Alcohol Facts

A. Alcohol affects everyone differently based on their:

i. Age – Those who consume alcohol before age 15 are six times more likely to become
alcohol dependent than people who begin drinking at age 21.

ii. Genetics – Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to become dependent on
alcohol, but this doesn’t mean that they will become dependent.

iii. Sex – Men have more of the alcohol-metabolizing enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase) in their
stomachs which allows them to break down alcohol faster than women.

B. Like other depressant drugs, alcohol interferes with neurons’ ability to communicate and slows brain
function. It reaches the brain after being absorbed into the blood through the gastrointestinal tract,
which is why a full stomach helps slow the absorption of alcohol.

C. In the short term, drinking alcohol moderately (no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink
per day for women) can lower inhibitions, causing people to feel relaxed and happy. Over the
long-term, moderate drinking may offer some benefits, including protection against heart disease by
increasing HDL (the “good” cholesterol) in the blood. Regularly drinking heavily has negative long
term consequences, including damage to the heart, liver and pancreas. Binge drinking, where
someone drinks enough in a short period of time to bring their BAC to 0.08% or higher, can cause
as much damage as long term heavy drinking.

D. Alcohol causes the body to pee more, leading to dehydration. Drinking water in between alcoholic
drinks helps to reduce dehydration. This also has the added benefit of preventing binge drinking by
spacing out the time between alcoholic drinks.

E. Alcohol affects the cerebral cortex and clouds people’s ability to think and reason clearly. Someone
who is intoxicated may misjudge risky situations, resulting in accidents and injury. Intoxicated
people may also engage in risky behaviors, such as having unprotected sex and/or unsafe drug use
practices, like syringe sharing. Because drinking impairs judgment, it is important to make decisions
about potentially risky situations – such as sex, alcohol consumption, and transportation – before
the drinking starts.

F. Mixing alcohol with other substances can be risky. When alcohol is mixed with:

i. Other depressants and opioids, their effects are made stronger. It can cause the central
nervous system to shut down, slowing the heart and breathing.

ii. Stimulants, it can make the alcohol’s effects harder to feel. Users may drink more than they
mean to or engage in risky behavior – like driving – believing that they are sober.

iii. Marijuana, it can quicken the absorption of THC and heighten marijuana’s effects. However,
it also suppresses the body’s natural reaction to alcohol poisoning: vomiting. A combination
of the two drugs can also cause feelings of paranoia.

G. It is illegal for people under 21 to consume alcohol in the United States. For this reason, underage
drinkers face some unique risks if they choose to drink. They may be suspended or expelled from
school and lose or be denied academic opportunities (e.g., playing sports, getting scholarships).
They may also come into contact with law enforcement which could lead to legal consequences
such as having to pay fines, give up their licenses, or perform community service.