Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 4, § 163 - Curriculum Requirements for the Impact of Alcohol on the Body

(a) Physiology of alcohol on the human body.

(1) Alcohol's path through the human body:

(A) No digestion needed in alcohol absorption;

(B) Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream after consuming;

(C) Some consumed alcohol is absorbed through the stomach lining; and

(D) Most consumed alcohol is absorbed quickly through the small intestine.

(2) How the human body processes alcohol:

(A) Most alcohol must be processed by the liver to remove it from the body;

(B) The liver metabolizes approximately one alcoholic drink equivalent or standard drink per hour;

(C) The liver does not speed up metabolization when the bloodstream has excessive alcohol; and

(D) Alcohol in the blood stream causes intoxication.

(3) Common myths about sobering up.

(4) Alcohol's effect on the human body:

(A) Alcohol depresses the central nervous systems' functions, including judgement, inhibitions, and reaction times;

(B) Alcohol depletes the body's fluids and causes thirst and dehydration; and

(C) The liver normally maintains the body's blood-sugar levels, but when alcohol is present the liver ceases normal functions to metabolize the alcohol from the bloodstream.

(b) Alcohol-impaired driving:

(1) Slows reaction times;

(2) Reduced or decreased vision;

(3) Impaired judgement; and

(4) Reduction in concentration and coordination.

(c) Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels and associated symptomologies:

(1) The definition of intoxication by alcohol; and

(2) Intoxication can occur in as little as one alcoholic drink equivalent or standard drink.

(d) Potential signs of intoxication.

(1) Physical reactions:

(A) Slurred and varied speech;

(B) Slow and deliberate movement;

(C) Decreased alertness; and

(D) Loss of coordination while sitting or standing.

(2) Physical appearance:

(A) Red or watery eyes;

(B) Sweating;

(C) Droopy eyelids;

(D) Face appearing flushed or red;

(E) Disheveled clothing;

(F) Lack of eye focus; and

(G) An odor of alcohol.

(3) Lowering of inhibitions:

(A) Overly friendly;

(B) Use of foul language;

(C) Increased volume of speech; and

(D) Increased rate of alcohol consumption.

(4) Loss of judgement:

(A) Complaints about the strength of the alcoholic beverages being served;

(B) Carelessness with money;

(C) Increasingly argumentative; and

(D) Makes irrational statements.

(e) Factors affecting the severity of intoxication.

(1) Amount and speed of consumption of alcohol:

(A) Food in the stomach can slow the rate of intoxication; and

(B) The higher the amount of alcohol consumed the more alcohol is found in the blood stream.

(2) Drinking alcohol rapidly, like binge drinking, can quickly lead to higher levels of intoxication.

(3) Tolerance to alcohol, drugs, and other toxic substances can build up over time as the human body adapts:

(A) Varies from person to person;

(B) Increased tolerance lessens the effects of alcohol on the central nervous system; and

(C) A person with high tolerance can hide effects of intoxication while still being impaired.

(4) Medications or recreational and illegal drugs can have very harmful effects when mixed with alcohol:

(A) Medications, and recreational and illegal drugs, can themselves impair the human body in similar ways to alcohol intoxication; and

(B) Combining alcohol with medications or recreational and illegal drugs can lead to side effects from discomfort to death.

(5) Altitude can make alcohol intoxication nearly twice as potent on the human body.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 4, § 163

1. New section filed 5-20-2020; operative 5-20-2020 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2020, No. 21).
2. Amendment of subsection (e) filed 8-1-2022; operative 8-1-2022 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2022, No. 31).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 25681(a) and 25685(a), Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 25680(c)(2), Business and Professions Code.

1. New section filed 5-20-2020; operative 5/20/2020 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2020, No. 21).
2. Amendment of subsection (e) filed 8-1-2022; operative 8/1/2022 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2022, No. 31).