Problem drinking is a disease that is the number three killer in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer.  Ironically, drinking can be the cause of both heart disease and cancer.  Women who drink alcohol excessively have a breast cancer rate 1.5 to 2 times greater than women who either never drink, or drink moderately.

The effects of alcohol vary at different stages of intoxication:

	At 0.05% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), judgment becomes impaired.
	At 0.15%, your lack of coordination in motor skills becomes apparent.
	0.18% is  the average BAC found when testing impaired drivers.
	At 0.4 to 0.5% BAC, you run the risk of severe alcohol poisoning, certainly unconsciousness, and even death.

Some general facts about alcohol:

People drink alcohol to put themselves into a carefree, childlike mood. The problem is that you cannot turn it off when you drive home.

Since alcohol is a depressant, it is a little strange that it is used by so many people in this manner to try and cheer themselves up.

Alcohol first impairs judgment and inhibition.  Next it impairs the brain center and senses, including taste, smell, sight and hearing.  Then it goes to your motor skills: the movement of your hands, fingers, feet and legs all go in rapid succession, leaving you incapable of effectively perceiving your surroundings or of maneuvering your vehicle safely.

Because alcohol is directly absorbed into your bloodstream, it does not need to be digested before its effects are felt.  It can quickly and effectively cripple your ability to function, regardless of what "precautions" you may take.

Having food in your stomach keeps alcohol from being absorbed as quickly. The alcohol absorption process is slowed down by the food being digested.  The effects of alcohol will then quickly push their way into your system as soon as your stomach slows its digestion.

It takes about two hours for alcohol to work its way out of your body but only about five minutes to get into your brain cells.

Conviction rates are as high as 96% if the police present videotaped evidence of the driver's drunken behavior.

On an average night, one out of fifty drivers is drunk.  Over the weekend that number jumps to ten percent of all drivers being intoxicated.  In certain concentrated areas as many as 25% of all drivers could be intoxicated.

Out of two thousand drunk drivers, only one will be pulled over. Half of those will get suspended sentences. Therefore only one out of 4,000 drunk drivers is actually convicted of DUI and taken off the road, even for a little while.

Much of what has been said about alcohol also applies to drugs (both legally prescribed medicines and illegal drugs). California's drunk driving law is also a drug driving law since it refers to "driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs."

The law does not have to say which drugs are involved.  Many medicines can affect the way one drives. Alcohol can enhance some of the dangerous side-effects of many drugs, even those that are prescribed by your physician or purchased over the counter. It is important that you check with your physician or pharmacist before driving under the influence of any medication.

Almost any drug can affect a person's driving ability. This is true of prescription drugs, drugs you can buy over the counter, and illegal drugs. Some facts:

	Most drugs taken for headaches, colds, hay fever, allergy, or to calm nerves can make a person drowsy and affect their driving.
	Taking any drug can affect safe driving. Medicines taken together or used with alcohol can be dangerous. Drivers should ask their physician or pharmacist about how any medicine may affect their driving.
	Many drugs have unexpected effects when taken with alcohol. Drugs and alcohol should never be used at the same time.
	Pep pills, "uppers," and diet pills can make a driver more alert for a short time, but later they can cause a person to be nervous, dizzy, and not able to concentrate. They can also affect vision.

Make sure you read the label and know the effects of any drug you use. If it is a common drug, read the label. Any drug that "may cause drowsiness or dizziness" is one you should not take before driving.

Any drug (and the law does not distinguish between prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal drugs) that impairs your driving is illegal. If an officer suspects that you are under the influence of drugs, the officer can require that you take a blood or urine test.

Persons refusing these tests will be subject to the same license suspensions and revocations as for alcohol test refusals. Anyone convicted of manufacturing, possessing or selling illegal drugs will be subject to a six-month suspension.