alcohol & other drugs

Alcohol affects every organ in the body. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes; however, the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, leaving the excess alcohol to circulate throughout the body. The intensity of the effect of alcohol on the body is directly related to the amount consumed.

Individual reactions to alcohol vary, and are influenced by many factors, including but not limited to:

• Age
• Gender
• Race or ethnicity
• Physical condition (weight, fitness level, etc)
• Amount of food consumed before drinking
• How quickly the alcohol was consumed
• Use of drugs or prescription medicines
• Family history of alcohol problems

a standard drink

A standard drink is equal to 13.7 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol or

1. 12-ounces of beer
2. 8-ounces of malt liquor
3. 5-ounces of wine
4. 1.5-ounces or a "shot" of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey)

Make smart choices around alcohol and other drugs... it could save your life!

For more information on alcohol and other drugs and the programs and services offered on campus, visit the Drug & Alcohol Resouce Center's website at www.southernct.edu/drugalcoholresource.

*Image from niaaa.nih.gov