actions formerly produced at lesser concentration, if there is a long history of drinking. There may be differences in alcohols effects, depending upon where one drinks. Many people become intoxicated on less alcohol merely because they have that expectation before they begin drinking. Many people seem more susceptible to the effects of alcohol when they are extremely fatigued, have recently been ill, or are under emotional stress and strain. The usual amount of alcohol may result in uncomfortable affects. Given the same amount of alcohol, and proportional to body weight, females will generally have a higher BAC then their male counterparts, due to less body fluids to dilute the alcohol and also due to more body fats. Prescription, over-the-counter, illicit, and recognized drugs all have potential reactions with alcohol. One should beware of the addictive and synergistic effects when these drugs are mixed with alcohol (Alcohol Effects upon the Body).Almost half of all fatal car crashes and 2/3 of all crashes involving injuries in the U.S. are related to the use of alcohol. Also, 1/3 of all pedestrian fatalities by automobiles are caused by drunk drivers. Severe alcohol intoxication causes the heart and breathing to stop, resulting in death. If a person drinks alcohol in conjunction with taking another depressant, the two depressants affect are more than double and can cause slowing of the heart and breathing rates. Synergism can also lead to a coma or death. Alcohol prevents the release of body chemicals that regulate how much urine the kidneys make. They produce more urine than usual and the drinker loses more water than usual. The drinker will usually become very thirsty and extreme cases they may lose water that is essential for the body to function properly (Pruitt, pp. 13-15)....
