Chapter Eight: Taking Control of Alcohol Use (c) 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Criteria for Drinking Classifications (Table 8.1) Abstainers – does not drink at all or once a year Infrequent drinker – drinks once a month in small amounts Light drinker - drinks once a month in medium amounts Moderate drinkers – drinks once a week in small amounts

Criteria for Drinking Classifications cont. (Table 8.1) Moderate to heavy drinker – drinks once a week in medium amounts Heavy drinker – drinks at least once a week in large amounts * Binge drinking: consumption of 5 drinks in a row or more in one sitting. Drinking games are an example of this

Consumable Forms of Alcohol Ethyl/ethanol Alcohol is a depressant upon the CNS

How Alcohol is Created Fermentation C6H12O6 yeast 2C2H5OH+2CO2 Distillation (high temperature condensation) of fermented products

Factors Affecting Absorption of Alcohol Strength of beverage (% of alcohol) Number of drinks consumed Speed of consumption Presence of food Body chemistry (weight/size) Gender

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) When BAC reaches .05%, changes in behavior occur At .10%, decrease in motor function At .25-.30%, the body starts to shut down BAC rises when alcohol is consumed faster than removed from the liver

First Aid for Acute Alcohol Intoxication The following are considered warning signs: Weak, rapid pulse Unconscious stupor = shock Cool and damp skin Skin color is bluish or pale Involuntary regurgitation Treatment: Seek medical assistance Lie person on their side Monitor breathing and pulse rate Make sure the head is lower than their body

Effect of Alcohol on the Body Figure 8-4

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Alcohol can cause birth defects to their unborn fetus Alcohol crosses placenta Fetal liver is under-developed Results in disastrous effects (see Figure8-5)

Alcohol-Related Societal Problems Accidents Motor vehicle collisions Falls Drowning Fires and Burns Crime and Violence Suicide

Organizations that Support Responsible Drinking Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) BACCHUS GAMMA Peer Education Network

Problem Drinking and Alcoholism Problem drinking – drinker’s behavior causes personal difficulties or for other people Blackouts is the result of problem drinking Alcoholism – primary chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors affecting the individual Type I Type II Denial and Enabling allow the Alcoholic continue the behavior

Treatment for Alcoholism Rehab centers Hospitals Medication Counseling Support groups

Current Alcohol Concerns Adult Children of Alcoholic Parents Women and Alcohol Alcohol Advertising Alcohol Advertising in Ethnic Communities

Chapter Eight: Taking Control of Alcohol Use (c) 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.