Alcohol

Men

Increases money police spend on alcohol related violence; 8-10 times more likely to have accidents

10 ml

More than 14 units per week

1 unit per day for women or 2 units per day for men - not more than 14 units per week

8 or more units of alcohol in a single session (2 hours) for men; 6 or more units in a single session for women

Small intestine

Stomach

Liver - majority; Breath 2-5%; Sweat 1-2%; Urine 2-5%

Low food intake; Drinking speed; Dehydration; Female gender; Genetics; High body fat percentage

Acetate is converted to acetyl co A via acety CoA synthase; It then enters the Krebs cycle where its used as a substrate for energy; Enhances acetylchline and melatonin production; Can also influence histone acetylation

Alcohol dehydrogenase; Acetaldehyde dehyrogenase

A deficiency in ALDH2

A deficiency in acetaldehyde dehyrogenase which leads to elevated levels of acetealdehyde which cane cause increased HR/BP, sweating and tremors

Activation of HPA axis; Baroreceptor and Chemoreceptor reflex; Neuroinflammatory cytokines such as IL6, TNF A and IL-1B are released; Causes vasodilation ad rebound vasoconstriction

CYP2E1 aids alcohol processing in the liver

Breaks down hydrogen peroxide; Process occurs in the brain and other tissues; Oxidises ethanol in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

Potentiates GABA - A via allosteric modulation; Increases frequency and duration of chloride channels opening

Suppresses glutamate receptors - non competitive antagonist

Disrupts synatptic plasticity; Affects memory, decsion making and ability to focus

Indirectly increases dopamine output towards meolimbic pathway

Increases serotonin which contributes to mood elevating effects followed by strong rebound effects; Ethanol acts directly on serotonin receptors

Nausea; Vomiting

Affects the purkinje cells in the cerebellum; Depresses cortical activity; Inhibits spinal reflexes; Suppreses proprioception

Initial sedation but then causes disrupted sleep archtircture; Can cause sleep apnea and breathing problems

Neurodegeneration and brain atrophy; Loss of white matter integrity; Psychiatric disorders; Hepatic encephalopathy

Liver is severly affected - can lead to cirrhosis; Can also caise GORD, pancreatitits and gastritits

Can lead to Wernicke’s Korsakoff; Can lead to liver damage

Inhibits ADH which leads to electrolyte disbalance; Contributes to elevated blood pressure; Damages glomeruli

Temproarily increases blood pressure; Vasodilation followed by rebound vasoconstriction; High risk of stroke; Hypertenstion; Cardipmyopthies

Increases prolactin in both men and women; Lowers testosterone in men and lowers oxytocin in both men and women; Lowers IGF -1 levels

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders; Hyperactive behaviours, learing difficulties, various developmental delays

Referral to a specialist; Medications such as Disulfiram, Nalrexone and Acamprosate