Binge-drinking

BINGE DRINKING Presented by:

SGT Carrie Jackson 582nd MEDLOG Co.

36th EVAC BN, 1st MED BDE, 13th COSCOM

02/23/09

582nd MEDLOG Co.

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BINGE DRINKING • TRAINING TASK:

– Students will learn the definition of binge drinking, the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and what to do if someone is showing signs, blood alcohol content (BAC) levels and the effects of alcohol, and the impact alcohol can have on their military careers

• CONDITION:

– Students will be given a lecture in conjunction with a PowerPoint presentation in a classroom setting

• STANDARD:

– Students will be able to correctly define the term binge drinking, identify the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and be able to react, identify the different BAC levels, and will know how alcohol abuse can affect their military careers

02/23/09

582nd MEDLOG Co.

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REFERENCES

• AR 600-85 Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) • http://ww.medhelps.com/Topics/Addic

• http://www.1id.army.mil/1ID/safety/Alc

• http://www.intheknowzone.com/binge

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582nd MEDLOG Co.

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WHAT IS BINGE DRINKING? • DE FIN ITION :

– The consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a ver y shor t period of time. – Rul e of thumb: • Fe mal es – 4 or mo re d rin ks i n a row • Male s – 5 or mor e d rink s i n a r ow

• Can cause al cohol poi soning whi ch can be fatal. • Becom es even more deadl y when combi ned wi th medi cati ons or other drugs, i llness , stress, or an em pty stomach.

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582nd MEDLOG Co.

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SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL POISONING • Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol to the point of vomiting • Semi consciousness or unconsciousness • Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin • Slow breathing • Vomiting while sleeping or while unconscious 02/23/09

582nd MEDLOG Co.

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WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? • Never leave the person alone • Turn the person on his or her side and check their pulse and breathing periodically • GET HELP! • If unsure of what to do, it is “better to be safe than sorry”, take them to the emergency room – it could save their life 02/23/09

582nd MEDLOG Co.

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BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION (BAC) • In most states, a BAC of .10% is considered legally drunk. • In some states, the legal definition of intoxication is .08%. • In the Army, a BAC ≥ .05% is considered to be impaired while on duty • On Ft. Hood, a BAC ≥ .04% is considered to be impaired while on duty

• The faster someone drinks, the higher the BAC is, and the more dangerous drinking becomes. 02/23/09 582nd MEDLOG Co.

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•

BA C AND GROWING IMPAIRMENT

Following are ten snapshots of increasing drunkenness and impairment as blood alcohol concentration increases. Ranges are approximate and vary with the drinker:

BAC

EF FE CTS

.02

Drinkers begin to feel moderate effects.

.04

Most people begin to feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, sociable, and talkative.

.05

Judgment, attention, and control are somewhat impaired. Ability to drive safely begins to be limited. Sensory-motor and finer performance are impaired. People are less able to make rational decisions about their capabilities (for example, about driving.)

.08

There is a definite impairment of muscle coordination and driving skills.

.10

There is a clear deterioration of reaction time and control.

.12-.15

Vomiting usually occurs, unless this level is reached slowly or a person has developed a tolerance to alcohol. Drinkers are drowsy. - Drinkers display emotional instability, loss of critical judgment, impairment of perception, memory, and comprehension. - Lack of sensor-motor coordination and impaired balance are typical. Decreased sensory responses and increased reaction times develop. The vision is significantly impaired, including limited ability to see detail, peripheral vision, and slower glare recovery.

02/23/09

582nd MEDLOG Co.

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BA C AND GROWING IMPAIRMENT Death may occur at .37% or This blood-alcohol level means the equivalent of 1/2 pint of whiskey is circulating the .45% blood stream. higher. BACs inof and higher .18-.25 Drinkers are disoriented, confused, dizzy, and have areexaggerated fatal to nearly emotional states. all Visionindividuals. is disturbed, as is BAC

EFF EC TS

.15

perception of color, form, motion, and dimensions. - Drinkers have increased pain threshold and lack of muscular coordination. Drinkers stagger or lose the ability to walk and have slurred speech. Apathy and lethargy are typical.

.25-.30

Drinkers display general inertia, near total loss of motor functions, little response to stimuli, inability to stand or walk, vomiting, and incontinence. Drinkers may lose consciousness or fall into a stupor.

.30-.50

Symptoms are complete unconsciousness, depressed or absent reflexes, subnormal body temperature, incontinence, and impairment of circulation and respiration.

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582nd MEDLOG Co.

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IMPACT ON MILITARY CAREER • • •

UCMJ action Referral to ASAP Possible separation

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582nd MEDLOG Co.

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QUESTIONS?

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