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Science reveals: How is alcohol metabolized in the body?
Alcohol intoxication, commonly described as a state of being drunk or intoxicated, and in excess, alcohol poisoning, is the behavioral and physical effects caused by recent alcohol ingestion. While ethanol, the main psychoactive component of alcohol, is toxic, its metabolite acetaldehyde may also cause other physiological symptoms that may not appear until hours after ingestion and may contribute to the phenomenon commonly known as the hangover.
Mild alcohol intoxication is often referred to by slang terms such as "tipsy" or "a little tipsy".
The effects of alcohol on the body vary with the amount consumed. Initial symptoms may include mild sedation and poor coordination, but as intake increases, high doses may cause symptoms such as slurred speech, unsteady gait, and vomiting. In extreme cases, it may even lead to respiratory depression, coma or death. Complications of alcohol poisoning include seizures, aspiration pneumonia, hypoglycemia, and injuries such as self-harm or suicide.
Alcohol intoxication is generally thought to begin after two or more drinks. Heavy drinking is quite common in various social situations, and coupled with the individual's impulsive personality, the potential for alcohol abuse cannot be underestimated. The diagnosis of alcohol intoxication usually relies on the history of events and a physical examination, with eyewitness testimony providing helpful confirmation.
Legal intoxication is usually defined as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above a certain level.
The body metabolizes alcohol at a rate of approximately 3.3 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) per hour, although the specific rate varies depending on the individual's metabolic rate. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), symptoms of alcohol intoxication may include any of the following: slurred speech, poor coordination, unsteady walking/movements, involuntary eye movements, difficulty paying attention Loss of consciousness, memory impairment, or coma.
Management of alcohol intoxication generally includes supportive care, such as placing the patient in the recovery position, maintaining body temperature, and ensuring a patent airway. In some cases, repeat evaluation may be necessary to rule out other potential etiologies. In severe cases of alcohol intoxication, emergency treatment may be necessary.
Acute alcohol intoxication may cause respiratory depression or vomiting, and you need to be more careful when the person is unresponsive.
An important aspect of alcohol metabolism lies in the function of the liver. Under normal circumstances, a healthy liver can metabolize about 8 grams of pure ethanol per hour. When there is a problem with the liver, the metabolic rate may slow down. Medical professionals may use blood tests to confirm a diagnosis of alcohol intoxication as part of routine toxicology procedures.
Even a physical examination and reconstruction of events may not be sufficient to fully diagnose a patient with alcohol intoxication. Many other conditions, such as hypoglycemia, stroke, or use of other intoxicating substances, can mimic the behavior of alcohol intoxication. For physicians in the acute care setting, alcohol intoxication can be confused with other neurological disorders and often occurs with other recreational drugs, further complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Alcohol intoxication is often socially and culturally viewed as a risk factor for accidental injury, particularly during unsupervised recreational activities, and is associated with many behaviors in society. For example, one study showed that 79% of catastrophic injuries are preventable, some of which involve alcohol consumption.
For some religious groups, the consumption of alcohol and the taboos against drinking alcohol have different views.
Drinking and driving is considered a criminal offense in the United States, and similar laws exist in other countries as well. Different laws have different definitions of "drunk driving", and the legal measurement of alcohol content is usually a certain percentage of blood volume. These laws exist to reduce accidents and related injuries and deaths caused by driving under the influence.
In the long run, excessive alcohol consumption can have serious effects and potential damage to your health. Faced with so many situations, how should society more effectively manage and educate about alcohol to reduce the harm it causes to health and life?
