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Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: kelly on 10/05/2004 16:58:50

Title: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: kelly on 10/05/2004 16:58:50
I have two relatives, a woman in her mid-fifties and her husband in his lower 60's. They drink 4 to 5 mixed drinks daily and to the point of intoxication.  They drink from 5:00 P.M. on.  They both have had this pattern since their late teens.  They have recently taken up motorcycle riding.  They think that if they don't drink from midnight on, that their blood level is safe the next day for riding their motorcycles.  I have heard that it takes 30 days to clear alcohol from your system.  Are they correct in their thinking?  Is it safe for them to be operating motorcycles with their alcohol pattern?
Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: Ylide on 10/05/2004 17:13:58
2 things:  first, for a regular drinker, 4-5 mixed drinks is not serious intoxication.  It may be enough to be "legally" over the limit, but most people aren't going to get falling down drunk from that, especially someone with a little tolerance.  At a BAC of 0.08%, the legal limit in most states, you're more impaired talking on a cell phone or drinking a Starbucks than being in that state of alcohol intoxication.  Thank MADD for that one.

Second, the impairment from alcohol is gone in approximately 1 hour per drink.  A good night's sleep will clear up all but the most stumbling drunkeness.  As long as they're not drinking WHILE driving their bikes, they're fine.



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Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: neilep on 10/05/2004 21:15:13
Hi Kelly.....Here in the Uk, you can purchase meteres that measure the alcohol in your system before you set off to drive....It's a portable breathalyser !!..I don't know if that kind of thing is available in the States........might be worth considering if they really want to find out before going 'Hells Angeling'  !!!...YAYYYYY !!

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Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: kelly on 10/05/2004 23:33:05
Hi Neilep,  Yes we do have those measuring devices.  The problem is these people are in denial that they have a drinking problem.  They get intoxicated to the point of passing out and not being able to talk on a daily basis.
Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: neilep on 11/05/2004 01:12:50
quote:
Originally posted by kelly

Hi Neilep,  Yes we do have those measuring devices.  The problem is these people are in denial that they have a drinking problem.  They get intoxicated to the point of passing out and not being able to talk on a daily basis.



Hi Kelly (call me Neil).....

Though I'm not inclined to disagree with cannabinoid...(He is the expert)..........I still think caution is recommendedand advised !!


Myself.....I do not drink, and you say it's 4 or 5 mixed drinks ,

.......... to me, that sounds a lot....especially that you mention that they drink to the point of intoxication. I think you're very right to be concerned Kelly....


.....are you planning to talk to them further about this  Kelly ?...

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Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: neilep on 11/05/2004 01:19:35
quote:
Originally posted by cannabinoid


 the impairment from alcohol is gone in approximately 1 hour per drink.  A good night's sleep will clear up all but the most stumbling drunkeness.  As long as they're not drinking WHILE driving their bikes, they're fine.



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...but Jay..if they are drinking to intoxication....surely that's not ok....are you saying that just a nights sleep is sufficient 'rest' time ?.....

Forgive me if I'm wrong....I don't 'do' alcohol so my experience is only by observation...it's not subjective.

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Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: kelly on 11/05/2004 01:40:12
Neil, thanks for the input.  They may have more than 5 drinks a night, I was just guessing. I have never really counted, but they mix several before dinner and several after dinner.  I am seeing their bodies deteriorate beyond what should be at their age.  I'm leary of talking to them, because they cut anyone off who questions how much they drink.  I would guess they still have enough alcohol in them in the morning to make them have a slower reaction time.
Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: neilep on 11/05/2004 02:55:00
Hi Kelly, this must be very difficult for you. May I ask what their relationship to you they are ?...Aunt and Uncle perhaps ?....have you spoken to any other members of the family and do they share your concern ?....actually from what you describe it's obvious that there have been attempts to approach them before eh ?...which implies that their drinking habits do not go unoticed............

If it worries you so very much and you can not speak to family about it, perhaps take your concerns to your doctor who may be be able to point you in the right direction,. It is a delicate matter and you obviously care deeply for them........

You are obviously worried.....perhaps someone on the site will be able to advise you better.

