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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.
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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