Additional Information
for “What’s the Deal?”
Questions to get families talking
This additional resource for ‘What’s the deal?’ conversation starters should not be
considered neither a fully authoritative nor an exhaustive resource. Reasonable
efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information.
Many answers are up to the discretion and personal opinion of the user. As such,
creators of the ‘What’s the deal?’ cards have tried to include examples of how cards
may be answered. If you have played the cards and have suggested answers not listed
here, please feel free to share your ideas with [email protected]
More information
780-464-4044www.strathcona.ca/fcs
Contents
Clubs
Page 3
Diamonds
Page 7
Spades
Page 11
Hearts
Page 14
ABC’s of Alcohol
Page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol Page 18
40 Developmental Assets
Page 22
What are Developmental Assets?
Page 23
Decisions about drinking
Page 24
How to tell if someone you care about
has a drinking problem
Page 25
Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
Page 29
Overdose Prevention: save a life Page 31
A. Who in your life drinks in a
responsible way? Give
examples.
3. Describe some examples of
fun events/parties. Does access
to alcohol affect this?
Someone who:
• Knows personal limits
• Considers consequences of behaviour
before acting
• Does not over drink to the point of
losing control
• Follows the standard drink guidelines
• Never mixes alcohol with medication
• Always eat before/during
• Drinks water before, during, and after
Examples may include:
• Games night
•Potlucks
•Picnics
•Concerts/performances
Having positive role models encourages youth
to mirror those positive behaviours. It is
especially important regarding drinking given
that there are many dangers associated with
drinking decisions.
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
2. Lowered inhibitions means
the loss of self-control and
compromised decision making.
Describe and discuss things
that might happen as a result.
This may cause people to have poor decision
making and lack of self-control. They may
say regretful things, have unprotected sex,
experiment with drugs, drinking and driving
and other risk taking activities, etc.
Consequences of these choices can be long
term, such as injuries, unplanned pregnancy,
loss of relationships/strained relationships,
etc.
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
3
What’s the Deal?
This question is to highlight that different
kinds of planning must to happen when
alcohol is involved. Examples include,
designating a driver, children’s safety
considerations, deciding how much and when
you will drink, how you are getting home, etc.
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
4. Have you ever reported a
drunk driver? What would
motivate you to?
If you encounter a suspected impaired driver,
record the license plate number and dial 911
(Do not call when driving, ensure you are
safely stopped). Strathcona County RCMP
Learn more about Alberta’s approach to
impaired driving at www.knowthelimits.ca
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
5. How can you ensure drinking
and driving does not occur?
•
•
•
Plan ahead - designated a driver at the beginning of the night
Take turns being the designated driver
Take keys at the beginning of the night
For more ideas visit www.saferoads.com
If you encounter a suspected impaired driver,
record the license plate number and dial 911
(Do not call when driving, ensure you are
safely stopped). Strathcona County RCMP
Decisions about Drinking - page 24
6. Safe grad is:
• a parent-planned grad party
• when drinking occurs in a controlled environment
What are the pros and cons of
Safe Grads?
Pros may include:
• harm reduction (limits amounts) and is in
a controlled environment
• supervision in case something goes wrong
or is about to go wrong
• prevents drinking and driving
Cons may include:
• condones/promotes drinking
• might encourage those who wouldn’t normally drink to drink
• takes responsibility away from the youth
and is placed upon the adults
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
4
What’s the Deal?
7. Tell a story of the best time
you have ever had that did not
involve drinking.
This question is to highlight that drinking
does not have to be the focus of a fun, social
occasion.
For further discussion, how might stories
differ when alcohol is involved?
8. You are going to host a party;
name three things you can do to
keep guests safe at your party.
Examples may include:
• Serve high protein food
• Minimize salty foods
• Serve non-alcoholic drinks
• Measure drinks
• Plan activities
• Don’t force drinks
• Put alcohol away after it is served
• Encourage/establish designated drivers
For more ideas visit www.saferoads.com
Decisions about Drinking - page 24
9. How do you know when a
person has a drinking problem?
For support for a drinking problem call:
Alberta Health Services
Addiction Helpline – 1-866-332-2322
Anyone can have a drinking problem. It
doesn’t matter their ethnicity or gender or
whether they are rich or poor. People with
drinking problems are all different. They drink
differently, have different problems, and lead
different lives. If a person is experiencing
difficulties in one or more of the following
areas, they may want to evaluate the role
alcohol plays in their lives:
• Physical/emotional health
•Relationships
• Job/school performance
• Legal/financial situation
For more specific questions to help determine
if alcohol or drugs are a problem for you or
someone you know visit www.strathcona.ca/
fcs
How to tell if someone you care about has a
drinking problem - page 25
10. Tell of a time when you said
‘no’ to a friend when you felt
pressured?
Examples of what someone might say when
using refusal skills:
Start with ‘No thanks’ then add:
• If I don’t start drinking my Mom (or parent) offered to buy me a car.
• I’m driving or I’m the designated driver.
• I brought my own beverage.
• I’m playing hockey tomorrow and want to play well.
J. How many friends can you
rely on to help you when
needed? Do you feel that is
enough?
Across the past two decades, Search Institute
and others have shown that the number and
intensity of high quality relationships in
young people’s lives is linked to a broad range
of positive outcomes, including increased
student engagement, improved academic
motivation, better grades, higher aspirations
for the future, civic engagement, more
frequent participation in college-preparatory
classes and activities, and a variety of other
individual outcomes. We also know that
high-quality relationships are characterized
as caring, supportive, meaningful, reciprocal,
and resulting in young people’s sense of
agency, belonging, and competence.
www.search-institute.org
Visit www.lionsquest.ca and check out ‘asset
building’
Q. At this stage in your life, how
would you go about making new
friends?
Examples may include:
• Join a group
• Take a class
• Meet your neighbours
• Attend community events
•Travel
Supports from family and friends are a
very important factor for healthy youth
development.
Visit: www.lionsquest.ca and check out ‘asset
building’
What are Developmental Assets? – page 23
5
What’s the Deal?
K. What could you do if you
were at a party where alcohol is
served but didn’t want to drink?
