Ethyl alcohol is made by fermentation, a process in which yeast fungus feeds on starches and/or sugars in various grains (such as barley, rice, or hops) or fruits (such as apricots and grapes) and releases alcohol along with carbon dioxide (CO2).
Ethyl alcohol is depressant drug and not a stimulant as perceived by many people. Perhaps this fact helps explain why so many people exhibit alcoholism and depression at the same time. As a side note, when an individual manifests both alcoholism and depression, it is important for him or her to get medical treatment for both medical conditions.
The amount of alcohol in drinks differs greatly depending on the type of drink that is ingested. For instance, whereas wine and beer usually have an alcohol content somewhere between 5% and 15%, hard liquor, conversely, frequently has an alcohol content of 40% and can go as high as 90% or 95%.
From the least expensive beer to the most expensive after dinner wine or liqueur, all alcoholic beverages are made from the same fermentation process. The different colors, tastes, flavors, and strengths, nonetheless, come from the variety of fruits and vegetables that are utilized as well as from the diluting substances, by-products, and additives used in the fermentation process.
When a person drinks an alcoholic beverage, approximately 80 percent of the alcohol is absorbed in the small intestines as compared to the 20 percent that is absorbed in the stomach. The amount of alcohol, whether the stomach is empty or full, and the type of drink determine the speed at which the alcohol is absorbed.
After the alcohol is absorbed into the tissues, it affects a person's body and his or her mind. In addition, it commonly takes roughly 20 minutes after having an alcoholic drink for an individual's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to rise. After the alcohol is fully absorbed by the stomach and by the small intestines, it leaves the body in three ways: via the kidneys, the liver, and via the lungs.
Showing posts with label alcoholic alcoholism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alcoholic alcoholism. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Alcohol Detox Symptoms:
First, if you have not already done so, you need to understand the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Oddly enough, the body can begin to exhibit signs of detoxing and inebriation at the same time. If the alcohol level is not at its normal (high) levels, then the body begins the withdrawal process. Some of the signs of alcohol detox are: insomnia and nightmares, restlessness and anxiety. This means that your loved one is going to be on edge, night and day during the road to sobriety.
As the body metabolizes the remaining alcohol, more dangerous symptoms appear including, tremors, vomiting, high blood pressure and racing heart rate. The body is experiencing the shock of not having the chemicals it is used to having. It is these (and the following symptoms) that make me suggest that no one try alcohol detox at home. There are alcohol detox centers everywhere and it is a safer way to get sober. The blood pressure and racing heart are dangerous no matter your age, but particularly for older people, these can be, literally, killer symptoms.
In addition, the brain is having its own trauma in response to the lack of alcohol. Some of the symptoms there are: impaired memory, sensitivity to light, sounds and tactile sensations. In some cases people experience paranoia and hallucinations. These are the most troubling for a loved one to witness. The idea of the sensitivity is bad enough. Patients often complain that their clothes are hurting them, for example. But the paranoia and the hallucinations are horrifying to watch.
How Long Does It Last? This is a good question. The unfortunate answer is that a full and true detox from alcohol will take at least three weeks. There are residual symptoms that linger for another, usually, three weeks. So the full detoxification is a six week process. The first three weeks are the most dangerous. Besides the risk of seizures and heart failure, there are unpleasant results like diarrhea, vomiting and heavy sweats. These bring the risk of dehydration, of course, so there are no laughing matter. On a scale, however, they seem mild in comparison to say, a seizure.
As the body metabolizes the remaining alcohol, more dangerous symptoms appear including, tremors, vomiting, high blood pressure and racing heart rate. The body is experiencing the shock of not having the chemicals it is used to having. It is these (and the following symptoms) that make me suggest that no one try alcohol detox at home. There are alcohol detox centers everywhere and it is a safer way to get sober. The blood pressure and racing heart are dangerous no matter your age, but particularly for older people, these can be, literally, killer symptoms.
In addition, the brain is having its own trauma in response to the lack of alcohol. Some of the symptoms there are: impaired memory, sensitivity to light, sounds and tactile sensations. In some cases people experience paranoia and hallucinations. These are the most troubling for a loved one to witness. The idea of the sensitivity is bad enough. Patients often complain that their clothes are hurting them, for example. But the paranoia and the hallucinations are horrifying to watch.
How Long Does It Last? This is a good question. The unfortunate answer is that a full and true detox from alcohol will take at least three weeks. There are residual symptoms that linger for another, usually, three weeks. So the full detoxification is a six week process. The first three weeks are the most dangerous. Besides the risk of seizures and heart failure, there are unpleasant results like diarrhea, vomiting and heavy sweats. These bring the risk of dehydration, of course, so there are no laughing matter. On a scale, however, they seem mild in comparison to say, a seizure.
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