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BASOG
ARABELLA MERIDA
EXECUTIVE CLASS III
Chapter XXXIII
ALCOHOLISM
What is ALCOHOLISM?
As defined in black laws dictionary; In medical jurisprudence. The
pathological effect (as distinguished from physiological effect) of excessive
indulgence in intoxicating liquors. It is acute when induced by excessive
potations at one time or in the course of a single debauch. An attack of
delirium tremens and alcoholic homicidal mania are examples of this form.
It is chronic when resulting from the long- continued use of spirits in less
quantity, as in the case of dipsomania.
Drunkard
Is a person who habitually takes or uses any intoxicating alcoholic
liquor and while under the influence of such, or in consequence of the effect
thereof, is either dangerous to himself and to others, or is a cause of harm or
serious annoyance to his family or his affair, or ordinary proper conduct.
Habitual Drunkard
Is one who excessively uses intoxicating drink. Habit should be actual
and confirmed, but it is not necessary that it be continuous or of daily
occurrence. It lessens individual resistance to evil thought and undermines
will power, making its victim a potential evil doer.
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Classification of Commercially Available Alcoholic Beverages
1. Wine A product of natural alcoholic fermentation with wide
variety of sugary materials including fruit juices and contains not less
than 7% but not more than 17% of alcohol by volume. In fermented
beverages the alcohol content is expressed in volume percent.
a) Red Wine
b) White Wine
c) Dry Wine
d) Sweet Wine
e) Still Wine
f) Sparkling Wine
g) Fortified Wine.
h) Chinese Medicinal
i) "Ztosi"
j) "Lambanog"
2. Distilled Liquor- Are alcoholic beverages produced from distillate of
wines, distilled from grains or starch solution or distillate from
aromatic substances. In distilled beverages the alcohol contents are
expressed in proofs. "Proof" is approximately twice the percentage of
alcohol by volume. The sole purpose of the distillation process is to
increase the concentration of alcohol in the finished product.
a) Whiskey
b) Gin
c) Rum
d) Alcoholic Cordials and Liquors
e) Vodka
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2. It is being served as a symbol of friendship and sociability. Social
gathering with alcoholic beverages served becomes lively. Drinking is a part
of our culture.
3. As an escape from unpleasant realities, it suppresses inner tension,
deadens the pain of failure, frustration and anxieties.
4. Alcohol is a part of religious ceremonies.
5. As a stimulant to combat shyness, inferiorities and to suppress strong
inhibition.
6. It is a source of heat and energy. One gram of alcohol may yield calories,
by the process of oxidation. One ounce of 100 proof whiskey may yield 100
calories.
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If a person administers beverages to another which is injurious to the latter
without intent to kill, he is punished for his wrongful act.
Art. 264, Revised Penal Code: Administering injurious substances or
beverages:
The penalties established in the next preceding article (arresto mayor in its
maximum period to prision correccional in its minimum period) shall be
applicable in the respective cases to any person who, without intent to kill,
shall inflict upon another any serious physical injury, by knowingly
administering to him any injurious substances or beverages or by taking
advantage of his weakness of mind and credulity.
5. The state may prevent some people from drinking highly spirited
wine: The state may promulgate laws which may prevent people of lower
degree of civilization from drinking scientifically manufactured, highly
spirited liquor. The reason is to promote peace and order.
Ethyl alcohol depresses the central nervous system in descending order from
the cerebral cortex to the medulla oblongata. It causes depression or
temporary functional paralysis of the ganglionic cells. The more specialized
the cells are, as in the cerebral cortex, the more sensitive they are to alcohol.
A moderate dose will cause disturbance in the intellect and fine muscular
movement, but bigger doses will involve depression of the ganglion cells of
the lower brain centers in the basal ganglia and brain stem causing the
person to be stuporous and even comatose.
Other Effects:
Degree of Intoxication:
1. Slight Inebriation
2. Moderate Inebriation
3. Drunk
4. Very Drunk, "Dead drunk"
5. Coma
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3. It impairs concentration, dulls judgment and degrades muscular
coordination.
4. It decreases visual and auditory acuity.
Pathological Drunkenness:
A condition wherein a small amount of alcohol intake may be sufficient to
make a person drunk on account of an existing pathological condition of the
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body. Brain concussion, sun-stroke, epilepsy and other conditions may
predispose a person to the effects of alcohol.
Punch Drunkenness:
This is not a condition of drunkenness. It may be observed among
professional boxers who may have developed a peculiar physical and mental
condition on account of repeated trauma on the head. The individual begins
to have lack of concentration. He may change the subject-matter of a
conversation abruptly and may ask the same question for several times. He
has a bad memory of recent events. He is not too sociable, garrulous and
boastful but rather timid and shy. His articulation may be glazed and
slurring. Romberg's sign may be positive and locomotion may be ataxic and
unsteady. Involuntary movement of a boxic nature may be present. He
simulates continuously a person who is drunk.
1. Analysis of Blood:
Analysis of the blood is probably the most widely accepted way to
determine the concentration of alcohol in the body. It is a direct method of
estimation although the subject may refuse blood extraction for such
analysis. Alcohol should not be used to sterilize the skin before withdrawal
for it might possibly give a false high reading. The blood sample must be
drawn by a physician, nurse or other competent technician under sterile
condition. On account of the great number to be tested, especially those
traffic violators, it makes the blood analysis quite impractical.
2. Analysis of the Breath:
The concentration of alcohol in the blood can be determined indirectly by
making a quantitative determination of alcohol in the respired air. The basis
of the analysis is that there is a constant ratio between the concentration of
alcohol in the blood stream and in the alveolar air.
3. Analysis of the Urine:
Urine as a specimen for alcohol determination has not gained widespread
use because of variability in the different periods of alcohol intake.
4. Analysis of Body Tissue:
This method is applicable in death cases. Examination of the brain for its
alcohol content is a reliable diagnostic procedure. Other bloody organs like
the liver, spleen, and kidney may also be examined for alcohol contents.
5. Analysis of Saliva, Perspiration and Spinal Fluid:
Although it may be done, examination of these fluids is seldom done.
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