Alcohol and Other Drugs Abuse and Addiction Addiction: repeated use of a drug or alcohol to the point of periodic or chronic intoxication that is detrimental to the user of society.

Abuse and Addiction Abuse: improper use of drugs or alcohol to the degree that the consequences are defined as detrimental to the user or society.

Alcohol is the most widely used drug Alcohol is the most widely used drug. Males are more likely to abuse alcohol than females

Blood Alcohol Levels .05% can make the individual feel a sense of release from tensions and inhibitions. .10% the individual’s motor control is affected. .20% both the motor and the emotional functions of the brain are impaired.

Blood Alcohol Levels .30% an individual is incapable of adequately perceiving and responding to the environment and may go into a stupor. .40% or higher could cause the persons to lapse into a coma and die.

Patterns of Alcohol Use The majority of Americans are drinkers. American Indians probably have the highest rates of use and abuse of alcohol.

Patterns of Alcohol Use Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are primarily male problems. 44% of college students are considered binge drinkers.

Alcohol and the Quality of Life Physical Health Cirrhosis of the liver Muscle diseases and tremors Impotence and sterility in men Early death

Alcohol and the Quality of Life Psychological Health Dementia Alcohol abuse is associated with a substantial proportion of suicides Inhibits sexual performance

Alcohol and the Quality of Life—Continued Interpersonal Problems Problems of interaction within and outside the family. Higher rates of verbal and physical abuse. Stress within the family. Economic Costs

Family Experiences Alcohol abusers are more likely to come from homes where other family members are abusers. Alcohol abusers are more likely to come from broken homes. Alcohol abuse is associated with various problematic relationships within the family.

Fetal alcohol syndrome Babies born with alcohol-related defects.

Tobacco Worldwide, tobacco dependence is responsible for about 4 million deaths per year. 

Non-Alcoholic Drugs Seven main types: Narcotics Depressants Stimulants Hallucinogens Cannabis Steroids Designer drugs