Examples may include:
• Bring some non-alcoholic drinks to the party, pour it into the cups provided and
carry it to avoid someone adding something to your drink.
• Find others at the party who are not drinking – safety in numbers!
• Attend the early hours of the party when
people tend to be more sober then leave
before any embarrassing or risky behaviour starts.
• Be social, welcoming and fun to be with;
alcohol is not needed to have a good time. A quick ‘no thank you’ to alcohol while continuing with your conversation with someone will not seem out of place.
• Know your own reasons for not drinking and don’t feel you have to apologize for
them. Expect others to respect your decisions.
Decisions about Drinking - page 24
6
What’s the Deal?
A. Two minute challenge: What
are some of the long-term and
short-term risks of drinking?
• Be the designated driver
• Say you have to work, sports or other commitments in the morning
Long-term Risks include:
• Increased risk of serious diseases caused by the consumption of alcohol for a number of years (e.g. liver disease, some cancers)
• Drinking just one drink per day increases a person’s risk of getting nine different cancers. A person’s risk rises as the number of drinks per day increases.
• Long term excessive drinking may also lead to financial, legal, and relationship problems.
3. What do young people need
to grow up healthy, caring, and
responsible?
Short-term Risks include:
• There is an increased risk of injury or acute illness due to the overconsumption of alcohol on a single occasion.
• Impaired judgement could lead to poor decisions.
• Short term memory loss (blackouts).
• If a person drinks too much, they often wake up with a hangover, which is actually alcohol withdrawal. It may result in a headache and may be accompanied by shakiness and nausea.
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
– page 29
2. What are some ways teens
and adults can avoid the peer
pressure to drink?
Examples may include:
• Avoid parties where alcohol is the focus
• Attend parties with a friend who also chooses to not drink
• Drink pop (so it appears you already have
a beverage)
• Say you are allergic to alcohol
7
What’s the Deal?
Examples may include:
The forty Developmental Assets are
researched list of factors and attributes, both
external and internal, that contribute to the
healthy development of children and youth.
Assets include:
• Has supportive people in their life
• Feels empowered
• Has clear boundaries and expectations
• Constructively uses their time
• Committed to learning
• Has positive values
• Social competency
• Has a positive self-identity
Visit www.lionsquest.ca and check out ‘asset
building’
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
What are Developmental Assets? – page 23
4. Name three adults who are
not your parents who give
or gave you positive support
growing up.
Research tells us that, over time, consistent
interaction with a mentor increases the
likelihood that a child or youth will complete
high school and experience success in
life. An informal mentor can be another
family member or relative, a neighbor, a
family friend, teacher, coach or other adult
who connects with a child or youth as the
opportunity arises. www.albertamentors.ca
Visit www.lionsquest.ca and check out ‘asset
building’
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
What are Developmental Assets? – page 23
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
What are Developmental Assets? – page 23
7. Did you know… Knowing
about other cultures or racial
backgrounds, other than your
own, helps create healthy youth
development. What have you
learned from other cultures?
5. What are some family rules
you have at your house? Why
are the rules important?
Some examples of rules might involve: chores,
bedtime, homework, eating together, number
of times youth go out, etc.
Evidence shows that healthy young people
have clear rules and consequences set out
by their parents. Parents also monitor their
whereabouts to ensure that youth are safe
and are making good decisions. These
building blocks are essential to the healthy
development of youth and ensure high risk
behaviours and choices are limited.
Visit www.lionsquest.ca and check out ‘asset
building’
Visit www.lionsquest.ca and check out ‘asset
building’
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
What are Developmental Assets? – page 23
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
What are Developmental Assets? – page 23
8. How many drinks are
considered safe for women
who are: pregnant, planning
to become pregnant, or
breastfeeding?
6. Tell about a time when you
were honest even when it was
not easy.
Being honest and having positive values
are identified as important for the healthy
development of youth. Evidence shows
that these are one of the strengths that help
to protect youth from choosing high risk
behaviours and choices.
Visit www.lionsquest.ca and check out ‘asset
building’
8
Evidence shows that having knowledge of
and comfort with people of different cultural/
racial/ethnic backgrounds is highlighted as an
important building block for healthy youth
development. This increases acceptance and
understanding of others and helps to break
down barriers and improves the feeling of
connection to others.
What’s the Deal?
Answer: Zero. The safest choice is not to
consume alcohol.
Note: Alcohol can harm the baby causing
developmental issues with lifelong impacts.
This is according to Canada’s Low-Risk
Drinking Guidelines.
Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
– page 29
9. How can you be impacted by
other people’s drinking?
(Think about different settings, for example
home, party, concert, restaurant, etc.)
Examples may include:
• Being put in awkward/dangerous situations
• Being in a car with a drunk driver
• Car accidents
• Left to pay the bill
•Embarrassment/humiliation
• Mess to clean up
•Inconvenienced
• Personal possessions ruined/lost/stolen
•Assaulted
How to tell if someone you care about has a
drinking problem – page 25
10. How can drinking affect
relationships?
Hints: friendships, family, etc.
Examples may include:
• Lied to or not keeping promises
• Not feeling safe
•Embarrassed
•Divorce/separation
• Financial problems
• Lack of trust
How to tell if someone you care about has a
drinking problem – page 25
J. Two minute challenge:
Divide into two teams and
come up with as many places
in your community (formal
and informal) that alcohol is
consumed.
9
What’s the Deal?
Examples may include:
•Graduation
• Birthday parties
•Communion
• House parties
• Baseball games
• Hockey games
• Bush parties
•Christmas
• New Year’s Eve Parties
•Concerts
• Office parties
• Movie theatres
•Restaurants
This question is to demonstrate how much
alcohol is a part of our communities and how
many places it is consumed.
Q. How does alcohol use impact
families?
Examples may include:
• Can be a factor in divorce or separation
• Lack of trust/not keeping promises
•Embarrassment
• Financial problems
• May impact future generations
• Could lead to violence within the home
• Can prevent healthy relationships
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
How to tell if someone you care about has a
drinking problem – page 25
K. Name a time when you
waited for something you really
wanted. Was it worth it?
