Alcohol & Drugs

Who drinks? Children from wealthy families –at greater risk than middle class College graduates –Less likely to drink heavily (Compared to H.S. dropouts) High school dropouts –Heavy & problem drinkers

Effects Body weight is a factor Women’s stomachs absorb alcohol more efficiently = higher blood alcohol levels with less drinking

Problems with alcohol Tolerance Dependence Withdrawal Addiction

Tolerance More drug to get same effect

Dependence Body becomes dependent on drug for normal functioning Removal = withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal The “shakes” –DT’s = Delirium tremens Hallucinations Disorientation Convulsions

Alcohol & pregnancy Decrease in fertility = infertility Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) Stillbirths Miscarriage –Even with light to moderate drinking

Indirect hazards Accidents Aggressive behavior Suicidal ideas and attempts Unprotected sex Forced sexual experience

Why do people drink? Environment Genetics –Particularly in men

Alcohol dependency syndrome Impaired control Drink-seeking behavior Awareness of the compulsion to drink Withdrawal symptoms –Drink to avoid withdrawal symptoms Negative reinforcement

Change without therapy Spontaneous remission –Quitting without a formal cessation program

Relapse About = Smoking, opiate (drug) use

Opiate drugs (e.g. Heroin) Tolerance and dependence quickly –As little as 24 hours