ALCOHOL POISONING What a great party!

Your roommate and his friends decide to blow off some steam after midterms so they hit the bars and drink shooters and beer all evening and into the night. Your roommate is dropped off on your doorstep, barely able to stand. Your roommate's drinking buddies inform you of the six shooters he drank twenty minutes ago. "Great", you think to yourself, "I have to take care of him and I have an exam tomorrow." At that, he vomits all over himself and you. After half an hour you have cleaned up the mess and have returned from the laundry room to see your "friend" has passed out on the floor. He does not respond to your voice and you cannot wake him up. You notice he is hardly breathing. You take his pulse and feel that his skin is clammy and bluish. His pulse is slow and irregular. Do you go to bed and let him sleep it off? If you do, you may end up at his funeral wishing you had done something. Binge drinking may result in an overdose of alcohol, or alcohol poisoning - a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It is sometimes difficult to tell if a person has just "passed out" or is in grave medical danger. To learn what to do when someone has alcohol poisoning, click here

ALCOHOL IN BRIEF
This information is provided courtesy of Erowid.

Overview

Drug Class: Sedative/Hypnotic Alcohol is often not thought of as a drug - largely because its use is common for both religious and social purposes in most parts of the world. It is a drug, however, and compulsive drinking in excess has become one of modern society's most serious problems. Beverage alcohol (scientifically known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol) is produced by fermenting or distilling various fruits, vegetables, or grains. Ethyl alcohol itself is a clear, colorless liquid. Alcoholic beverages get their distinctive colors from the diluents, additives, and by-products of fermentation. Beer is fermented to contain about 5% alcohol by volume (or 3.5% in light beer). Most wine is fermented to have between 10% and 14% alcohol content; however, such fortified wines as sherry, port, and vermouth contain between 14% and 20%. Distilled spirits (whisky, vodka, rum, gin) are first fermented and then distilled to raise the alcohol content. In Canada, the concentration of alcohol in spirits is 40% by volume. Some liqueurs may be stronger. The effects of drinking do not depend on the type of alcoholic beverage - but rather on the amount of alcohol consumed on a specific occasion. The following

table outlines the alcohol content of various beverages. The right-hand column shows the amount of alcohol consumed in each drink.

% alcohol Beverage by volume Beer (bottle) 5 Beer (can) 5 Light beer 3.5 (bottle) Light beer 3.5 (can) Wine 12 Fortified 20 wine Spirits 40

Size of Size of Grams of drink (ML) drink (OZ) Alcohol 341 355 341 355 142 56.8 28.4 12 12.5 12 12.5 5 2 1 13.4 14.0 9.4 9.8 13.4 8.9 8.9

Unfortunately, getting drunk is common on college campuses. Because of this you are likely to come into contact with a person who is intoxicated or experiencing an episode of life-threatening acute alcohol intoxication (alcohol poisoning). How do you care for this person? How do you tell if the person is acutely intoxicated? What should you do? Listed below are some of the signs and symptoms of intoxication, alcohol poisoning, and the appropriate actions to take. This list is not all inclusive. Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Unable to walk on his or her own Conscious, but unable to respond to questions Unconscious and can not be awakened Cold, clammy, unusually pale or bluish skin Strong odor of alcohol and/or vomit Slow or irregular breathing: Less than 8 times per minute Ten seconds or more between any two breaths Inability or indifference to waking up during or after vomiting.

If you suspect alcohol poisoning . . .

First and foremost, stay with the intoxicated person.

Get help immediately if the person exhibits one or more of the above signs. Call the RA and/or campus police If you think the person is in immediate danger, call 911. If the person appears to be sleeping it off it is important to realize that even though the person may be semi-conscious, the alcohol that is already in the stomach is entering the body to be circulated. Turn the person on his or her side. Monitor the person's breathing. Only time can sober up someone who is drunk.

Source: Modified from the MC Resident Assistant Handbook.