Delayed gratification is the ability to resist the
temptation for an immediate reward and wait
for a later reward. Rather than responding to
immediate impulses, we can: plan, evaluate
alternative actions, and refrain from doing
things we’ll regret. Self-control is an important
skill to develop as it helps to minimize high
risk behaviours and decisions.
Visit www.lionsquest.ca and check out
‘asset building’
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
What are Developmental Assets – page 23
10 What’s the Deal?
A. What role do/did adults play
in your choices around alcohol?
3. What role do your friends play
in your choices around alcohol?
Considering both positive and negative roles,
examples may include:
• Rules at home to keep you safe such as, curfew, parents meeting all friends, etc.
• An adult that might have bought you liquor when you were underage
• Advice that was given
• Role model that demonstrated healthy choices
• Role model that demonstrated
poor drinking
Positive examples may include:
• Support you to make positive choices
• Someone to talk to
• Someone who will listen
• Respect and support your decision not
to drink
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
What are Developmental Assets? – page 23
2. Two minute challenge: Come
up with as many benefits and
drawbacks to drinking as you
can.
Benefits may include:
•Relaxing
• People can be more outgoing or fun
• May find it easier to talk to others
• Initial sense of well-being
• May be used to celebrate events, for example toast at a wedding
Drawbacks may include:
• Regrets of things done while drinking – fights, sex, saying embarrassing things, etc.
• Dangerous – overdose, drinking and driving, etc.
• Can affect ability to concentrate
• Can impair judgment and reflexes
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
11 What’s the Deal?
Negative examples may include:
• Encourage you to make high risk decisions e.g. drinking, drugs, skipping school, etc.
• Encourage binge drinking
• Buying/bringing drinks to an event for you
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
What are Developmental Assets? – page 23
4. A strength that is encouraged
in healthy youth development
is a lifelong commitment
to learning. How do you
demonstrate this?
Evidence shows that this strength encourages
healthy youth development and is also
important for all ages to keep healthy by
boosting memory and brain power. It also
builds skills and confidence.
Some examples include:
• Reading for pleasure
• Taking a course/workshop
• Learning a new skill
• Learning a new language
Visit www.lionsquest.ca and check out ‘asset
building’
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
What are Developmental Assets? – page 23
5. What planning do you do
if you are attending an event
where alcohol is being served?
Examples may include:
• Decide how much you will drink
• Decide what you will drink
• Ensure you will eat
• Drinking water before, during, and after
• Ensure a ride home
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
Low Risk Drinking Alcohol Guidelines
– page 29
6. Alcohol can have
consequences to your wellbeing.
What ways do you stay healthy?
Examples of ways to stay healthy:
• Don’t drink to excess
•Exercise
• Eat a balanced diet
• Get enough sleep
• Have healthy friendships
40 Developmental Assets – page 22
What are Developmental Assets ?– page 23
Low risk alcohol drinking guidelines – page 29
7. What are some strategies to
keep your friends, and yourself,
safe if you have been drinking?
Examples may include:
• Have a pre-planned ride home
• Hold drinks to ensure nothing is added
to your drink
• Eat and drink water
• Remain with friends to support and help each other
• Have a designated driver
• Only go to parties where you know
12 What’s the Deal?
•
•
the hosts
Have a cell phone with you
Make sure your parents know where
you are
For more ideas visit www.saferoads.com
Decisions about Drinking – Page 24
8. You are at a party and things
seem to be getting out of
control. What would that look
like? What would you do?
Examples of what may be happening if the
party gets out of control:
• Voices getting louder
•Arguments
•Falling/stumbling
• Crying and being overly emotional
• Violent behaviour
• Property destruction
• Risk taking behaviour
What you might do:
• Call a cab or ride home and leave
• Stick together with friends you know
• Avoid arguing with someone who has
been drinking
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
9. If you are worried about a
friend or family member’s
drinking who could you talk to
or call?
For support for a drinking problem call:
Alberta Health Services
Addiction Helpline
1-866-332-2322
Examples may include:
• Speak to someone you trust such as a family member, friend, teacher, or coach.
• Learn more about local resources for
alcohol and drug concerns at
www.strathcona.ca/fcs
How to tell if someone you care about has a
drinking problem – page 25
10. What are some of the reasons
people drink?
(positive and negative)
Reasons may include:
• To relax
• To disconnect
• To have fun
•Addiction
• To fit in
• Can’t say ‘no’
• Like the feeling
• Easier to communicate after a few drinks
• Like to belong
J. How does alcohol impact
athletic ability?
Moderate use of alcohol, 2-3 drinks, can
impair your performance for 12 – 18 hours
after drinking, it can also reduce your aerobic
capacity and have a negative impact on your
endurance for up to 48 hours after your last
drink.
13 What’s the Deal?
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Q. Alcohol is a drug. True or
False?
True, alcohol is a mood altering depressant.
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
K. Of crimes committed, 15 –
20 % of them involved alcohol.
What are some reasons why this
would be true?
Reasons may include:
• Lowered inhibitions
• Decision making is compromised
• Increased risk taking
To learn more about this study visit
http://preventdomesticviolence.ca/research/
role-alcohol-outlet-density-reducingdomestic-violence-alberta
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
A. What are some of the images
you see in the media or popular
culture (movies, TV, music)
about alcohol use? What
message is it sending?
Examples may include:
• Rich and successful people drink
• There are no consequences to rich,
successful people
• Consequences are funny
• It’s cool or trendy
• It’s universal, everybody drinks
The messages that media/popular culture are
sending are not realistic and do not reflect
what happens in real life.
2. What does a great relationship
look like?
Examples may include:
•Respectful
•Honest
• Open Communication
• Fight fair (keep it about the issue/not
make it about the person)
• Don’t blame, criticize or judge
• Apologize when needed
3. How many alcohol outlets/
liquor stores are in your
neighbourhood? What do you
think about that?
Other questions you may consider to further
the conversation:
• Does it change the environment in
your community?
• How does it impact someone who has a drinking problem?
• Does it affect the accessibility to alcohol? 14 What’s the Deal?
Does this include increased accessibility to those under 18 as well?
4. Do male and females respond
the same way to alcohol?
