Alcohol & Society

Alcohol causes premature death in a variety of ways.

1. Alcohol Poisoning2. Accidents3. Diseases from long

term drinking.

Drinking and driving are a deadly combination.

DRINKING AND DRIVING:

Drinking impairs:• vision• reaction time• physical

coordination• judgment

Jacquline's Story Katie Flynn's Story

DRINKING & DRIVING:

About 14 million adult Americans have physical, social, and psychological problems related to alcohol use.

- A progressive and chronic disease that involves a mental and physical need for alcohol

ALCOHOLISM

Question:

Do you think alcoholics know that they are hurting their health and their family??

YES

•Alcoholics cannot control their drinking.

•They drink even when they know they are harming their health and hurting others.

Physical Addiction - Body develops a direct need for the alcohol.

Psychological Addiction – Mind sends the body a message that it needs more and more alcohol.

ADDICTION TO ALCOHOL:

Stage 1: A person starts using alcohol to relieve stress or to relax. Soon the person needs alcohol to cope with daily life. They begin to lie or make excuses about drinking.

STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM:

•Stage 2:

As the person continues to drink, the body develops a need for more and more alcohol. The drinker may be absent from school or work but continues to deny that there is a problem.

Stage 3: The problem is clear to other people. The drinker’s body is strongly addicted, and the drinking is now out of control.

•What is next for the alcoholic??????

- The process of learning to live an alcohol free life.

RECOVERY -

1. Admission - the alcoholic admits to having a problem and asks for help.

2. Detoxification – a process in which the

alcoholic’s body adjusts to functioning without alcohol.

STEPS TO RECOVERY:

3. Counseling – The alcoholic receives counseling on how to live without alcohol.

4. Recovery – The alcoholic takes responsibility for his or her own life.

RECOVERY CONT…..

- Living without alcohol

SOBRIETY -

The recovery process is very difficult but it can be done. Many alcoholics join support groups to help them be successful.

One of the best known support groups is………..

An organization of recovering alcoholics

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA)

The harmful effects of alcohol do not affect only the drinker.

Who else is affected????

-- The Family

- A support group that helps family members and friends of the alcoholic.

They learn to help THEMSELVES first and then the alcoholic.

AL-ANON -

- A support group that helps YOUNG people cope with having a family member or friend who is an alcoholic.

ALATEEN -

Why do you think teens have their own support organization?????

1. When the drinker is SOBER, talk calmly with him or her about the harm alcohol does.

2. Tell the drinker you’re concerned and encourage them to get help.

3. Help them feel good about quitting and provide information about quitting

HOW YOU CAN HELP: