1. ALCOHOLISM
A Disease of Addiction

2. OBJECTIVES Students will be able to:
List and explain 4 signs of addiction
Identify 2 differences between alcohol abuse and alcoholism
list 2 symptoms for each of the 3 stages of alcoholism
List 4 “Unspoken Rules” for family members of a person w/alcoholism
Identify 6 roles people living with someone with alcoholism may assume
Identify a community resource for friends and family of a person who is a problem drinker or alcoholic

3. SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOLISM
CRAVING: a strong need or compulsion to drink
LOSS OF CONTROL: inability to limit drinking on any given occasion
PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE: withdrawal when stopping after heavy drinking
TOLERANCE: the need to drink greater amounts to get an effect
CONSEQUENCES: inability to stop despite experiencing consequences

4. SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE
Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities within a 12-month period
Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving
Recurring alcohol-related legal problems
Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems caused by or made worse by drinking
*NO CRAVING, LOSS OF CONTROL OR PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE

5. STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM STAGE 1: WARNING STAGE Increased tolerance
Drink to escape tensions and frustrations
Preoccupation with drinking
Embarrassing behavior
Drinks secretly
blackouts

6. STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM (cont)
STAGE 2: CRUCIAL STAGE
Loss of control over amount of alcohol consumed
Guilt feelings about drinking
Rationalization of drinking behavior
Promises to stop drinking but doesn’t
May still hold down job or continue in school

7. STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM (cont)
STAGE 3: CHRONIC STAGE
Total dependence on alcohol
Periods of constant drinking
Can’t stop after one drink
Health consequences intensify
Drinking to prevent withdrawal symptoms
Drinking may continue for days
Withdrawal in absence of alcohol - Delirium tremens (DTs)
After several years, severe symptoms

8. Let’s Review!! List and explain 4 signs of addiction
Identify 2 differences between alcohol abuse and alcoholism
list 2 symptoms for each of the 3 stages of alcoholism

9. STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM (cont)
EACH STAGE MAY LAST FOR YEARS AND NEVER PROGRESS TO THE NEXT STAGE
Source for Stages of Alcoholism information: Tobacco, Alcohol, & Drugs, ETR Associates

10. UNSPOKEN RULES DON’T TALK DON’T TRUST DON’T FEEL
DENY THERE’S A PROBLEM

11. ROLES OFTEN ASSUMED BY FAMILY MEMBERS OF A PERSON WITH ALCOHOLISM
MASCOT
LOST CHILD
RESPONSIBLE CHILD/CARETAKER
SCAPEGOAT
HERO
CHIEF ENABLER

12. SCAPEGOAT “PROBLEM CHILD” GOAL: divert attention from the problem
Tend to get in trouble
Acting out behavior as way of expressing anger at the family
Usually the person in the family sent to counseling because of behavior problems

13. HERO
GOAL: to prove self-worth and worth of family through accomplishments
Take on parenting roles that are neglected by the alcoholic parent
Helpful within the home and successful outside the home
High achiever academically and professionally
May feel inside like a failure or imposter

14. CHIEF ENABLER GOAL: to protect the alcoholic
Shields alcoholic from consequences of drinking
Covers for alcoholic; calls work, makes excuses for them and their behavior
Results from normal human impulse to care and protect loved ones
Puts aside own feelings to take care of others

15. MASCOT “ENTERTAINER” GOAL: To relieve tension in the home with humor
They’re charming and funny in times of stress
Has personal pain and loneliness not relieved by their behavior

16. LOST CHILD “THE ADJUSTER”
Goal: to draw as little attention as possible
Makes few waves
Passively adjusts to drinking w/indifferent attitude
Faces problems alone; seen by family as one who can take care of themselves
Usually hurting
Distances himself/herself from family

17. RESPONSIBLE CHILD “CARETAKER”, “PLACATER”
Attempts to maintain peace by assuming responsibility for the needs of their siblings and their parents
“people pleaser”, smooths over
potentially upsetting situations
Ability to sense what others are
feeling at the expense of their
own feelings and needs

18. SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
AA = Alcoholics Anonymous
Meetings for the alcoholic regardless of age
Website for meetings:
Al-Anon
Meetings for the spouse/partner of the alcoholic
Al-a-teen
Meetings for any teen whose life is affected by a loved one’s drinking

19. List 4 “Unspoken Rules” for family members of a person w/alcoholism
Identify 6 roles people living with someone with alcoholism may assume
Identify a community resource for friends and family of a person who is a problem drinker or alcoholic