Six Stages Of Alcohol Intoxication

The Effects of Alcohol

Intoxication can have a number of effects on a person, particularly on the brain, as it is very
sensitive to alcohol. Treatment for alcoholism is sometimes necessary for people addicted to this
substance. Alcohol has nearly immediate effects on the body. The reason for this is that it requires no
digestion, unlike other foods. The higher the blood alcohol content is in the body, the greater the
effects of alcohol. We see these varying degrees of intoxication below:
1.

2.

Euphoria
Difficulty concentrating
Talkative
Lowered inhibitions (a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and
natural way)
Brighter color in the face
Fine motor skills are lacking
Excitement
Senses are dulled
Poor coordination
Drowsy
Beginnings of erratic behavior ( not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable.)
Slow reaction time
Impaired judgment

3.

4.

Confusion
Exaggerated emotions
Difficulty walking
Blurred vision
Slurred speech
Pain is dulled
Stupor
Cannot stand or walk
Vomiting
Unconsciousness is possible
Decreased response to stimuli
Apathetic(showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.)

5.

Coma
Unconscious
Low body temperature
Possible death
Shallow breathing
Slow pulse

6.

Death
Death as a result of respiratory arrest

7.
What is Blood Alcohol Content?
Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. If someone were to
have a BAC of .10, this would mean that one-tenth of 1% of the blood in their body is alcohol. The
more alcohol a person consumes the more intoxicated and impaired they become. Over time, if
alcohol use is frequent, addiction can result. In these cases, alcohol treatment rehab is often needed.
Alcohol percentage is determined by the amount of alcohol consumed, the time in which the alcohol
was consumed, and body weight. Eating prior to, or while drinking, may also have temporary affects
on BAC, reducing its effects. Typically, men require more alcohol to achieve the same BAC as women.
Men require more alcohol to achieve these same effects because they are heavier and have a higher
percentage of water per pound in their bodies. Alcohol addiction is problem often recognized far too
late, however, once its symtoms are recognized it is important to seek alcoholic treatment from an
alcohol rehabilitation center as soon as possible.

Signs of Intoxication
Most of us are familiar with the person who has had too much to drink and cant walk straight or
falls down. Alcohol impairs our mental and physical abilities in stages. It is important to learn to
recognize the signs of intoxication:

Difficulty with fine motor skills (difficulty picking up small things like toothpicks, napkins,
tying their shoes etc.)

Speaking too loud or too softly

Talking fast, then slow, then fast

Slurred speech

Bloodshot eyes

Sweating when no one else is

Dopey, not alert (responds slowly to questions)

Poor motor control (stumbling, bumping into others)

Breathing slower and lighter than others

Sleepiness

If a person who is intoxicated continues to drink, they may reach the point of alcohol poisoning,
which can be fatal.

How to Handle Intoxicated Guests

Stay calm.

Dont argue with the intoxicated guest.

Dont embarrass the guest, especially in front of other people.

Invite the problem guest to an area away from other guests, where you can talk.

Deal with the situation in a calm, friendly way. Speak to the person directly, and firmly
explain that what they are doing is unacceptable at your party.

Listen and empathize with your guest. Acknowledge your guests anger or frustration, but
also remind them that it is your house, and you are responsible for their safety and dont
want to see them get hurt.

Point out that if he/she was sober he/she would agree that what they are doing is a bad idea.

If you cannot calm the guest down or convince them to stop what they are doing, ask a friend
of theirs to try.

If you decide to ask this person to leave, remember that you are still responsible for their
safety (call a cab, get someone to drive them home, or if the situation gets out of control call
the police).

Laws on drinking alcohol

AGE LIMIT

The legal drinking age in the Philippines is 18.

Those who sell alcohol to minors will be penalized.

PLACES
Banned - Health care establishments like hospitals, educational buildings like
schools, govt offices, public transport
Voluntary - sporting events, leisure events such as concerts, workplaces, parks,

streets,
Allowed - homes, bars and similar establishments
Some cities have created their own City Ordinances banning street drinking, link in
Manila. Police and local security units must implement the ordinance.
WHERE TO REPORT VIOLATIONS
1. Police
2. City peace and order units
3/ Baranggay peace and order units (tanod)