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Intoxication Part One
Intoxication
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1. What is intoxication?
As a result of consuming alcohol, an intoxicated person does not have the normal use of physical or mental faculties. There is no single scientific measure that determines whether a person is intoxicated, since intoxication is an observed state. Therefore, determining whether a person is intoxicated requires observing a person’s mental and physical state, and comparing that state and observed behaviour to a normal person in full possession of his or her faculties.
Common myths about alcohol
There are many myths regarding alcohol and alcohol consumption. Knowing the truth may help you understand customer behaviour.
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Myth 1: Alcohol makes you happy
Myth 2: Mixing drinks causes higher levels of intoxication
Myth 3: Alcohol warms the body
Myth 4: Alcohol relieves stress
Myth 5: Alcohol improves coordination
Myth 6: Alcohol helps you sleep
Myth 7: Drinking coffee will sober you up
Factors that influence intoxication
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When drinking, each person will be affected differently. Many factors may influence how quickly alcohol affects a patron.
1. Rate of consumption
Increasing the number of drinks consumed in a given time period will greatly influence the rate of intoxication.
2. Amount consumed
“Doubles” and drinks made with more than one type of liquor typically contain more alcohol than standard drinks (a five-ounce glass of wine, or a 12-ounce glass of beer).
3. Age
Young and healthy people break down alcohol faster than the elderly and people in poor health. Younger patrons have more blood in their system, and their livers process alcohol more efficiently.
4. Gender
Women generally have more body fat than men and less body water with which to dilute alcohol. Women also have lower levels of the metabolizing enzyme required to break down alcohol.
5. Body weight and type
An overweight person generally becomes intoxicated faster than a muscular person who weighs the same and drinks the same amount of alcohol. Fatty tissue contains less water than muscle, so overweight bodies are less capable of diluting alcohol.
6. Food consumption
Food slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. On an empty stomach, alcohol reaches the brain in a few minutes and begins to affect behaviour and coordination. After a full meal, alcohol can take up to six hours to reach the brain. Food does not absorb the alcohol. It merely slows the speed at which alcohol is absorbed. Fatty foods are especially effective in slowing down the alcohol-absorption process. As fatty foods are more difficult to digest, they remain in the stomach longer than other types of food. The effect of the alcohol still occurs, but at a slower rate.
7. Medication and other drugs
Many common drugs (prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs) impair the user and increase the effects of alcohol. Using alcohol with other drugs can be very dangerous to a person’s health and safety.
8. Environment and mood
The surroundings, including interaction with other guests, may trigger emotional responses. Alcohol usually exaggerates moods. A person who is depressed or upset will likely become more depressed and upset when drinking.
9. Fatigue and stress
Physical, mental or emotional fatigue and stress make a person more susceptible to the effects of alcohol.
10. Tolerance to alcohol
Experienced drinkers develop tolerance to alcohol. After prolonged regular drinking, the liver develops an ability to break down alcohol more rapidly, and brain cells may become less sensitive to alcohol. A person with a high tolerance takes more alcohol to show signs of visible intoxication, often resulting in an underestimation of alcohol’s invisible impact.