Session 2 – Detection and General Deterrence Standardized Field Sobriety Test Course A family of closely related chemicals whose molecules are made up of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Alcohol

Session 2 – Detection and General Deterrence

Standardized Field Sobriety Test Course

A family of closely related chemicals whose

molecules are made up of hydrogen,

carbon, and oxygen.

Alcohol

2-39

E. Physiology of Alcohol

A brief overview of alcohol:

Alcohol is the most abused drug in the United States.

"Alcohol" is the name given to a family of closely related and naturally occurring

chemicals. Each of the chemicals that is called an "alcohol" contains a molecule

chemists refer to as a "hydroxy radical." This radical contains one oxygen atom and

one hydrogen atom bonded together. The simplest alcohol has only one carbon atom,

three hydrogen atoms, and one hydroxy radical. The next alcohol has two carbon

atoms, five hydrogen atoms and one hydroxy radical. The third alcohol has three

carbon atoms, seven hydrogen atoms and one hydroxy radical. That is how the alcohols

differ from one another.

Alcohols are molecularly very similar and produce similar effects. They produce

intoxicating effects when ingested into the human body. Only one of them is meant for

human consumption. However, when ingested in substantial quantities it can cause

death.

Session 2 – Detection and General Deterrence

Standardized Field Sobriety Test Course

• Methyl Alcohol (Methanol)

• Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)

• Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol)

Some Types of Alcohol

2-40

Three of the more commonly known alcohols are Methyl, Ethyl, and Isopropyl.

• Methyl alcohol also known as Methanol or wood alcohol.

• Ethyl alcohol also known as Ethanol or beverage alcohol.

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HS 178 R5/13 28 of 39

• Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) also known as rubbing alcoholSource: DWI Detection and

Standardized Field

Sobriety Testing

March 2013 Edition.