Sober is always safer: Thinking then drinking

  • Published
  • By 341st Missile Wing safety office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  While most people are aware of the hazards of drinking and driving, there are many more situations where alcohol becomes a danger. Consider the consequences before beginning summer fun; the safety of everyone depends on clear thinking by all. Develop a plan before participating in an activity rather than after and stick to it. Whether it's having a designated driver or choosing to stay sober while participating in outdoor activities, everyone will have fun knowing they've taken steps to prevent injury or death.

The following statistical information was taken from the National Institutes of Health's website at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001944.htm

The effects of alcohol:

Alcoholic drinks include differing amounts of alcohol and are absorbed into the bloodstream quickly:

· Beer is about 5 percent alcohol, although darker beers and ales can have more.
· Wine is usually 12 to 15 percent alcohol.
· Hard liquor is about 45 percent alcohol.

The amount and type of food in a person's stomach can change how quickly alcohol enters their bloodstream. For example, high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods can make a body absorb alcohol slower.

Certain types of alcoholic drinks get into the bloodstream faster. A carbonated alcoholic drink, such as champagne, will be absorbed faster than a non-carbonated one.

Alcohol slows breathing, heart rate and how well the brain functions. These effects may appear within 10 minutes and peak after 40 to 60 minutes. Alcohol stays in the bloodstream until it is broken down by the liver. The amount of alcohol in a person's blood is called their "blood alcohol level." If someone drinks alcohol faster than the liver can break it down, this level will rise.

A blood alcohol level is used to legally define whether or not someone is drunk. The legal blood alcohol level for Montana is 0.08. Below is a list of blood alcohol levels and the likely symptoms.

· 0.05 - reduced self constraint
· 0.10 - slurred speech
· 0.20 - extreme happiness and reduced function of the body
· 0.30 - confusion
· 0.40 - lack of sensibility
· 0.50 - coma
· 0.60 - loss of lung function, and death


To learn more about alcohol use and its effects, visit:

http://trafficsafety.org/safety/risk/impaired-driving-resources

http://allirainey.suite101.com/how-drinking-alcohol-can-impact-your-rock-climbing-performance-a332080

http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/news/media_kit/11BuiiFacts.pdf?ga=t

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boating_under_the_influence_initiatives.aspx