Facts About Alcohol Poisoning

Excessive drinking can be hazardous to everyone's health! It can be particularly stressful if you are the sober one taking care of your drunk roommate, who is vomiting while you are trying to study for an exam. Some people laugh at the behavior of others who are drunk. Some think it's even funnier when they pass out. But there is nothing funny about the aspiration of vomit leading to asphyxiation or the poisoning of the respiratory center in the brain, both of which can result in death. Do you know about the dangers of alcohol poisoning? When should you seek professional help for a friend? Sadly enough, too many college students say they wish they would have sought medical treatment for a friend. Many end up feeling responsible for alcohol-related tragedies that could have easily been prevented. Common myths about sobering up include drinking black coffee, taking a cold bath or shower, sleeping it off, or walking it off. But these are just myths, and they don't work. The only thing that reverses the effects of alcohol is time-something you may not have if you are suffering from alcohol poisoning. And many different factors affect the level of intoxication of an individual, so it's difficult to gauge exactly how much is too much (BAC calculators).

What Happens to Your Body When You Get Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking). A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these functions. It is common for someone who drank excessive alcohol to vomit since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach. There is then the danger of choking on vomit, which could cause death by asphyxiation in a person who is not conscious because of intoxication. You should also know that a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine by sleeping it off.

Critical Signs for Alcohol Poisoning

Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be roused. Vomiting. Seizures. Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute). Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths). Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning?

Know the danger signals. Do not wait for all symptoms to be present. Be aware that a person who has passed out may die. If there is any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help. Don't try to guess the level of drunkenness.

What Can Happen to Someone With Alcohol Poisoning That Goes Untreated?

Victim chokes on his or her own vomit. Breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops. Heart beats irregularly or stops. Hypothermia (low body temperature). Hypoglycemia (too little blood sugar) leads to seizures. Untreated severe dehydration from vomiting can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.

Even if the victim lives, an alcohol overdose can lead to irreversible brain damage. Rapid binge drinking (which often happens on a bet or a dare) is especially dangerous because the victim can ingest a fatal dose before becoming unconscious. Don't be afraid to seek medical help for a friend who has had too much to drink. Don't worry that your friend may become angry or embarrassed-remember, you cared enough to help. Always be safe, not sorry.
Last Modified April 3, 2002

One of the alcohol determine monitoring poisoning best Early

most serious consequences of high-risk consumption of alcohol is poisoning. This page will help you prevent alcohol poisoning by when medical attention is necessary and providing guidance for and providing first aid for an intoxicated person. Review this information so you are prepared for situations involving alcohol and remember that if are concerned about a persons condition the course is to seek medical attention. Warning Signs | Preventive Measures | First Aid for Intoxicated | Call for Attention if... | Recovery Position | Emergency Numbers

Early Warning Signs and At-Risk Behaviors

There are a number of early warning signs and at-risk behaviors that increase the risk for alcohol overdose. Take notice of these behaviors, as they indicate that person may experience difficulties at some point in the evening. The best time to intervene is when you notice a person is engaging in these behaviors. Some of the early signs of risk include: High-Risk Drinking Drinking quickly, playing drinking games, multiple shots, and chugging or funneling drinks. These behaviors will cause the blood alcohol concentration to rise quickly and are particularly risky when the person has already consumed a significant amount of alcohol. Vomiting is the bodies first response to alcohol overdose. The body is attempting to expel the alcohol before it reaches the blood stream. In some cases the person will not vomit... especially when alcohol is ingested quickly, which suppresses the bodies regurgitation response.

Vomiting

Mixing Mixing alcohol with other drugs produces a number of Alcohol and dangerous situations. Use of depressive drugs and alcohol Other Drugs can greatly increase the persons response to alcohol, especially when they are taken after consuming alcohol. Use of stimulant drugs (including ecstasy) can make the person feel they can drink more. The effects of the alcohol can be masked, but alcohol will still have the same depressive effects. ^Top Preventive Measures The best way to avoid alcohol overdoses is to Practice Low-Risk Drinking and take steps to eliminate or reduce high-risk drinking behaviors (i.e., drinking quickly, multiple shots, playing drinking games, chugging/funneling drinks, and mixing alcohol and other drugs). You can use the Communication Skills discussed on this site to Speak Up and take action to reduce or eliminate your friends, neighbors, or peers high-risk drinking behaviors. You can also Speak Out by educating yourself, friends, neighbors, peers, and members of the Virginia Tech and Blacksburg community about the dangers of alcohol overdose and how to reduce or eliminate high-risk drinking. ^Top First Aid for the Intoxicated

^Top

Keep the person still. Keep calm, take a deep breath. Dont let your anxiety transfer to the individual in trouble. Assess the situation. Look at the problem clearly, and decide how serious it is before taking action. If conscious, keep awake and encourage vomiting. If a person has had one too many and passes out, monitor his or her breathing to make sure its normal. If the person is not breathing, get help immediately, and administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If breathing is irregular and he or she appears to be in a coma, with a purplish skin tone, try to wake him/her by shaking or gently poking. If you can not wake the person get medical attention immediately. If the person responds but is listless and sleepy, make sure he or she is on their side so they will not choke in case of vomiting (see next page). Keep person comfortable, have someone stay with them, and let them sleep. If no one can stay with them contact a campus official.

