YOUTH AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

Objectives To provide understanding of alcoholism To provide information about substance abuse prevention. To assist students in understanding the risk and protective factors for substance abuse. To provide resources for prevention

Overview Substance use can be thought of an a continuum from social/recreational use to abuse and dependence Many factors affect whether substance use is a problem including whether it causes significant impairments in health, social, legal or occupational functioning No certain amount of substance use necessarily means there is a problem. It is important to consider the situation, the consequences and whether the person was in jeopardy of causing themselves physical harm by using

What is alcohol abuse It is a disease Characterized by a maladaptive pattern of drinking alcohol that results in negative work, medical, legal, educational and/or social effects on a person’s life The person who abuses alcohol tends to continue to drink despite of such consequences.

Addiction A person, substance, or activity Regularly use to escape from negative feeling state Continues to be used despite experiencing negative consequences Note: Physiological dependence is NOT necessarily a part of addiction

Risk factors Depression Anxiety Mood problems Low self-esteem Peer pleasure Impulsivity Physical and sexual abuse Family members with history of alcohol abuse Lack of support Poverty No sense of connection as a community

Effects Higher risk for experiencing more negative feelings Stress Alienation and aggression Multiple psychological effects: Depression and antisocial behaviors Malnutrition Disturbed sleep patterns Vicious circle Statistics & Moving forward?

Consequences Diseases Rape High accident rates Drug induced psychosis Drug abuse

Alcohol Withdrawal Fatigue Malnutrition Physical illness Depression

Proactive Factors Close family relationships Education is valued and encouraged and parents are actively involved Opportunities for community involvement Positive attitudes towards school Laws are consistently enforced Educate our youth

Prevention? Prevention is A proactive process empowering individuals and systems to meet challenges of life by creating and reinforcing conditions that promote healthy behaviors and prevent co-morbidity, relapse and disability

Levels of prevention Primary: Goals are to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place Secondary: Goals are to prevent the problem from getting worse Tertiary: Goals are to prevent the problem from getting worse and prevent any other complications

Can alcoholism be prevented Clear communication Adequate parental supervision Educate coping skills and strategies Counseling and treatment

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