1. WHAT IS ALCOHOLISM?

2. A disease in which a person has a physical or psychological dependence to alcohol
Alcohol interferes with everyday life.

3. 2 types Alcoholic: a person who is dependent on alcohol.
Social Alcoholic: person who is dependent on alcohol only in social situations.

4. SIGNS and SYMPTOMS Person always needs a drink
Loss of control in all aspects of life
Physical dependence
Extremely high tolerance level
Possible family issues: ie. Domestic violence
Legal issues: ie. Drinking and driving
Person may smell of alcohol

5. S & S continued… Health issues: ie. Various cancers, cirrhosis
liver damage due to excess toxins. Liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue.

6. RISK FACTORS Family and friends Genetics Culture Peer pressure
Availability of alcohol
Stress

7. STAGES of ALCOHOLISM
3 Stages

8. STAGE #1 Social drinking attempting to relax or fit in.
Develop some physical or psychological dependence
Begin to experience blackouts or memory loss
Lie and make excuses about their drinking
Tolerance is high
Increasing amount to achieve desired effect

9. STAGE #2 Cannot stop drinking Alcohol is the main central focus
Performance in school and/or job begins to suffer
Abuse of family members may begin

10. STAGE #3 Drinking is the most important thing in their life
Very difficult time distinguishing from right and wrong
May begin to experience withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not readily available.

11. EFFECTS on SOCIETY
Alcohol is a major factor is MANY causes of death in our society.
What are they??
Car accidents
Fire
Cancer
Heart disease
Any others???

12. Alcohol is usually associated with violent crimes.
ie. murder, rape, robbery
Domestic violence
ie. Spousal and child abuse

13. What to do?? Intervention: recognizing there is a problem
Treatment: stopping/controlling the intake of alcohol
Recovery: the process of learning to live an alcohol free life.

14. Where to go?? AL-ANON/ ALATEEN
organization that helps family and friends deal with and recover from the effects of living with an alcoholic.
Rhode Island Al-Anon/Alateen Office
106 Rolfe Street, Cranston, RI Phone:

15. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
organization that provides help for alcohol abusers.

16. NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG INFORMATION:
Organization that provides information about alcohol and other drugs.

17. NATIONAL DRUG AND TREATMENT REFERRAL ROUTING SERVICE:
organization that provides treatment referral and information about treatment facilities.
HELP (4357)