Alcohol 2 Addiction

Alcoholics don’t just want alcohol, they experience physical pain when they don’t get it. drinking too much alcohol, too often, or drinking at inappropriate times is called Alcohol abuse a disease that causes a person to lose control of his or her drinking behavior is called Alcoholism

Alcoholism develops in stages: Problem drinking – starts drinking socially, but then drinks alone and does it to avoid anxiety, problems, depression, stress. Tolerance – when a user needs more alcohol to produce the same effect. Dependence - when a drinker’s body needs alcohol and experiences sweating, anxiety, shaking nausea. Alcoholism – drinker loses control of his/her drinking behavior.

Risk Factors for alcoholism: Age- if you start drinking before 15 you are 4 times more likely to become an alcoholic than a person that begins at 21. Social Environment – hanging out with people who drink increases your chances of drinking. Genetics – it can be passed down through families. Risk taking Personality – impulsive people have a greater chance of getting addicted

Warning signs of Alcoholism: Drinking to deal with anger/frustration Changing friends/habits/interests Being defensive about drinking Feeling depressed. Drinking more for same high Drinking alone Drinking to get drunk Memory lapses

Alcoholism affects the family: Guilty feelings – family members feel personally responsible for alcoholic Unpredictable behavior – alcoholics have severe mood swings. Violence – more violence in an alcoholic’s home. Neglect and Isolation – children of alcoholic are neglected and left alone often Protecting the Alcoholic – enabling is helping an addict avoid negative consequences of their behavior. Ignoring one’s own needs – Codependency – is the condition in which a family member sacrifices his or her own needs to meet the needs of an alcoholic.

Alcohol and pregnancy-what could the baby be born with? Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – is a set of physical and mental defects that affect a fetus that has been exposed to alcohol because of the mother’s consumption during pregnancy. This is the leading cause of physical defects and mental retardation in the United States.

True or False? Alcoholism can be treated. True. It can be treated but never cured. AA=Al-Anon and Alateen are programs that provide treatment and support for the families of alcoholics

Teens and Alcohol Drinking and Driving - #2 cause of teen death #1 cause of teen death is motor vehicle accidents- a majority are alcohol related Skills that are affected by alcohol: Slowed reaction time Impaired vision Makes you drowsy Reduces your coordination Affects your judgment

254000 people are injured in alcohol related accidents every year 39% of all fatal car accidents are alcohol related DUI is the nation’s most frequently committed crime

Dui is .08 or higher percent BAC….. BAC .10 is considered DWI law in all 50 states in which a driver under 21 cannot have any alcohol in their system or they will be prosecuted with same DUI law as 21 year old. Loss license, fines, comm. serv Zero Tolerance law

Tips for getting home safe: Don’t Drink– especially (Binge Drinking-having 5 or more drinks in one sitting) Plan Ahead – if you know you’re going to drink, have a designated driver. Arrange with parents to pick you up if you need a safe ride home Calls a cab- a lot of companies provide free or reduced cab service for a drunken individual.

Teen Arrests: MIP – minor in possession charge PI public intoxication if you are caught in public. Both result in jail time, probation, fines, and affects job hiring and college admissions.

Sexual Activity More STDS, pregnancy, rape associated with alcohol

The Teen brain has crucial changes because it is developing so fast… The Teen brain has crucial changes because it is developing so fast…..this can lead to higher risk of alcoholism. Ways to say NO Leave the situation and gather your thoughts. Give the person good reasons why you don’t want to drink Give consequences that could result from your actions Say No firmly – don’t be indecisive and leave room for persuasion Offer alternatives after saying NO Walk Away.