Alcohol
The effect of ethanol on the brain
Introduction: Chemistry
Molecular Formula
Ethanol
Structural formula: CH3CH2OH
Molar Mass: 46.07 g mol−1
Boiling point: 78.37 °C
Consumption of Ethanol
Slang terms for Ethanol
moonshine, ripple, boot-leg
Classification
Basic effects of ethanol include:
- Sedation
- Muscle relaxation
- Drowsiness
- Disinhibition of impulses and emotions
Ways to Ingest Ethanol
Alcoholic drinks are consumed throughout the world and is one of the earliest known psychoactive drugs, though to have been consumed since the Neolithic era (New Stone Age, 10,200 BC - 4,500 BC). Ethanol is produced and consumed by most societies, from hunter-gatherers to nation states.
Alcoholic beverages are a source of food energy. Each gram of alcohol provides 7.1 kcal, and each millilitre provides 5.6 kcal.
Medicinal Use of Ethanol
Antiseptic
Virus
Bacteria
Bacterial Spores
Antidote for Poisoning from other Alcohols
Other uses in History
Alteration of Consciousness
Short term effects of Ethanol
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Headaches
- Breathing difficulties
- Distorted vision and hearing
- Impaired judgment
- Decreased perception and coordination
- Unconsciousness
- Anemia (loss of red blood cells)
- Coma
- Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence)
Long term effects of ethanol
- Unintentional injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning
- Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence
- Increased on-the-job injuries and loss of productivity
- Increased family problems, broken relationships
- Alcohol poisoning
- High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related diseases
- Liver disease
- Nerve damage
- Sexual problems
- Permanent damage to the brain
- Vitamin B1 deficiency, which can lead to a disorder characterized by amnesia, apathy and disorientation
- Ulcers
- Gastritis (inflammation of stomach walls)
- Malnutrition
- Cancer of the mouth and throat
Duration of the Effects (metabolizing Ethanol)
Alcohol is metabolized at the rate of .015 of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) every hour.
Dependance on Ethanol
Diagnosis
According to criteria for alcohol dependence, at least three out of seven of the following criteria must be manifest during a 12 month period:
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms or clinically defined Alcohol Withdrawal System
- Use in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down on alcohol use
- Time is spent obtaining alcohol or recovering from effects
- Social, occupational and recreational pursuits are given up or reduced because of alcohol use
- Use is continued despite knowledge of alcohol-related harm (physical or psychological)