COMMON TRAITS OF ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS

Adult children of alcoholics may: ·         Have difficulty identifying normal behavior ·         Have difficulty following a project from beginning to end ·         Lie when...

CURRENT ALCOHOL CONCERNS

Adult Children of Alcoholic  Parents In recent years a new dimension of alcoholism has been identified – the unusually high prevalence of alcoholism among adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs).  It is estimated that these children are about four times more likely to develop alcoholism...

PROBLEM DRINKING AND ALCOHOLISM

Problem Drinking At times the line separating problem drinking from alcoholism is difficult to distinguish.  There may be no true line, with the exception that alcoholic is unable to stop drinking.  Problem drinking is a pattern of alcohol use in which a drinker’s behavior creates personal...

PROGRESSIVE STAGES OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

Early ·         Escape drinking ·         Binge Drinking ·         Guilt feelings ·         Sneaking drinks ·         Difficulty...

ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE DRINKING

The serious consequences of irresponsible use of alcohol have led to the formation of a number of concerned citizen groups.  Although each organization has a unique approach, all attempt to deal objectively with two indisputable facts.  Alcohol use is part of our society, and irresponsible...

HOSTING A RESPONSIBLE PARTY

Some people might say that no party is totally safe when alcohol is served.  These people are probably right, considering the possibility of unexpected drug synergism, overconsumption, and the consequences of released inhibitions.  Fortunately, an awareness of the value of responsible...

ALCOHOL-RELATED SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Alcohol abuse is related to a variety of social problems.  These problems affect the quality of interpersonal relationships, employment stability, and the financial security of both the individual and the family.  Clearly, alcohol’s negative social consequences lower our quality of life. ...

ALCOHOL-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS

The relationship of chronic alcohol use to the structure and function of the body is reasonably well understood.  Heavy alcohol use causes a variety of changes to the body that lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Research shows that chronic alcohol use also damages the immune...

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

First and foremost, alcohol is classified as drug – a very strong CNS depressant.  The primary depressant effect of alcohol occurs in the brain and spinal cord.  Many people think of alcohol as a stimulant because of the way most users feel consuming a serving or two of their favorite drink. ...

THE NATURE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Alcohol (also known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol) is the principle product of fermentation.  In this process, yeast cells act on the sugar content of fruits and grains to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. The alcohol concentration in beverages such as whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka is determined...

ALCOHOL USE PATTERNS

From magazines to billboards to television, alcohol is one of the most heavily advertised consumer products in the country.  You cannot watch television, listen to the radio, or read a newspaper without being encouraged to buy a particular brand of beer, wine, or liquor.  The advertisements...

CHOOSING TO DRINK

Clearly, people drink alcoholic beverages for many different reasons.  Most people drink alcohol because it is an effective, affordable, and legal substance for altering the brain’s chemistry.  As inhibitions are removed by the influence of alcohol, behavior that is generally held in...

TAKING CONTROL OF ALCOHOL USE

The push for zero tolerance laws, the tightening of standards for determining legal intoxication, and the growing influence of national groups concerned with alcohol misuse show that our society is more sensitive than ever to the growing misuse of alcohol. People are concerned about the consequences...