No. Females:
• absorb alcohol quicker.
• break it down more slowly than males.
• become drunk faster with less.
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
5. Did you know…The brain
continues to develop until
the age of 24. Based on this
statement, what are your
thoughts about underage
drinking? What about young
adult binge drinking?
Binge drinking interferes with healthy brain
development in youth up to age twenty-four.
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
6. What role does alcohol play in
your community?
Examples may include:
• Part of celebrations & rituals
• A way we relax
• Sometimes it is over used and causes problems in life areas:
oFamily
oJob
oSchool
oFriends
oHealth
7. Two Minute Challenge: What
is considered one standard
drink of liquor? Give everyone a
glass and a jug of water then try
to pour out one standard drink
of liquor.
All standard drinks have the same amount of
alcohol, a standard drink is a:
341 mL bottle of beer (5 percent alcohol)
142 mL glass of wine (12 percent alcohol)
43 mL shot of liquor (40 percent alcohol)
Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
– page 29
8. In an international survey
about bullying, it was
determined that one group
had more frequent alcohol use.
Which one was it? The: bullied,
bystanders or bully?
The bully reported more frequent alcohol use.
Reasons for this may include:
• Lowered inhibitions
• Poor decision making
• Increased risk taking
To learn more about this study visit
http://preventdomesticviolence.ca/research/
role-alcohol-outlet-density-reducingdomestic-violence-alberta
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
9. When would zero drinks be
the limit?
Zero drinks should be the limit when:
15 What’s the Deal?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
driving a vehicle/using machinery
taking medication
any kind of dangerous activity
those with mental or physical
health problems
those with alcohol dependence
pregnant or planning to be pregnant
responsible for the safety of others
making important decisions
Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
– page 29
10. What are some drawbacks to
pre-drinking before an event?
Examples may include:
• Arriving drunk – poor decision making can set a person up to get into trouble.
• May increase the amount of alcohol consumed.
• May be more susceptible to risk because decision making is impaired.
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
J. What is alcohol poisoning?
When the blood alcohol level is so high it is
considered poisonous.
Symptoms include: black outs, throwing up,
passing out, etc. In some cases can be deadly.
Overdose Prevention: Save a life – page 31
Q. Why is there a legal drinking age? Is it effective? Is it too
young or too old?
The legal drinking age in Alberta is 18
years old.
ABC’s of Alcohol – page 17
Beyond the ABC’s of Alcohol – page 18
Decisions about Drinking – page 24
K. Research has shown a strong
association between alcohol use
and family violence. Discuss
reasons why you think this is the
case.
Reasons may include:
• Lowered inhibitions
• Poor decision making
• Less self-control
To learn more about the connection
between family violence and alcohol visit
www.preventdomesticviolence.ca
16 What’s the Deal?
abc
s
Alcohol
What is alcohol?
We don’t think of alcohol as a drug, but it is.
Alcohol is often thought of as a stimulant,
because it lowers inhibitions, which may
mean that you take chances you wouldn’t
otherwise take. However, alcohol actually acts
as a depressant on your central nervous system,
slowing down brain functioning.
There are two kinds of alcohol in common
use. Ethyl alcohol is the kind present in beer,
wine, spirits and liqueurs. Methyl alcohol is
completely different and is found in solvents,
paint removers, antifreeze and other household
and industrial products. It is a poison and should
never be consumed.
Ethyl or beverage alcohol is the most popular
drug in Alberta. About 79% of people over the
age of 15 drink to some extent. Whether they
drink beer, wine or spirits, the basic ingredient,
ethyl alcohol, is the same. A 12-ounce (340 mL)
bottle of beer, a five-ounce (140 mL) glass of
wine or a standard shot (1.5 ounces) of spirits
such as whiskey or rum all have the same amount
of alcohol.
Short-term effects
A common effect of drinking alcohol is a sense
of well-being. This feeling could be accompanied
by drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. After one
or two drinks, you may not appear drunk, but
you have already lost some of your coordination
skills. Drinking more alcohol will affect your
speech, balance and vision.
When a person drinks too much, they often
wake up with a hangover. A hangover is actually
alcohol withdrawal. Beginning eight to 12 hours
after you stop drinking, a headache accompanied
by shakiness and nausea may result. Short-term
loss of memory (blackouts) can also occur after
a bout of drinking.
Remember, alcohol is not safe to use when
you’re taking other drugs. Even a small amount
of alcohol can change the effect of another drug.
For more information and to find
an addiction services office near
you, please call the 24-hour
Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.
Long-term effects
Drinking heavily over a long period of time
can lead to serious health problems such as
stomach ulcers, sexual problems, liver disease,
brain damage, and many kinds of cancer.
Excessive drinking is often responsible
for financial, legal and family problems.
Because no safe level of drinking during
pregnancy has been established, experts
recommend no alcohol during pregnancy
or while breastfeeding.
Drinking patterns
Most people are able to drink alcohol in
a responsible and safe way. They are referred
to as social drinkers. However, some people
are problem drinkers. They may be physically
addicted to alcohol and not able to function
without the drug in their systems. Other people
are able to go days or weeks without alcohol, but
drink a great deal at one time (for men this is
defined as four or more drinks on one occasion
and for women, it is defined as three or more
drinks on one occasion). This pattern of drinking is commonly referred to as binge drinking.
Binge drinking increases the risk of injuries from
accidents, impaired driving and health problems
(such as seizures, stroke and kidney failure).
Heavy drinking, or binge drinking, is just an
example of problem drinking. What is important
to consider is how your use of alcohol is affecting
your life. If you are experiencing difficulties in
one or more of the following areas, you may want
to evaluate the role alcohol plays in your life:
• physical/emotional health
• relationships
• job/school performance
• legal/financial situation
Alcohol and addiction
People who use alcohol may find that they need
more and more to get the same effect. Regular
users of alcohol may not appear to be drunk,
but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for them to drive
a car or to do other tasks.
If you suddenly stop using alcohol after a period
of regular, heavy use, you may have withdrawal
symptoms. These may vary from insomnia,
jumpiness and sweating to more severe symptoms such as tremors, hallucinations, and
convulsions.