Call for Medical Attention Immediately if any of the Following Symptoms is Present:

^Top

Respiration is less than 9 breaths/min. Breathing is irregular. Pulse is 50 or below and dropping. No pain response. There is no response to a shoulder pinch. Unconsciousness. If you can not wake the person. You are worried at all about the state they are in.

Recovery Position for the Intoxicated

Raise his/her closest arm above his head. Prepare to roll him towards you.

Gently roll as a unit. Guard the head as you roll him/her.

Tilt head to maintain airway. Tuck nearest hand under cheek to help maintain head tilt. Check on Him/Her Often! Even if you place him or her in a correct position they may be at risk for medical complications or death. Continually monitor them and check often for signs of alcohol poisoning. Your friend may need more than just time to sleep it off. If you are at all worried about the state they are in, get medical attention. They may have injured themselves in a fall, combined alcohol with other drugs, or have a medical problem you dont know about.

Can alcohol really help ward off the cold and keep you warm? Although this idea works for Hollywood, the reality is alcohol can do just the opposite. Alcohol increases heat loss from the body, so you may feel the cold even more. For some it may interfere with your ability to notice the dangers of the cold and lead to unnecessary and dangerous frostbite.

Alcohol as a Tonic Alcohol has been used as a tonic for years as a sleep aid, to ward off cold and prevent and cure illness. Many of the early elixirs used for various ills were alcohol based, but is alcohol really a tonic or toxic? This controversial question has been addressed by dozens of studies over the years. One of the latest appeared in the September 19, 2000 edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine. This study found that drinking small amounts of alcohol was beneficial and that wine had a beneficial effect on both heart disease and cancer not seen for beer or liquor. The actual study ran from 1964 through 1976 and the participants were followed until 1995 for this analysis. Over 24,000 men and women in Copenhagen, Denmark began participating in the health study. Almost 5,000 of these people died during that time. Light drinking (a drink a day or less) was associated with a 10% reduction in mortality while heavy drinking (five or more drinks daily) was associated with a 10% increase in death. This study suggests, but does not prove, consuming wine has a more beneficial effect than other forms of alcohol. One of the main problems with this study is that they did not report if drinking habits were ascertained or if they changed over time. It is also important to note that the wine drinkers in this study tended to be female, better educated and less likely to smoke. It is not clear what the relative contributions of these factors were to the main findings, but each of these factors has an effect of lifespan. Alcohol and Risk of Stroke Another highly publicized study reported that light to moderate drinking protected against strokes. The participants involved 22,000 male physicians, 40-84 years old. During 12 years of follow-up, 679 strokes were reported. A decrease in strokes of about 20% was seen with any alcohol consumption, and the amount of alcohol consumed had no effect on the level of protection. This is just one of at least a dozen studies that have suggested that moderate intake of alcohol reduces stroke. Most previous studies have found those who drank no alcohol had higher stroke and heart attack rates. The standard line of reasoning is that people with health problems give up alcohol, but in this study all the men were healthy at the beginning of the study. This study differs from previous ones because it indicates protection was found with as little as one drink a week. It is important to note that most other studies show increased stroke with more than two drinks per day because alcohol increases blood pressure and increases the tendency to bleed. Alcohol and Moderation Alcohol when consumed in moderation appears to have some health benefits. Moderate drinking is defined as no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for a woman and no more than two per day for a man. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. More than that increases a person's risk for stroke, high blood pressure, certain cancers, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and other problems. In addition to obvious health problem related to excess consumption some studies have shown that people who engage in binge drinking are six times as likely as their light-drinking peers to

