Alcohol

Scoial, environmental, genetic Inability to control consumption Continue despite neg consequences Distorted thinking patterns (denial) Physiological state requiring medical treatment Undue emphasis on alcohol

Impairs senses Decrease sensitivity in general Impairs motor skills Impairs sexual function

Absorbed into bloodstream through stomach walls and intestine 15 minutes to reach bloodstream 1 hour to reach peak Carried to liver, heart, brain Cannot leave until metabolized by liver Diuretic and causes dehydration Lowers body temp

Alters behavior – more relaxed, less inhibited Deficits in concentration, memory, judgment, motor control Long term intelligence and memory impairment Depresses CNS, slows neuron activity in brain Can culminate in unconsciousness, coma, death Many drinks can debilitate CNS

Liver only process 1/2 oz/hour Heavy drinking = higher intoxication More potent forms get into bloodstream more quickly Heavier indiv. tolerate better Women tolerate less well - less enzyme that neutralizes Older people - less water, less tolerance Empty stomach or lack of tolerance exacerbates

1 drink/day can reduce heart disease NIAAA: men 2 a day, women 1 a day

Positive effects if light drinking. Healthier hearts, lower cholest = lower risk of heart disease Heavy drinking weakens heart (esp w/tobacco + cocaine) Chronic use inhibits white blood cells (fight infection) and red blood cells (carry oxygen) Ill people shouldn’t drink Suppresses immune system

Broken down in stomach and absorbed by lining. Irritates lining, causing nausea and ulcers Liver converts to fat. Heavy drinking leads to fatty liver Eventually wbc’s will attach liver, causing irrep. damage

Injury, accidents, illness Youth: injury Older: illness 1/2 of all traffic fatalities 1/2 of all homicides 1/4 of all suicides Cirrhosis of liver 1/2 of all people admitted to hospital have alcohol health problem

Exacerbates b/c ingredient affects same area of brain Increases pharmacological effects Synergistic combo: antidepressant, anti-anxiety. Can be fatal Aspirin can diminish stomach’s ability to process alcohol

Light: 3 or less/week Moderate: 12/week but not impaired in any life area

Relaxation Escape Celebration Feel smarter, sexier, etc. Emulate admired people Media persuasion Peer pressure

Less likely to abuse Diff reasons than men Genetic susceptibility Parental drinkers, psychiatric probs, suicide attempts Sexual or physical abuse Depression Married women less likely (cohabiting most likely!) Triggers: losing social role: job, kids grow up, divorce, death Less likely to admit, blame on depression or anxiety Care is lower quality: Lower incomes, burden of children

5+ drinks in a sitting, 4+ for women

Type I: heavy after 25, personal misfortune, guilt Type II: before 25, close relative, no guilt

Escape psych problems Depression and anxiety Parent abuse Children of alcoholics more likely to have poor functioning

Most common crime Many communities offer free rides Police checkpoints National: BAC of .15% or higher CA: BAC of .08% or higher

Brief interventions (for people not physically dependent) last 8 weeks, center on self esteem. Moderation training: skills to manage drinking. Controversial b/c only good choice is abstinence (so they say) Advocates say more realistic, for less severe cases.

Gradual removal of alcohol Mostly no major w/d symptoms Heavy drinkers: Seizure, DTs. stops after 3 days

Early stage: antidepressant or anti-anxiety meds Vitamin supps Antabuse (didulfiram Avoid foods cooked with alc

4 day stay 70% effective. Expensive, Ins companies won’t pay Outpatient now preferred method: group therapy, family therapy, interventions, A.A.

90% of recovering alcoholics fall off wagon Success: people who will lose something, i.e. parents or jobs Exercise Stress reduction

Force to admit problem Rely on one another: sponsor 12 step program: take responsibility, own up to problems, ask god for help (!)

Similar philosophy sans God