© AHS 2010 | ISBN 0-7785-2803-0 | 344C
17 What’s the Deal?
abc
beyond the
s
InFormatIon For proFessIonals
Alcohol
Introduction
In our society, alcohol is so much a part of social
events that it is usually not thought of as a drug,
particularly since it is self-prescribed. Yet it is
still by far our most used and abused drug.
Alcohol is a depressant drug and is often included, along with sleeping pills, in the sedative/
hypnotic class of drugs. All the depressant drugs,
including tranquillizers and painkillers, slow
down the nervous system and can cause drowsiness, induce sleep, or relieve pain. In addition
to acting on the nervous system, excess use of
alcohol can have adverse effects on almost every
other system of the body.
For more information and to find
an addiction services office near
you, please call the 24-hour
Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.
5 oz. (150 ml) of table wine, or 12 oz. (355 ml)
of regular Canadian beer. The effect of alcohol
does not depend on the alcoholic beverage but,
rather, on the amount of pure ethyl alcohol
consumed.
How alcohol works
After being consumed, alcohol is rapidly absorbed
into the bloodstream from the stomach and small
intestine. Food in the stomach delays the feeling
of intoxication because it slows the absorption
of alcohol in the stomach (which absorbs up
to 20% of alcohol ingested) and delays passage
of alcohol into the small intestine (where most
absorption takes place). Because absorption is
slowed, peak alcohol levels are also reduced, and
the chemical substance
the feeling of intoxication is not as great.
The word alcohol, as commonly used, refers to
The effects of alcohol depend on how much is in
beverage alcohol; its chemical name is ethanol
the bloodstream—the blood alcohol concentration
or ethyl alcohol. It is produced by fermenting
or distilling various fruits, vegetables, or grains. (BAC). The BAC determines how much depression of the nervous system will occur. The drinker’s
Pure ethyl alcohol is a clear, colourless liquid.
BAC depends on many factors, including the
Methyl alcohol (methanol), another clear,
amount consumed in a given time, as well as
colourless liquid, is very poisonous and should
the drinker’s size, gender, and metabolism.
never be consumed. It cannot be made nonpoisonous. As little as 1/2 oz. (15 ml) can cause In the body, alcohol is broken down (metabolized)
by enzymes present in the liver and stomach.
blindness and 2 to 3 oz. (59 to 89 ml) can
This usually occurs at a constant rate of about
be fatal. Methyl alcohol is contained in paint
removers, antifreeze, liquid fuel, lacquer thinner, half a standard drink per hour. Women consuming the same amount of alcohol as men of
and some industrial cleaning solutions.
the same weight have higher BAC because they
So-called “non-beverage” alcohol is ethyl alcohol have lower body water (0.55L/kg compared
in a form that is not meant to be consumed.
to 0.68L/kg). Because alcohol dissolves in cell
Products such as rubbing alcohol, Lysol® cleaner, membranes, it alters the function of many
vanilla extract, some mouthwashes, aftershave
different cells, and therefore affects almost all
lotions, and cooking wines all contain high
organs and systems in the body. The depressant
concentrations of ethyl alcohol. Despite the
effect on the nervous system may in part result
danger of overdose and toxic effects, alcoholics
from an increase in the inhibitory effects of
who cannot afford beverage alcohol often drink the chemical GABA, a neurotransmitter.
these products because they are so potent and
In large doses alcohol may affect a number of
often readily available. Numerous toxic effects
other chemicals in the nervous system, including
can also result from other chemicals present in
acetylcholine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
these preparations.
drug effects
Beverage alcohol
The effect of any drug, including alcohol,
In beverages, pure ethyl alcohol is diluted
depends on the drug, the set, and the setting. The
with various ingredients that affect the colour
specific drug, the amount, and how it was taken
and consistency. Spirits such as whisky and gin
all determine the effect. The set (what the person
usually contain 40% pure alcohol, table wine
expects, and previous exposure of the body to this
12%, regular beer 5%, and spirit and wineand other drugs) can alter effects. The setting,
based coolers 5%. The usual serving (standard
or location, user’s mental state, and other drugs
drink) contains 0.6 oz. (17 ml, 13.5 gm) of pure
being used, can also influence drug effects.
alcohol in the form of 1.5 oz. (45 ml) of spirits,
© aHs 2010 | IsBn 0-7785-3266-6 | 369a
18 What’s the Deal?
Beyond the ABCs:
Alcohol
Alcohol increases stomach secretions, dilates
blood vessels in the skin (causing loss of body
heat despite a feeling of warmth), increases urine
production, and even in small amounts can lead
to accumulations of fat in liver cells.
The most obvious immediate effects of alcohol
result from depression of the nervous system.
Even the initial apparent stimulant effect actually
results from depression of centres in the brain that
inhibit our actions and restrain our behaviour.
After one drink, at a BAC of about 0.02 gram%
(0.02 grams per 100 ml of blood), most people
will feel more relaxed and possibly “loosened
up” a little. Drinking more can make some
people feel gregarious and possibly more
self-confident, but others will become hostile,
depressed and withdrawn.
At higher doses, even below a BAC of 0.08
(the legal limit for driving a car in Canada),
thinking, judgment, and ability to estimate
distances can be impaired and reaction times
increased. At levels greater than 0.10, which will
occur when a 160-lb. man consumes four or five
drinks in an hour, significantly more impairment
occurs. Studies have shown that drivers with
a BAC of 0.10 are seven times more likely to
cause a motor vehicle accident, because both
performance and judgment are impaired.
At BACs over 0.20, the non-tolerant person
is very intoxicated with pronounced motor
incoordination (staggering gait, slurred speech).
BACs above the range of 0.40 to 0.60 are usually
fatal, typically from respiratory depression.
“Hangover” is the syndrome of fatigue, headache,
nausea, and sometimes vomiting and shakiness
occurring eight to 12 hours after a bout of heavy
drinking ends. The hangover is in part caused
by mild alcohol withdrawal, and so is partly suppressed by additional alcohol. Despite numerous
“home remedies,” there is currently no effective
cure for hangovers. The symptoms usually
disappear within 24 hours as body systems
return to normal.