drive after consuming alcohol and twice as likely to accept a ride from an intoxicated driver. Moreover, they are three times as likely to engage in unplanned sexual activity. Alcohol Advisory The federal government advises that alcohol should be consumed "with meals, and when consumption does not put you, or others, at risk." Alcohol can circulate in your bloodstream for two to three hours. Therefore you should not have even one drink if you plan to drive within that time period. Alcohol can interfere with the bodies' ability to fight infection and it may interfere with medication you're taking. Alcohol consumption also interferes with judgment and coordination. Do not drink before or during activities that require a lot of attention or skill. Alcohol can cause serious birth defects so it is best to abstain if you're trying to become pregnant. Ditto for during pregnancy. There is no level of alcohol that is known to be safe for fetuses.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem. Please consult your health care provider if you suspect you are ill, or have questions about your condition

The brain images below show how alcohol may affect a teen's developing brain. Compared with a young nondrinker, a 15-year-old with an alcohol problem showed poor brain activity during a memory task. This finding is noted by the lack of pink and red coloring.

Image from Susan Tapert, PhD, University of California, San Diego.

For a driver, even a few drinks can be lethal

September 1, 1997 Web posted at: 7:36 p.m. EDT (2336 GMT)

From Medical Correspondent Dr. Steve Salvatore (CNN) -- Most people believe they can have two or three drinks and still drive carefully. But the truth is, even less alcohol than that can affect a person's ability to drive. The issue of drinking and driving has taken center stage in the investigation of Sunday's crash in Paris that killed Princess Diana, her companion Dodi Fayed and their driver.

ALSO: DATA POINTS: Alcohol and traffic deaths State-by-state statistics on alcohol related traffic deaths

As seen on CNN On Monday, authorities said an autopsy showed that the driver of the car -- a security employee at the Ritz Hotel -2 min., 45 sec. VXtreme had a blood-alcohol level of 1.75 grams per liter of blood. streaming video That's more than three times the French legal limit of 0.5 grams per liter -- the equivalent of two glasses of beer or one glass of wine. Under the U.S. system of measurement, the driver had an equivalent blood-alcohol level of .175 percent. Research shows that for those driving at or above a U.S. blood-alcohol level of .15, the risk of dying in a single-vehicle crash is 380 times greater compared to driving while sober.

It doesn't take much

Actually, a driver can be impaired with a U.S. blood-alcohol level as low as .03. When you drink alcohol, it goes straight from the stomach to the bloodstream. Alcohol can be detected in the blood as fast as five minutes after drinking, and its effects -- most obvious in the central nervous system -- peak in about 30 to 45 minutes. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system which, in turn, impairs motor function, motor performance, speech and eye movements. These skills are not only slowed down, they are performed more inaccurately. Alcohol also affects the ability to think and reason clearly.

The more drunk, the higher the risk

People metabolize alcohol at different rates, depending on gender, body weight, the amount of blood in their systems and even genetics. The actual blood-alcohol level universally measures the amount of alcohol in that person's bloodstream. Here are examples of what happens at different U.S. blood-alcohol levels:

.03 percent -- there is a mild euphoria. For the average person, having two drinks in one hour will yield a blood-alcohol level of .04 percent. .05 percent -- produces mild problems with coordination and reduces reaction time and visual perceptions. Between .05 percent and .09 percent -- there is an 11-fold increase in fatal single-car accidents, according to the National Institutes of Health. 0.1 percent -- person walks unsteadily. In many states, this is the amount of alcohol needed to be legally drunk. Between 0.10 percent and 0.14 percent -- a person is 48 times more likely to be killed in a single-vehicle crash, according to the NIH. 0.2 -- people are drowsy and confused. 0.3 -- people are stuporous. 0.4 or more -- associated with deep anesthesia and can prove fatal.

