C-Notes: Alcoholism Stnd: 1.10 A 04/04/14 Objective: SWBAT explain the impact of alcoholism use among adolescents.

What is Alcoholism? Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disease that includes the following four symptoms: - Craving--A strong need, or urge, to drink. - Loss of control--Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun. - Physical dependence--Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking. - Tolerance--The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get "high."

Is Alcoholism a disease? Yes The craving that an alcoholic feels for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water. Like many other diseases, alcoholism is chronic, meaning that it lasts a person's lifetime; it usually follows a predictable course; and it has symptoms. The risk for developing alcoholism is influenced both by a person's genes and by his or her lifestyle.

Can Alcoholism be cured? No Because he or she can still suffer a relapse. So he/she must continue to avoid all alcoholic beverages.

Can Alcoholism be treated? Yes Both counseling and medications to help a person stop drinking.

What are some types of treatments for alcoholism? Treatment may include: Detoxification (the process of safely getting alcohol out of your system) Doctor-prescribed medications Individual and/or group counseling.

Which medications treat alcoholism? A range of medications is used to treat alcoholism. Benzodiazepines (Valium® , Librium®) are sometimes used during the first days after a person stops drinking to help him or her safely withdraw from alcohol. (may be highly addictive.) Naltrexone (ReVia™) can reduce the craving for alcohol and help prevent a person from returning, or relapsing, to heavy drinking. Disulfiram (Antabuse®), discourages drinking by making the person feel sick if he or she drinks alcohol.

What is Alcoholic Anonymous (AA)? Mutual help program for recovering alcoholics AA describes itself as a “worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other to stay sober.” Best in combination with AA meetings include counseling and medical care.

What is alcohol abuse? Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. When it's cold, animals and people eat more than when it's hot Metabolic demands of people and animals increase with sickness or trauma, often in conjunction with anorexia. Sickness combined with anorexia leads to accelerated starvation.

What is a safe level of drinking? If consumed, moderate alcohol usage are two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women Certain people should not drink at all: Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant Driving or engaging in activities that require alertness and skill (such as using high-speed machinery) Taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications Medical conditions that is made worse by drinking Recovering alcoholics People younger than age 21. What is a safe level of drinking?

Is it safe to drink during pregnancy? No. The baby can be born with mental, learning and behavioral problems