Iowa Fall 21-Winter 22 - 43

it takes to reach blood alcohol levels. Based on
drinks per hour, gender and weight, the chart offers
a useful starting point. However, it doesn't factor in
other important variables.
For example, the drinks are " standard " servings
and " standard " alcohol levels. So if your drinks aren't
" standard " -if you're having larger servings or more
potent alcohol -this means doing a little math. For
example, a Long Island Iced Tea-with 1 ounce each
of vodka, gin, rum and tequila, and ½ ounce of triple
sec-counts for approximately 3 drinks! A Daiquiri
made with 2 ounces of 110-proof Navy-strength rum
is closer to 2 drinks. A 12-ounce glass of a rich, 11%
ABV barrel-aged stout beer counts for 2 drinks.
Individual variables also affect a person's BAC.
* Age: As we age, metabolism slows and our
bodies process alcohol more slowly. On the other
hand, 21-year-olds celebrating their legal right to
drink don't metabolize alcohol well either.
Gender: Men metabolize alcohol more quickly
because they have more gastric alcohol dehydrogenase
(ADH) in their stomachs and liver than
women.
* Weight and muscle mass: A larger person can
absorb more alcohol. However, muscle metabolizes
better than fat, so a fit individual might process better
than an unfit person of the same weight.
* Mental health: Depression, stress, and fatigue
can increase alcohol's effects.
* Drugs: Medications and illicit drugs can increase
the influence of alcohol.
* Food and hydration: Food and hydration will
slow alcohol absorption, but they will not prevent
intoxication.
Everybody is different, and every situation is different.
Better to err on the side of caution!
THE DANGERS BY THE NUMBERS
As you factor in alcohol concentration levels, add
in the risk numbers to multiply your motivation.
Drunk driving personal costs:
* Money: Fines in Iowa range from $1,250 to
$9,375.
* More Money: A convicted drunk driver may
have to pay restitution to the victim and to public
agencies for emergency response costs.
* Prison: Imprisonment ranges from 2 to 25 years.
* And then there's ... : Other penalties include
undergoing substance abuse treatment, losing your
driver's license and having to install an ignition interlock
device.
When " fun " gets not-so-fun:
* Alcohol poisoning, caused by drinking lots of
alcohol in a short time, can shut down areas of the
FALL 2021 | WINTER 2022 43
Iowa Fall 21-Winter 22

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