ALCOHOL HEALTH MR GARDNER EQ Why do people

ALCOHOL HEALTH MR. GARDNER EQ: Why do people drink alcohol?

TERMINOLOGY Addiction – physical need (oxygen, water, food and sleep) n Withdrawal – body’s attempt to return to normal when one stops drug use n ¨ Early stage – cold-like symptoms: watery eyes, runny nose ¨ Late stage – flu-like symptoms: cramps, vomiting, diarrhea

TERMINOLOGY n n Habit – psychological: makes us feel comfortable (writing & sleeping) Tolerance – get used to something; need more to get the same effects Denial – refuse to believe the truth Co-dependency – 1 person loves another (who is addicted to a drug) & the first person will deny the loved one’s problem

ALCOHOL n MOST ABUSED DRUG IN HISTORY n No barriers (any age, gender, race culture) n Estimated – 1 of 10 drinkers of alcohol are alcoholics

TYPES OF DRINKERS n Occasional ¨ Rarely uses ¨ Special events (holidays) ¨ <2 drinks n Social ¨ Uses when others use ¨ Peer pressure

TYPES OF DRINKERS n Problem ¨ Needs no reason to use ¨ Anytime/Anyplace n Alcoholic – damages relationships with: ¨ Family and friends ¨ Occupation/reputation/self-esteem ¨ Personality changes ¨ Health suffers

TEENAGERS’ REASON FOR USE n Peer pressure – fit in with a group n Curiosity – need to know n Rebellion – show independence n Tradition – normal behavior in the home environment

TEENAGERS’ REASON FOR USE n Pleasure ¨ Like the feeling, the taste & effects ¨ Reducers of INHIBITIONS – self control n Maturity – an adult activity n Convenient – easily obtained