What is alcoholism? The National Institutes of Health defines alcoholism as “a physical addiction to alcohol in which people continue to drink even though the drinking causes physical, mental and social problems, including problems with job responsibilities and relationships”

Criteria for alcoholism Alcoholism is a multidimensional condition that is typically defined in terms of four major criteria: preoccupation with drinking emotional problems vocational, social, and family problems physical problems Not all criteria have to be met, however, for alcoholism to be diagnosed.

Stages of Alcoholism There are four stages involved in alcoholism: Introductory Stage Early, Forewarning Stage Middle Crucial Stage Final Chronic Stage

Patterns seen in alcoholism Alcoholism can be found in every gender, caste, religion and ethnic group. However there are some patterns which are seen commonly : Men outnumber women in the incidence of alcoholism by about six to one The elderly tend to be an underreported group with respect to alcoholism. The children of alcoholics (COAs) carry an increased risk of becoming alcoholic

Myths Most alcoholics are skid-row bums Mixing drinks makes you drunk faster Black coffee or cold showers can sober you up Beer drinkers are less likely to become alcoholics

Alcoholism is low where Children learn alcohol is a beverage. Served in dilute forms. Abstain okay. Parents model moderate drinking Getting drunk not seen as comical. Everyone knows ground rules.

Alcoholism is high where No ground rules. Mixed messages from different individuals and groups. Getting drunk okay and Funny Heavy drinking is encouraged. Drinking a sign of masculinity or adulthood.

Media images of alcohol Ireland has highest heavy drinking rates in Europe. Youth bombarded with alcohol ads. Have begun to restrict advertising. Change the culture

No definite cause of alcoholism, but there are factors that may play a role in its development: Among the psychological factors that lead to alcoholism include: the need for anxiety relief, conflicts in relationships, low self-esteem, etc. Social factors influencing the occurrence of alcoholism are: ease of use of alcohol, social acceptance of alcohol consumption, lifestyles, stress, etc. ....

TYPES OF DRINKERS: There are different types of drinkers, we could fall into four different classes: - Moderate Drinker: regular intake of different alcoholic drinks ¾ gallons per day. - Regular Drinker: All social life is centered on alcohol. do not eat for pleasure, but because he apparently brings a sense of security, value or pleasure. At first, the intake is circumstantial, and can stop drinking. Over time, establishing the habit. - Alcohol: characterized by alcohol dependence, both physically and mentally, and the inability to stop or abstain.

WHY YOUNG DRUNK It is possible that in our present culture, alcohol plays some role in this regard to teenagers as "It's been great" to be "drinking alcohol" or for being drunk. On the other hand, the alcohol "loosens the tongue" and "gives encouragement" to "deal" the first game of seduction.. psycho-physical activity (joy, elation, overcoming shyness and withdrawal, moodimprovement, etc..), public entertainment and integration within the group of friends

What can alcohol damage? Heart Brain Joints Liver Kidney Esophagus Muscles

Immediate Effects Blurred Vision Slurred speech Increased heart beat Lowers body temperature Vomiting Hangover Alcohol Poisoning (death)

Symptoms alcohol can cause Serious medical conditions: Cancer Depression Heart and respiratory failure Cirrhosis Wernicke – Korsakoff Syndrome And many more…

More examples of problems alcohol can cause Debts Drugs Vandalism More expensive habits such as gambling. Unprotected intercourse under the influence of alcohol can lead to unwanted pregnancy.

Pictures of people that are affected by alcohol These guys learned the hard way. Do you want to be like them?

How does alcohol impact others? Kids look up to their parents or to their siblings. When they see they are having fun drinking with their buddies or when they see an advertisement of alcohol, they’ll misunderstand the message of alcohol and think it’s good for them.

Fetal alcohol syndrome – a serious problem that can develop in the fetus of women who drink during pregnancy. Outbursts of emotions can cause the alcoholic person to be violent and harms other people around him/her.

Long Term Effects on the Body Brain damage Heart disease Stomach ulcers Liver disease “cirrhosis” Osteoporosis Muscle Weakness Weight gain

Controlling alcohol use & abuse Legal measures Prohibition Age limits Therapeutic approaches Rational recovery

PRIMARY PREVENTION Educational Approach – Programs for children ,risk group Electronic Media Target group intervention Legal Approach Control of production and sale Raising prices and taxes Raising of minimum age Ban advertisement available centers Low use of alcohol content Improve mental health and coping to stress Parents to be Role Model for their children

SECONDARY PREVENTION Early Diagnosis Adequate Treatment of withdrawal symptoms of addiction-(physiological, psychological and social) of complications –(depression ,anxiety ,vitamin deficiency, cirrhosis) Post de-toxication counseling & Follow up Change in Environment at home , college ,work place..

TERTIARY PREVENTION It includes treatment and rehabilitation After care programs Vocational guidance Counseling Recreation.

ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS Started in 1935-Robert Hall Brook Smith William Griffin Wilson An international fellowship of men and women who once had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, nondenominational and apolitical A.A. members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem; they give "sponsorship" to the alcoholic coming from any source. The A.A. program, set forth in 12 Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol. This program is discussed at A.A. group meetings.