This past week we discussed the dangers of alcohol consumption. Thinking back on our discussions and the films that we saw, was there one or two things that you saw or heard about that you feel may have a lasting impression on you?

 Craving: strong need or urge to drink  Loss of Control: not being able to stop drinking once you start  Physical Dependence: withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stop drinking  Tolerance: the need to drink more and more alcohol in order to get “high”

 An alcoholic will continue to drink despite serious family, health or legal problems  The craving that an alcoholic feels for alcohol is as strong as the need for food or water.  Alcoholism is chronic meaning it lasts a person’s lifetime.

The genes you inherit Lifestyle: friends, stress, availability of alcohol

 Even if an alcoholic hasn’t been drinking for a long time, they can still suffer a relapse  An alcoholic must avoid all alcoholic beverages

A person may drink too much and too often but still not be dependent on alcohol Example: Not being able to meet the responsibilities of school, work or family Example: Drunk driving or drinking related medical problems

Cutting out alcohol– that is abstaining is usually the best course for recovery for an alcoholic

An alcoholic needs to: Recognize that they have a problem Want help Be willing to change lifestyle Organizations: Alcoholics Anonymous, Al- Anon, Alateen

Alcoholism : A disease in which the person who has it must have alcohol to feel physically and mentally okay, they are dependent on alcohol. Possible signs of alcoholism :  Drinking regularly  Drinking first thing in the morning  Drinking alone regularly  Having problems at home, work or school due to drinking  Need to drink every day