Blackouts are periods of memory loss that occur
while a person is drinking heavily. Although
conscious and functioning, the person is later
unable to recall what they did or said. Blackouts
and morning drinking to treat hangovers are
possible indicators of a drinking problem.
Death from alcohol overdose is often associated
with heavy consumption over a short period
f time at events where such consumption is
encouraged—grad parties, bush parties, college
initiations and drinking ontests are some
examples. Unconsciousness is one sign of
possible alcohol overdose.
Any unconscious person, whether intoxicated or
not, should be watched closely and should receive
medical attention if they cannot be aroused.
Death may also occur when moderate amounts
of alcohol are combined with other depressant
drugs such as sleeping pills and tranquillizers.
Even small amounts of alcohol when taken
together with these or other drugs, such as
cannabis or antihistamines (in cold, cough,
and allergy remedies), can seriously impair
a person’s ability to drive a car.
moderate alcohol consumption
The possible beneficial effects of alcohol consumption have been studied. Moderate alcohol
use (one to two drinks per day) may help prevent
some types of heart disease in middle-aged and
older adults. For women, however, the benefits of
moderate consumption may be offset by a greater
risk of breast cancer. Because heavy drinking
is harmful to health and increases the risk of
violence and accidents, encouraging alcohol
consumption is not advisable as a preventive
health measure. Better alternatives include safe,
well-established methods such as eating sensibly,
exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
nervous system
In addition to causing tolerance and withdrawal
as discussed below, alcohol abuse affects the
nervous system in other ways. It is a major cause
of preventable brain injury resulting in severe
dysfunction in up to 10% of alcohol abusers.
In the late stages, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
can result in loss of brain function similar to what
occurs in Alzheimer’s disease. Alcohol abuse can
also seriously disrupt sleep and cause movement
disorders, damage peripheral nerves, and lead
to an increased risk of serious complications
following head injury.
Gastrointestinal tract and digestive system
Serious disease of the liver and pancreas and
damage to the stomach and intestines can result
from chronic use of alcohol. When excessive
alcohol intake is combined with poor eating
habits, severe nutritional deficiencies can develop.
Chronic alcohol abuse is the single most
frequent cause of illness and death from liver
disease. The early accumulation of fat in the
liver, called fatty liver, is generally reversible and
requires no treatment except abstinence from
alcohol and a good diet. The same treatment
is given for alcoholic hepatitis, which usually
follows a severe bout of heavy drinking resulting
in death of liver cells. The late stage liver disease
alcoholic cirrhosis is irreversible. In serious cases,
a liver transplant may be required.
© aHs 2010 | 2
19 What’s the Deal?
Beyond the ABCs:
Alcohol
Chronic alcohol abuse can also cause disease
of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Symptoms
of pancreatitis include abdominal pain and
vomiting. Diabetes can also result from pancreatitis, possibly requiring treatment with insulin.
Bleeding from the stomach and from enlarged
veins around the esophagus (esophageal varices),
diarrhea and malabsorption of food can all occur
in heavy drinkers.
frequently. The level of platelets, which are
important in the normal clotting of blood, is
often low, but usually causes no clinical signs
of a bleeding problem.
The profound weakness seen in chronic
alcoholics may in part be caused by peripheral
nerve damage, but also results from direct
damage to muscles.
Alcohol and pregnancy
Mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy
areat an increased risk of having children with
birth defects. FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) is aterm that covers the full range of birth
defects associated with alcohol consumption
during pregnancy, including FAS (fetal alcohol
syndrome) and FAE (fetal alcohol effects).
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a well-defined pattern
reproductive system and other
of abnormalities. The diagnosis of FAS includes
confirmation of drinking during pregnancy,
hormonal effects
In men, chronic ingestion of excess alcohol may and abnormalities in each of three categories:
lead to impotence, sterility, atrophy of the testes, i) growth retardation, ii) central nervous system
and enlargement of the breasts. Early menopause involvement such as hearing disorders, mental
retardation, and brain malformations, and iii)
and menstrual irregularities are common in
characteristic face with narrow eye width,
women who drink excessively. Excess output of
hormones from the adrenal gland can occur and elongated, flattened midface, and thin upper lip.
low levels of sex hormones can lead to premature The term fetal alcohol effects has come to mean
bone loss (osteoporosis).
a birth defect caused by alcohol ingestion during
pregnancy in which some, but not all, of the
metabolic effects
symptoms related to FAS are present. FAE is
Acute alcohol abuse can cause low blood sugar,
not a milder form of fetal alcohol syndrome.
which is of particular concern for diabetic
Even though a child or adult with FAE has
patients. Ketoacidosis, a condition involving
only some of the symptoms of fetal alcohol
excess acidity of the blood, can also be caused
syndrome, those symptoms may have just as
by excess alcohol use. This condition is more
severe an effect on their life.
commonly seen in patients with diabetes.
tolerance and dependence
Immune system and cancer-producing
When continued exposure to excess alcohol
effects
occurs, the nervous system adapts to the presence
Depression of the immune system caused by
of a chronic depressant and physical dependence
chronic alcohol abuse results in a predisposition
develops. Indicators include tolerance (the need
to infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, to consume more alcohol to obtain a desired
and to cancer. In addition, increased risk of
effect) and the development of withdrawal
infection could occur if loss of judgment and
symptoms if the user stops drinking. Because
inhibitions during intoxication resulted in unsafe tolerance develops, many drinkers don’t appear
sexual practices and in drug users sharing needles. intoxicated even with increased consumption,
Cancer of the throat, voice box (larynx),
and their deteriorating physical condition may
mouth, esophagus, and liver are the cancers
go unrecognized. When hospitalized for other
most frequently associated with excessive use of reasons and their alcohol intake stops abruptly,
alcohol. Less conclusive evidence of increased
they experience withdrawal.
cancer exists for the stomach, large bowel,
Psychological dependence is a poorly defined
pancreas, lung, urinary tract, and breast.
term used to describe the fact that heavy users
may experience anxiety and even panic when
Blood and muscle
alcohol is not available. In this case, the reacAnemia is common in people who abuse
alcohol. Abnormally large red blood cells (mean tion results not from physical withdrawal, but
because the user has become psychologically
corpuscular volume greater than 100) occur
Cardiovascular system
Abstinence from alcohol is critical in the treatment of the wide range of serious effects of
alcohol abuse on the heart and blood vessels.
