
https://alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu/Students/InfoAlcoholnDrug/Alcohol.aspx
Alcohol and your health. (2015). National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence. Retrieved from
http://www.healthchecksystems.com/alcohol.htm
Alcohol overdose: The dangers of drinking too much. (2015). National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism. Retrieved from http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AlcoholOverdoseFactsheet/
Overdosefact.htm
Alcohol use and your health. (2014). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm