Dear Deputy: March 2010

As a law enforcement officer working with our youth, I commonly find myself in the position of answering questions to both our youth and parents about the issues of alcohol. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power and informed decision making is the best practice. Therefore, I would like to welcome you to my small piece of the web dubbed "Dear Deputy". Each month I will have some type of alcohol or drug related information. My hope is that you will take away a little more knowledge than you had before you started.

This month try your luck with the alcohol quiz:

1. Alcohol is a drug.

2. Everyone reacts the same way to the same amount of alcohol.

3. A person can die of alcohol poisoning.

4. Alcoholism is a disease.

5. Alcoholic people can be helped.

6. Certain symptoms warn people that their drinking may lead to alcoholism.

7. Beer drinkers never develop alcoholism.

8. "Passing out" and "blacking out" are the same thing.

9. Alcohol is a stimulant.

10. Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower can help "sober up" a person who has had too much alcohol.

THE ANSWERS:
1. True... Alcohol is a depressant drug that affects the way one acts, thinks, and feels.

2. False... Age, weight, gender, stomach content, mood, use of oral contraceptives ("the pill") and other drugs, menstruation, and recent illness or tiredness all affect one's body reaction to alcohol and should be considered in your choice to use alcohol.

3. True... Drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time may affect the brain and lead to an alcohol-induced coma or death. Prolonged use of alcohol may also cause death by poisoning various body organs so they do not function properly.

4. True... The American Medical Association and the World Health Organization recognize alcoholism as a disease. Like other diseases, alcoholism has definite signs and symptoms.

5. True... More than 600 studies confirm that treatment helps people improve their lives. As with most other diseases, the earlier an alcohol addiction is identified and treated, the better the chances for recovery.

6. True... A variety of changes in a person's behavior can signal a problem, including sudden changes in work or school attendance and/or performance; withdrawal from family members and friends; and deterioration of physical appearance and grooming.

7. False.... Alcohol, in any form, is an addictive drug. If a person abuses enough alcohol over a long enough period of time, dependence on the drug is inevitable.

8. False... A "blackout" is a temporary memory loss during which the person stays conscious and active, and may even appear sober, but later cannot remember, even if reminded, where he or she was or what he or she did.

9. False... Alcohol is a depressant and slows down and alters body functions.

10. False... Because the body metabolizes alcohol at an average rate of one drink per hour, only time can reduce a person's blood alcohol content..

WHAT PERCENT REALLY KNOW:

In the state of Alabama, possession of or the drinking of alcohol below the age of 21 is illegal. If someone under the age of 21 chooses to operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol what is the statutory legal limit?

.02

.04

.08

THE ANSWER:

.02

This is approximately 1-2 alcoholic beverages depending on body weight and time of consumption.

A person who is under the age of 21 years shall not drive or be in actual physical control of any vehicle if there is .02 percentage or more by weight of alcohol in his or her blood. The Department of Public Safety shall suspend or revoke the driver’s license of any person, including, but not limited to, a juvenile, child, or youthful offender, convicted or adjudicated of, or subjected to a finding of delinquency based on this subsection. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the first violation of this subsection by a person whose blood alcohol level is between .02 and .08, the person’s driver’s license or driving privilege shall be suspended for a period of 30 days.