Citation

Zentgraf M, Schildmeier A, Rappat M. Blutalkohol 2007; 44(3): 124-143.

Affiliation

Institut fur Schulungsmassnahmen, 20099 Hamburg

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety and Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr, Publisher Steintor Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In a "German-Russian" drinking test, the impact of different cultural settings on the consumption of alcohol, and its intoxicating effects, was measured. Two groups were tested on: individual expected BAC, attained BAC, state at the end of drinking and state the day after. One group drank in a "Russian" setting (rich food, vodka being the only alcoholic beverage, big glasses) (Russian group, N = 20). The "German" setting included simple snacks and a choice of a variety of alcoholic beverages (German group, N = 25). Both groups were equal in terms of age, gender, cultural background, and drinking habits. Results: Participants of the "Russian" group drank more alcohol and accordingly, attained higher BAC than the participants of the "German" setting. 7 out of the 8 people, who reached a BAC of 1.3 (per mille) or above, belonged to the Russian group. Despite averaging higher BACs, the members of the Russian group did not feel more intoxicated than those of the German group. The negative effects on the day after the test were stronger than those in the German group, even though the latter had attained lower BACs. Conclusions: Assessment in centres for driving ability (Begutachtungsstellen fur die Fahreignung) tends to rely on the BAC, measured at one single occasion, as a sufficient indicator to label the clients drinking habits. The "German-Russian" drinking test emphasises the importance of a careful diagnostic approach, to consider the individual circumstances of alcohol consumption, especially when dealing with clients from Eastern European countries.