Alcoholism By Ryan Kmiec and Alex Petrella

Definition a chronic disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Signs of Abuse You have problems at work or school because of your drinking, such as being late or not going at all. You drink in risky situations, such as before or while driving a car. After drinking, you can't remember what happened while you were drinking (blackouts). You have legal problems because of your drinking, such as being arrested for harming someone or driving while drunk (intoxicated). You get hurt or you hurt someone else when you are drinking. You keep drinking even though you have health problems that are caused or made worse by alcohol use, such as liver disease (cirrhosis). Your friends or family members are worried about your drinking.

Signs of Dependence You cannot quit drinking or control how much you drink. You need to drink more to get the same effect. You have withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. These include feeling sick to your stomach, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. You spend a lot of time drinking and recovering. You have given up other activities so you can drink. You keep drinking even though it harms your relationships and causes health problems.

Other Signs You drink in the morning, are often drunk for long periods of time, or drink alone. You change what you drink, such as switching from beer to wine because you think that doing this will help you drink less or keep you from getting drunk. You feel guilty after drinking. You make excuses for your drinking or do things to hide your drinking, such as buying alcohol at different stores. You worry that you won't get enough alcohol for an evening or weekend.

Alcohol Poisioning A condition in which a toxic amount of alcohol has been consumed, usually in a short period of time. The affected individual may become extremely disoriented, unresponsive, or unconscious, with shallow breathing. Because alcohol poisoning can be deadly, emergency treatment is necessary.

Stats Alcohol is the number 1 drug problem in America. Alcohol is involved in 50% of all driving fatalities. In the United States, every 30 minutes someone is killed in an alcohol related traffic accident. Over 15 million Americans are dependent on alcohol. 500,000 are between the age of 9 and 12. An average American may consume over 25 gallons of beer, 2 gallons of wine, and 1.5 gallons of distilled spirits each year. Alcohol and alcohol related problems is costing the American economy at least $100 million in health care and lost of productivity every year

BLACKOUT!!!