A Breakdown of the Alcohol Stages

The human body breaks down alcohol in 3 various stages. Each stage takes a fair amount of time while the body reacts to the ingested substance. In most people, the average drink (12 oz. beer, 4 oz. wine, 1 oz. shot) takes an hour to metabolize fully. As such, it’s important you know what your body must go through in order to break down these types of substances.

Metabolism

When alcohol is ingested, the fluids hit the drinker’s stomach on their way to the small intestine. This is the point where the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. Here, small blood vessels will absorb the alcohol before transporting it to the liver. Once alcohol reaches the liver, our metabolism begins converting and breaking it down with enzymes into non-toxic acid. In total, roughly 80-90% of ingested alcohol is broken down by our body’s metabolism.

Excretion

Another ways our bodies remove alcohol is through the process of excretion. Alcohol is eliminated largely through urinary passages once it has passed through the kidneys. Additional excretion methods include sweat, saliva, feces and milk.

Exhalation

Our lungs exhale roughly 5% of all ingested alcohol. This factor makes it easy for breathalyzer tests to determine the body’s current alcohol content. Alcohol content found in breath comes from air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli.

Alcohol Levels

BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) is the most accurate way of determining the current amount of alcohol in an individual’s system. The measurement is made by the percentage of alcohol currently in the individual’s blood. Though blood tests have been found to be more accurate, breathalyzer tests are more common due to their ease of use. Urine tests may also help in determining current system alcohol levels. If an individual chooses to drink more alcohol than their body can metabolize in a short period of time, the BAC is be increased.

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Stages Of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is viewed by most experts as a chronic condition, which must be addressed as such. Just as an individual with diabetes must manage their condition throughout life, so must the alcoholic.

Considerations

Certain people are able to abuse alcohol for many years before slipping into the grasp of addiction. Others notice the beginning stages of alcoholism after only a few experiences. An array of factors come into consideration when determining who is at risk for alcoholism. Heredity is one.

First Stage

The drinker begins using to self-medicate. The alcohol serves to reduce anxiety and release inhibition in the individual, resulting in a minor dependence. In some cases, alcoholics will only take part in events that revolve around alcohol use; withdrawing from those where it is prohibited.

Second Stage

The pattern of addiction is now more apparent. The alcoholic drinks more regularly and lacks the discipline to control their intake. Blackouts, hangovers and stomach issues are common occurrences by stage two, and the alcoholic is immersed in denial. Stage two is also the period where employment and relationships begin to take a back seat.

Third Stage

Addiction is king and holds priority over all else, including friends, family, employment and even morals. The alcoholic often finds themselves struggling with finances and health issues.

Consequences

An alcoholic who has reached the third stage of addiction must seek immediate help from a specialized addiction treatmentfacility. For friends and family members, this may be the time to consider an intervention or other form of pressure to help push recovery.