In alcoholic cardiomyopathy, deterioration of
the heart muscle leads to heart failure. Abnormal
heart rhythms may explain in part the high
incidence of sudden death in alcohol abusers.
© aHs 2010 | 3
20 What’s the Deal?
Beyond the ABCs:
Alcohol
accustomed to regular alcohol intake. Like
physical dependence, this response can
contribute to continued use of alcohol.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms often develop in three
stages. The initial phase, which begins within
a few hours after drinking stops, includes
tremulousness (“the shakes”), irritability,
nausea and vomiting, and difficulty sleeping.
These symptoms reach peak intensity within
24 to 48 hours, and subside in two or three
days. Alcoholic hallucinosis—very real “bad
dreams” or actually seeing or hearing things
that are not there—can occur during this phase.
In the second phase, convulsions (seizures,
“rum fits”) can develop within 24 to 48 hours
after stopping even heavier drinking. Convulsions have been reported to occur as long as five
and up to 20 days later. Except in persons with
epilepsy, the standard treatment of moderate
to severe withdrawal described below is usually
adequate.
Delirium tremens (DTs) are the third and most
serious stage of alcohol withdrawal. They occur
four or five days after prolonged, heavy drinking
stops, at which time the person becomes severely
agitated, extremely confused and disoriented,
and has dilated pupils, fever, and a very rapid
heart rate. Frightening hallucinations and
bizarre delusions can also occur.
Reassurance and supportive nursing care in
subdued surroundings are the basis for treating
the alcohol withdrawal states. Chlordiazepoxide
(Librium®), diazepam (Valium®), and other
benzodiazepines are the drugs most commonly
used. Particularly with DTs, electrolyte imbalances should be corrected and adequate fluids
administered; hallucinations should be treated
cautiously. Thiamine (vitamin B1) is usually
given orally or intramuscularly to most patients
treated for significant alcohol withdrawal.
7 to 12 surveyed in 2002, 56.3% reported
alcohol use in the previous 12 months. The
prevalence of alcohol use increases with age;
17.6% of students in Grade 7 reported using
alcohol compared to 81.2% in Grade 12.
Alcohol and society
Alcohol misuse has a broad impact in society,
undermining individual health, family and
personal relationships, economic productivity,
and community safety. Motor vehicle accidents
are the leading cause of alcohol-related mortality,
and alcohol consumption is a major contributing factor in injuries and fatalities resulting from
falls, drowning and fires; work-related accidents,
absenteeism and illness; and crimes of violence
including spousal abuse and physical assault.
The total cost of alcohol abuse in Alberta was
estimated at $749 million in 1992.
Alcohol and the law
There are many laws that regulate the manufacture, distribution, advertising, possession and
consumption of alcohol. Alcohol legislation is a
joint responsibility of the federal and provincial
governments. In Alberta, it is an offence for anyone under 18 years of age to possess, consume
or purchase alcohol. It is illegal to sell or supply
alcohol to anyone known to be or appearing to
be under the age of 18 (unless the person has
proof otherwise). It is not illegal for parents or
guardians to give an underage child a drink at
home. Selling or supplying alcohol to any person
who appears to be intoxicated is illegal. Under
the Criminal Code, it is an offence to drive with
a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%
or greater, and to drive while impaired even if
one’s BAC is less than 0.08%.
aDDItIonal reaDInG:
Brands, B., Marshman, J. & Sproule, B. (1998).
Drugs & drug abuse: A reference text (3rd ed.).
Toronto, ON: Addiction Research Foundation.
Who uses alcohol?
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) &
A 2000 – 01 nationwide survey found that
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (1999).
76.6% of Albertans over the age of 12 were
Canadian profile: Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
current drinkers (had consumed at least one
Ottawa, ON: CCSA.
drink in the previous year). This is similar to
Clark, S. (2000, revised 2003). Medical/physiological
Canada’s national rate of 76.9%. The proportion effects of alcohol. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Alcohol &
of heavy drinkers in Alberta (22.5%) is higher
Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC).
than the rest of Canada (20.1%). Heavy
James, D. (1999). Alberta profile: Social and health
drinking is defined as having consumed five
indicators of addiction. Edmonton, AB: Alberta
or more drinks on one occasion, 12 or more
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC).
times in the previous year.
Kinney, J. & Leaton, G. (1995). Loosening the grip
(5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book, Inc.
Alcohol is also the drug most commonly used
by Alberta youth. Among students in grades
© aHs 2010 | 4
21 What’s the Deal?
40 Developmental Assets
Asset Name and Definition
EXTERNAL
Support
(Ages 12 – 18)
* Asset Building in Strathcona County
1. Family support – Family life provides high levels of love and support.
2. Positive family communication – Young person and her or his parent(s) communicate positively, and young
person is willing to seek parent(s) advice and counsel.
3. Other adult relationships – Young person receives support from three or more nonparent adults.
4. Caring neighborhood – Young person experiences caring neighbors.
5. Caring school climate – School provides a caring, encouraging environment.
6. Parent involvement in schooling – Parent(s) are actively involved in helping young person succeed in school.
Empowerment
7.
8.
9.
10.
Community values youth – Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth.
Youth as resources – Young people are given useful roles in the community.
Service to others – Young person serves in the community one hour or more per week.
Safety – Young person feels safe at home, at school, and in the neighborhood.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Family boundaries – Family has clear rules and consequences, and monitors the young person’s whereabouts.
School boundaries – School provides clear rules and consequences.
Neighborhood boundaries – Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring young people’s behavior.
Adult role models – Parent(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.
Positive peer influence – Young person’s best friends’ model responsible behavior.
High expectations – Both parent(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.
Boundaries & Expectations
Constructive Use of Time
17. Creative activities – Young person spends three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater,
or other arts.
18. Youth programs – Young person spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at
school and/or in community organizations.
