ALCOHOLISM A Disease of Addiction

OBJECTIVES Students will be able to: List and explain 4 signs of addiction Identify 2 differences between alcohol abuse and alcoholism list 2 symptoms for each of the 3 stages of alcoholism List 4 “Unspoken Rules” for family members of a person w/alcoholism Identify 6 roles people living with someone with alcoholism may assume Identify a community resource for friends and family of a person who is a problem drinker or alcoholic

SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOLISM CRAVING: a strong need or compulsion to drink LOSS OF CONTROL: inability to limit drinking on any given occasion PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE: withdrawal when stopping after heavy drinking TOLERANCE: the need to drink greater amounts to get an effect CONSEQUENCES: inability to stop despite experiencing consequences

SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities within a 12-month period Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving Recurring alcohol-related legal problems Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems caused by or made worse by drinking *NO CRAVING, LOSS OF CONTROL OR PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE

STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM STAGE 1: WARNING STAGE Increased tolerance Drink to escape tensions and frustrations Preoccupation with drinking Embarrassing behavior Drinks secretly blackouts

STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM (cont) STAGE 2: CRUCIAL STAGE Loss of control over amount of alcohol consumed Guilt feelings about drinking Rationalization of drinking behavior Promises to stop drinking but doesn’t May still hold down job or continue in school

STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM (cont) STAGE 3: CHRONIC STAGE Total dependence on alcohol Periods of constant drinking Can’t stop after one drink Health consequences intensify Drinking to prevent withdrawal symptoms Drinking may continue for days Withdrawal in absence of alcohol - Delirium tremens (DTs) After several years, severe symptoms

Let’s Review!! List and explain 4 signs of addiction Identify 2 differences between alcohol abuse and alcoholism list 2 symptoms for each of the 3 stages of alcoholism

STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM (cont) EACH STAGE MAY LAST FOR YEARS AND NEVER PROGRESS TO THE NEXT STAGE Source for Stages of Alcoholism information: Tobacco, Alcohol, & Drugs, ETR Associates

UNSPOKEN RULES DON’T TALK DON’T TRUST DON’T FEEL DENY THERE’S A PROBLEM

ROLES OFTEN ASSUMED BY FAMILY MEMBERS OF A PERSON WITH ALCOHOLISM MASCOT LOST CHILD RESPONSIBLE CHILD/CARETAKER SCAPEGOAT HERO CHIEF ENABLER

SCAPEGOAT “PROBLEM CHILD” GOAL: divert attention from the problem Tend to get in trouble Acting out behavior as way of expressing anger at the family Usually the person in the family sent to counseling because of behavior problems

HERO GOAL: to prove self-worth and worth of family through accomplishments Take on parenting roles that are neglected by the alcoholic parent Helpful within the home and successful outside the home High achiever academically and professionally May feel inside like a failure or imposter

CHIEF ENABLER GOAL: to protect the alcoholic Shields alcoholic from consequences of drinking Covers for alcoholic; calls work, makes excuses for them and their behavior Results from normal human impulse to care and protect loved ones Puts aside own feelings to take care of others

MASCOT “ENTERTAINER” GOAL: To relieve tension in the home with humor They’re charming and funny in times of stress Has personal pain and loneliness not relieved by their behavior

LOST CHILD “THE ADJUSTER” Goal: to draw as little attention as possible Makes few waves Passively adjusts to drinking w/indifferent attitude Faces problems alone; seen by family as one who can take care of themselves Usually hurting Distances himself/herself from family

RESPONSIBLE CHILD “CARETAKER”, “PLACATER” Attempts to maintain peace by assuming responsibility for the needs of their siblings and their parents “people pleaser”, smooths over potentially upsetting situations Ability to sense what others are feeling at the expense of their own feelings and needs

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AA = Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings for the alcoholic regardless of age Website for meetings: www.aaboston.org Al-Anon Meetings for the spouse/partner of the alcoholic Al-a-teen Meetings for any teen whose life is affected by a loved one’s drinking http://www.ma-al-anon-alateen.org/

List 4 “Unspoken Rules” for family members of a person w/alcoholism Identify 6 roles people living with someone with alcoholism may assume Identify a community resource for friends and family of a person who is a problem drinker or alcoholic