Alcoholism
What Is Alcohol And
Alcoholism
• Alcohol is a drink such as beer, wine and spirits
• Alcoholism is a word used when someone has a
problem with alcohol
• People who have a problem with alcohol are
called “Alcoholics”
Drinking Alcohol vs.
Alcoholism
• Just because you drink alcohol doesn’t mean
you’re an alcoholic
• However, even drinking small amounts of
alcohol may be very serious depending on the
circumstances, like drinking and driving or
drinking when your pregnant
• The main thing is to make sure that when it
comes to alcohol you are legally old enough
(21yrs old) and drink responsibly.
The Facts About Alcohol
• Approximately 113 million Americans age
12 and over currently use alcohol.
• 75% of the population believes that
alcohol creates the most problems in our
society.
• Alcoholics who won’t stop drinking can
shorten their life expectancy by 10 to 15
years
The Facts About Alcohol
• Alcohol use is involved in:
One half of all murders, accidental deaths,
and suicides.
Almost half of all
fatal automobile accidents
One half of all crimes.
One third of drowning,
boating accidents,
and aviation (plane) deaths.
Alcohol is a Gateway
Drug
• Individuals who try
alcohol have greater
chances of using
stronger drugs.
The Effects of Alcohol
on the Brain and Body
• Once consumed alcohol enters the
blood stream and enters the brain.
• It depresses the central nervous
system
• Interferes with reflexes and
coordination, reaction time, eyesight,
and depth perception
• Reduces Inhibitions ( affects your
judgment)
The Effects of Alcohol
on the Brain and Body
• Slow blood circulation
• Weaken bones and muscles
• Decrease you bodies immunity
(Cause you to become sick more often)
Diseases Caused by
Alcoholism (Long Term Effects)
• Liver disease
• Chronic gastritis (stomach problems)
• Ulcers (sores in the stomach)
• Cancer of the digestive tract
• Kidney damage
• Brain disorders (depression, memory, judgment,
and learning ability)
• Damage to unborn (Fetal alcohol syndrome)
• Malnutrition ( your body becomes unhealthy)
• Cardiovascular Disease (heart disease)
Pat and Chris’ Story
Pat and Chris, like other students learned about the
dangers of alcohol in class.
Pat and Chris’s Story
Pat didn’t learn to say no, but Chris learned not
to give in to peer pressure and TV commercials.
Pat and Chris’s Story
Although Pat did not appear to be at risk of becoming
an alcoholic, he gave up playing ball with everyone else
so he could drink.
Pat and Chris’s Story
After a short time Pat’s teacher noticed a change and referred
Pat to the Student Assistance Program.
Pat and Chris’s Story
Pat was referred to a counselor who decided that inpatient
treatment wasn’t necessary, but Pat had to attend outpatient
treatment everyday after school.
Pat and Chris’s Story
After several weeks Pat was finally released form
treatment, and began an after care program.