Health special: Alcohol

Related stories:

Prosecutor: Diana's driver legally drunk - September 1, 1997 Study: Young brains especially susceptible to alcohol - January 9, 1997 Drunken driving deaths up after 10-year drop - December 30, 1996 Effects of alcohol on the brain - October 15, 1995

Below are some guidelines to help you decide whether the amount you drink is safe for your particular situation. There's a set of "safer drinking levels" for men and for women, based on medical and scientific research from here and overseas. It must be remembered, that there is no level of drinking that is safe for all people all the time. Factors like health, age, and weight, directly affect how much it is safe for you to drink. For some, no alcohol is the only safe option. These limits are based on a measurement called the 'standard drink'. Each standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol. Here's how many standard drinks there are in typical servings: In any one week, drink no more than

21 standard drinks (for men) 14 standard drinks (for women)

On any one drinking occasion drink no more than

six standard drinks (for men) four standard drinks (for women)

When drinking alcohol eat some food as well. Remember These are general guidelines. Even if you drink less than these limits, your drinking will not be safe in all situations. There are some people who should not consume alcohol, or limit their use to less than these guideline amounts

During pregnancy - the risk of birth defects is greater if pregnant women drink, especially in the first eight to twelve weeks of pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is better not to drink any alcohol at all; Thin people - those below average body weight (60kg for men, 50kg for women; Young people; Older people because their bodies are less able to handle the effects of alcohol; People with a strong family history of alcoholism; People who are or have been dependent on other drugs; People who have a poor diet, or are under-nourished.

Research suggests the more alcohol some women drink, the greater their risk of developing breast cancer . These guidelines may be too high when you're

Driving; Operating machinery; Boating, scuba diving etc; Taking medication aspirin or any other drugs that irritate the stomach, such as steroids or anti-flammatory drugs; Taking sleeping pills or tranquillisers, anti-depressants or narcotics; Suffering an acute or chronic physical disease such as heart and lung disease, influenza, diabetes, epilepsy or acute infections; Recovering from an accident, injury or operation; Drinking regularly to relieve stress or get to sleep.

Check your drinking on the Drinkcheck test. Practical guidelines As well as sticking to the recommended guidelines for low risk drinking, there are two main ways you can make your drinking safer: Have some alcohol-free days each week Each week, have two or more days when you don't drink any alcohol at all. This helps your body recover from the effects of the alcohol. Some people choose the same two or three days each week for their alcohol-free days. Others choose every second day. Choose whatever suits you best, and keep to it. Avoid binge drinking One of the most dangerous types of drinking is when you have a binge. That is, when you drink a lot more than usual on any one occasion. If you want to find out if your drinking is risky, do the Drinkcheck test.

Alcohol & you

Riding a motorcycle takes skill, coordination, balance and, most important, good judgment. Alcohol, more than any other single factor, can rob you of your ability to ride safely and think clearly even after just one drink.

As with drivers of other types of vehicles, that loss of skill and judgment and the danger it poses is a potential problem anywhere motorcyclists ride after consuming alcohol. To be sure you keep yourself and those around you safe it's good to know exactly how alcohol can affect the motor skills and judgment needed to ride safely. The result of making the wrong choice is all too clear. Statistics show that nearly 40 percent of fatally injured motorcycle operators had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 or greater. Of these, 80 percent had a

BAC of .08 of higher the illegal limit in most states. Alcohol works fast. Unlike other beverages, alcohol is absorbed very rapidly into the bloodstream. In just a few minutes, the alcohol from one drink can circulate throughout the body and affect the brain. A 12-ounce beer is just as intoxicating and just as potent as a one-ounce shot of whiskey or a five-ounce glass of wine. How much is too much? You know that "too much" alcohol can get you in trouble but how much is "too much"? Alcohol affects each of us differently. Remember: Alcohol begins working on your brain with the first drink. So even when you're not legally impaired, you've already lost some of the critical skills and judgment you need to ride safely. What you can do

The safest and most responsible choice is don't drink and ride. Because once you start, your judgment is affected and your ability to say "no" or "no more" is weaker. And keep an eye on your friends, too. If you see that they've had too much to drink, do what you can to keep them from getting back on their motorcycle. That's why you shouldn't risk it and the most responsible choice is choosing not to drink and ride. If you notice that a friend may be impaired and shouldn't ride, arrange a safe ride for him. If you need help, don't be afraid to get other friends involved. Ride Straight Q&A Q: Why do some people seem to get "tipsy" faster than others? A: A number of factors can influence how alcohol affects you. Drinking on an empty stomach, when you're tired, tense, or on certain medication can accelerate alcohol's effects. A person's weight, size, and alcohol tolerance are also factors that affect reactions to consuming alcoholic beverages. How fast you drink, and the amount of alcohol in each drink can also affect alcohol's impact. Q: What's the fastest way to sober-up? A: There are no shortcuts. None of those "remedies" you've heard about cold showers, hot coffee, or physical exercise will make you sober. All you can do is wait. Q: How soon after drinking can I ride? A: There's no easy answer, because alcohol affects each of us differently. Remember, your body can process about one drink an hour. So watch yourself. The responsible choice is to choose not to drink and ride.
The facts on the abuse of alcohol are sobering. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism alcohol consumption affect men and women differently, however some effects are the same in both genders.

Here is a look at how the body of a man reacts: Higher incidence of alcoholism. Higher rate of drunk-driving accidents. Male drivers who die in auto accidents are almost twice as likely to be legally drunk as women. Impotence (Now that's a good reason to quit!)

Here are some alcohol reactions specific to women: Gets sicker easier because of lower levels of enzyme that metabolizes alcohol. More likely to have interactions with medications. Drinking while pregnant can cause learning disabilities and low birth weight in babies.

In both sexes you are likely to find the same reactions: Alcohol affects neurotransmitters, affecting balance, speech and judgment. Over long periods, alcohol can damage liver cells and lead to potentially deadly cirrhosis. Alcohol can lead to dehydration. Evidence is growing that limited alcohol intake can decrease the risk of heart desease, however long-term alcoholics may suffer from a degeneration of the heart muscle. Alcohol can raise blood pressure, meaning it's not good for people with hypertension. Too much alcohol and you may pass out. In extreme cases. . . a person may never wake up. (Another good reason to quit!) Excessive alcohol can destroy a relationship!

Here is an easy way to tell if you are drinking too much. Truthfully answer these questions: 1 - Do you drink alone when you feel angry or sad? 2 - Does your drinking ever make you late for work? 3 - Does your drinking worry your family or partner? 4 - Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won't? 5 - Do you ever forget what you did while you were drinking? 6 - Do you get headaches or have a hangover after you've been drinking? Any answer of "Yes" signals a potential problem. Here are some tips to help you cut back or stop drinking: Don't keep alcohol at home. Drink slowly, with an hour between drinks. Drink something else between alcoholic drinks. Try not to drink one or two days a week, then for a full week. Learn to say no. Stay ACTIVE, doing something other than drinking.

Watch out for temptations. Avoid people, places or times that make you drink.

Excessive drinking causes more than 100,000 deaths a year in the United States. Nearly one-forth are attributable to drunken driving. One in five deaths results from alcoholrelated homicide or suicide. In an article in "Alcohol Health and Research World," Robert Swift and Dena Davidson say if you are determined to drink, stick with vodka or gin (unless you are allergic to juniper berries in gin), avoiding brandy, whiskey or red wine. Beer was not mentioned. For your own sake and that of others. . . NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE. Don't kid yourself. A one-once cocktail can stay in your system for as much as 8 hours. If you are stopped by the police, arrested and convicted, a DUI can drastically affect your life for years to come, e.g., drivers license suspension, heavy fines, the humiliation of jail time, higher insurance rates (IF you can get insurance!), attorney fees and more. It could cost "at least" $3,200 after a drunk-driving arrest. The risk is not worth it. Always have a designated driver or take a cab. To decrease the intensity of a hangover, eat fruit or drink fruit juices. Bland foods with complex carbohydrates such as toast or crackers make help. Drink plenty of water, and get some sleep. As for medications, take antacids, asprin, ibuprofen or napozin. According to Swift and Davidson, DO NOT use acetaminophen, because alcohol metabolism can enhance that drug's toxicity to the liver. So. . . what is the "sure cure for a hangover?"

Don't drink in the first place!

Alcohol abuse is involved in at least one traffic fatality every half-hour in the United States. If you DO drink, remember: A cab ride home is much cheaper than a DUI. Here is one man's sobering story.

The following form calculates an individual's blood alcohol content based on the quantity of beverages consumed, the alcohol percentage in each drink, the person's weight, and the time spent consuming the drink. Use numbers only (not % or oz., etc.). All results are close approximates. Fluid Ounces Consumed (Beer = 12 oz. - Wine Glass = 4 oz. - 1 Shot = 1.5 oz) Your Weight (Lbs) Alcohol Percentate in Beverage (Beer = 4 or 4.5% Wine = 15 or 20% 1 Shot = 30 to 50%) Hours Consuming Drink