1. Alcohol

2. What is Alcohol?!? Alcohol is a drug. It is classified as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions. It is a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constitute of wine, beer, etc. Alcohol is also referred to as liquor and spirits.

3. Alcohol consumption in  They have lead the nation in binge drinking for over a decade.  A recent survey showed that people in Wisconsin are more likely than anywhere else to drive drunk, and have among the highest incidence of drunken driving deaths in the U.S.  In Wisconsin, you are not charged with felony drunken driving until you are arrested for your fifth time.  The annual economic impact of alcohol related health and social problems in Wisconsin is nearly five billion dollars.  Every year in Wisconsin, alcohol is responsible for: 1,300 deaths, 8,500 traffic crashes, 6,800 traffic injuries, and 90,000 arrests.  First time drunken drivers account for 68% of all fatal and serious injury accidents Wisconsin, famous for it’s breweries, is becoming famous for other reasons, too, and it’s nothing to be proud of.

4. Standard Measure How is ‘one drink’ measured? A standard drink is equal to.6oz of pure alcohol. Generally this amount is found in: 12oz beer 8oz malt liquor 5oz wine 1.5oz a ‘shot’ of 80 proof distilled liquor such as Gin, Rum or Vodka What is the usual alcohol content found in some common drinks of choice? Beverage % of alcohol content Beer2-6% Wine8-20% Tequila40% Rum40 or more % Gin40-47% Whiskey40-50% Vodka40-50%

5. Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse Craving - A strong compulsion to drink Loss of control- the inability to limit one’s drinking Physical dependence- withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety occur when alcohol use is stopped Tolerance - The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get high Relationship Problems- Trouble getting along with friends and family because of alcohol

6. Short-term effects Slurred speechDrowsinessVomitingDiarrheaUpset stomachHeadachesBreathing difficultiesDistorted vision and hearingImpaired judgmentDecreased perception and coordinationUnconsciousnessMemory lapses

7. Long-term effects Unintentional injuries such as car crashes, falls, burns, drowning Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault and domestic violence Increased on- the-job injuries and loss of productivity Increased family problems Broken relationships Alcohol poisoning High blood pressure, stroke and other heart related diseases Liver damage Permanent damage to the brain

8. Fetal alcohol syndrome Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that results from alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Problems that may be caused by FAS include: Mental retardation Physical deformities, Learning disorders, Vision difficulties and Behavioral problems There is no amount of alcohol that is known to be safe to consume during pregnancy. Drinking while you are pregnant can result in a cluster of irreversible birth defects. The more you drink, the greater the risk.

9. Activity I invite you to answer the following questions to help you determine if you might have a drinking problem: Do you feel that you are unable to limit your drinking? Do you experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking? Have you found yourself having to increase the amount you consume in order to achieve the desired effects? Do you experience memory lapses? Have you been told that you seem to have impaired judgment while intoxicated? Have you been arrested for drunk driving? Is your drinking causing problems at your place of employment? Are your relationships suffering because of your alcohol use? Have you injured yourself while intoxicated? Do you feel a strong need to drink? If you answered ‘yes’ to most of these questions, it may be time for you to seek professional help for your drinking. There are people available to help you learn new behaviors and coping mechanisms, so you don’t have to turn to alcohol. Good Luck!

10. For more information, please visit: www.drugfreeworld.comwww.wineandspiritsjobs.comwww.forbes.com/sites/sageworks/2011/07/01-the-year-of-alcohol-strong-growth-in-alcohol-related-industries/www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/us/16wisconsin.htmlwww.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqswww.discuss.org/economicshttp://alcoholjustice.org/big-alcohol/industry-tatics.html