1. Alcohol & Drugs

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

4. Why do people drink?
Environment
Genetics
Particularly in men

5. What Determines Effects?
Body weight is a factor
(Higher weight = less effect)
Women’s stomachs absorb alcohol more efficiently = higher blood alcohol levels with less drinking

6. Problems with alcohol
Tolerance
Dependence
Withdrawal
Addiction

7. Tolerance
More drug to get same effect

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

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

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

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

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

13. Change without therapy
Spontaneous remission
Quitting without a formal cessation program

14. Relapse
About = Smoking, opiate (drug) use

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