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Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: Donnah on 11/05/2004 03:08:35
You also have the option of letting the local police know that you have concerns.
Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: OldMan on 11/05/2004 03:52:08
Hi Kelly
Donnah is all too right there. While you probably don't want to get them into trouble it would be better for them to loose their licence for a few months than have something worse happen.

Being a motorcycle rider myself I would say that when hung over your reactions and concentration do tend to suffer and will try to ride very cautiously if i have to in this state. I also find having just a small amount of alcohol in my system while riding can strongly encourage the urge to "have a little fun" and takes quite a bit of will power to resist. If someones balance is impaired there is no way they should be riding as balance can play a large part in how you ride.

I would suggest it is definately worth sharing your concerns with them. Sometimes a small accident is a good thing as it scares the hell out of you and makes you very cautious. Good luck but it sounds like you have a tough conversation ahead of you if you try to talk to them.

Tim

-----------------------------
I'm attacking the illusion but the stopping drives me mad!
Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: bezoar on 11/05/2004 04:40:04
Hmmm, I always heard you metabolize an ounce an hour -- that is, if your liver isn't impaired.  But I just broke up with an alcoholic who drank himself to sleep every night.  He was a lawyer, and even though on occasion he had a slight hint of alcohol on his breath, he seemed to function just fine every morning.  Woke up with bad breath and a red face, but could go to court and argue like hell.  Seems like if you're used to it, you handle it better.
Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: kelly on 11/05/2004 05:11:55
Thank you everyone for your great responses.  I hadn't thought about the balance.  That is a very good point.
Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: neilep on 11/05/2004 21:23:03
good luck Kelly......if you do go the Police route, you could always make an anonymous phone call informing them that you know of two people who will be drinking and driving on a particular day etc.......still....the problem would still be there of course...but the safety of them and others on the road must be paramount.

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Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: Ylide on 12/05/2004 00:21:04
I think you're overreacting, honestly.  It's not like they're getting tanked and getting on their bikes.  They're getting a night's sleep and while they may be a little groggy the next day, I assure you they're not still drunk if they've only had 5 mixed drinks.  From the sounds of it they're riding cruisers, not crotch-rockets, so it's not like they're going to be flying along at 150 mph with a hangover.  

It sounds to me like their drinking isn't hurting anyone.  I'm not sure why it bothers you so much.

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Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: tweener on 12/05/2004 03:40:24
I've been lurking on this thread, but I'm going to jump in here.

I don't know that drinking at night and then riding the next day is a big safety issue.  It probably depends on how well they ride normally.  If they push the limits anyway, the hangover might be a real cause for concern.  If they are fairly conservative riders, then it might not.  If they are "sneaking" a couple of drinks before riding, that is a much bigger concern, but Kelly has not said that has happened.

Kelly has not clarified what relation these people are to her, but based on her comments it sounds like they are close, possibly parent, possibly a brother or sister.  I know from experience that having loved ones drinking every night can be devastating to the one who has to watch.  It's hard to pin down why it hurts so much, but it does hurt - lots.  Unfortunately, if they won't admit there is a problem, there is not a lot that can be done.  There are support organizations for those who have loved ones with a drinking problem, and that might be an option to consider for ideas.

Personally, I would not want to call the police in because the DUI laws are so insane that they might do a lot more damage than good.  Also, it might be that the relationship would not stand the strain of that sort of thing, thus causing even more trouble.

Kelly, I know you are in a tough spot.  I'm thinking of you, sending all the positive vibes I can your direction.  Good luck, and hang in there.

John
Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: kelly on 12/05/2004 05:15:10
Thanks John,  I don't intend to take any action.  My intention here was to get info about heavy drinking and motorcycle riding.  These are big bikes and the riders must be very tired after several miles. The woman misses several days of work each month, so we can figure the alcohol is taking its toll.
Title: Re: Drinking & Motorcycles
Post by: neilep on 12/05/2004 10:56:46
John, I saee what you're saying but Kelly has mentioned that she's noticed a deteriation in their bodies, which she presumes is because of the drink....that's bad eh......regarding the police...I was also hesitant to mention it, but did so eventually because it was already mentioned......that's why I originally suggestes a doctor, perhaps a counsellor......try to use a 'softly softly' approach.

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