19. Spiritual connection – Young person spends one or more hours per week in activities of a spiritual nature.
20. Time at home – Young person is out with friends “with nothing special to do” two or fewer nights per week.
INTERNAL
Commitment to Learning
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Achievement motivation – Young person is motivated to do well in school.
School engagement – Young person is actively engaged in learning.
Homework – Young person reports doing all homework when it’s assigned.
Bonding to school – Young person cares about her or his school.
Reading for pleasure – Young person reads for pleasure three or more hours per week.
Positive Values
26. Caring – Young person places high value on helping other people.
27. Equality and social justice – Young person places high value on promoting equality and reducing hunger and
poverty.
28. Integrity – Young person acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs.
29. Honesty – Young person “tells the truth even when it is not easy.”
30. Responsibility – Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.
31. Restraint – Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.
Social Competencies
32. Planning and decision making – Young person knows how to plan ahead and make choices.
33. Interpersonal competence – Young person has empathy, sensitivity and friendship skills.
34. Cultural competence – Young person has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic
backgrounds.
35. Resistance skills – Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.
36. Peaceful conflict resolution – Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently.
Positive Identity
37.
38.
39.
40.
Personal power – Young person feels he or she has control over “things that happen to me.”
Self esteem – Young person reports having high self-esteem.
Sense of purpose – Young person reports that “my life has a purpose.”
Positive view of personal future – Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future.
Adapted from: Search Institute, 700 S Third Street, Suite 210, Minneapolis, MN 55415 612-376-8955: www.search-institute.org
Adapted by: Strathcona County Family and Community Services, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
22 What’s the Deal?
What Are Developmental Assets?
These assets are 40 positive building blocks that are critical to the healthy
development of young children. Assets are positive experiences, opportunities and
relationships that enhance the health, well-being, and self-esteem of children.
Some of these Assets are developed by children themselves (internally) and
some must be developed and nurtured by others (externally).
Many of the Assets are common to experiences that you are already
providing everyday for and with your children. This initiative is concerned with
consciously making the effort to acknowledge how important those daily
experiences are for your child’s development.
Current research demonstrates that the more of these Assets a child has,
the better off they will be in making wise decisions and choices in their lives. The
fewer they have, the greater the possibility of involvement in risky behaviours
such as violence and drug use.
Since most children have fewer than half of these Assets present in their lives,
our community has a tremendous opportunity to make a difference. Parent Link has
decided to start this initiative early in our children’s lives by incorporating the
Asset approach into our playgroups. Drop in on our newest playgroup on Tuesdays
for activities developed specifically to enhance these assets in our children.
ABC Asset Development Playgroup:
Tuesday 10:00 to 12 noon
And
1:00 to 2:30 pm
Located at 3 Spruce Avenue, Sherwood Park, AB – 780 – 416-6730
23 What’s the Deal?
abc
s
Decisions about drinking
Many social situations involve the use of
alcohol. When used appropriately and in
the right setting, alcohol may enhance the
enjoyment of an occasion. However, it is by no
means an essential requirement for having fun.
There are many reasons why a person may
choose not to drink:
• They may be underage.
• They may be required to operate a motor
vehicle, such as an automobile, motorcycle,
boat, all-terrain vehicle, bicycle or other
equipment.
• They may be taking certain medications,
like sedatives or pain killers.
• They may have certain health concerns, like
high blood pressure or liver disease.
• They may suffer from some forms of mental
illness (alcohol may enhance depression and
should never be combined with medications
used to treat this condition).
• They may feel that they are likely to abuse
alcohol, because of a personal or family
history of drinking problems.
• They may have religious or spiritual reasons
to abstain.
• A woman who chooses not to drink may be
pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
You don’t have to drink. And even if you do
choose to drink, it doesn’t mean you have to do
so on every occasion. Here are some things to
think about when you are making your choice.
If you choose not to drink:
• Know your own reasons and don’t feel you
have to apologize for them.
• Expect others to respect your decision.
• Respect the decisions of your friends and
others who do choose to drink.
For more information and to find
an addiction services office near
you, please call the 24-hour
Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.
• Remember that it’s not always necessary to
serve alcohol when you’re the host. There are
many non-alcoholic alternatives. If you’re
inviting someone who is recovering from a
dependency on alcohol, remember that serving
no alcohol can help them stay in recovery.
• Keep in mind that alcohol use during the
typical workday can cause problems. It can
affect your ability to concentrate, make you
feel drowsy, and make operation of machinery
unsafe.
• Know your limit. Overdrinking can be unsafe
and unhealthy.
• Avoid playing sports. Drinking impairs your
judgment and reflexes. You will be more likely
to injure yourself or others.
Whether or not you choose to drink:
• Be a positive role model. Take responsibility
for your actions.
• Tactfully let other people know when their
drinking behaviour is inappropriate.
• Try talking to the person whose drinking
concerns you. Be careful not to condemn
or judge them.
Remember that all standard drinks have
the same amount of alcohol. A standard
drink is defined as:
• one 341-ml (12-oz) bottle of beer
(5% alcohol)
• one 142-ml (5-oz) glass of table wine
(12% alcohol)
• one 43-ml (11/2-oz) shot of liquor
(40% alcohol)
If you choose to drink:
• Consider each situation. Ask yourself some
questions. Will you have to drive? Will you
have to get up early the next day? Can you
afford it? Are you pregnant, breastfeeding or
trying to conceive?
• Remember that the effects of alcohol vary
from occasion to occasion. Are you taking any
medications or other drugs? Have you eaten
recently? Are you tired or angry?
© AHS 2010 | ISBN 0-7785-2864-2 | 344F
24 What’s the Deal?
Alcohol: Drinking and your Health
How to Tell if You or Someone You Care About
has a Drinking Problem
You're likely reading this because you think that you (or someone you know) might have a
drinking problem. But, you might not be sure. You might have an idea of what a problem drinker
looks and acts like, but it just doesn't fit with your situation. Does that mean there's no problem?
What kind of person becomes a problem drinker?
All kinds of people become problem drinkers. There is not one way to describe a person with a
drinking problem. Many people think problem drinkers are people that aren’t working, single,
poor, or homeless. This is not true. Anyone can have a drinking problem. It doesn’t matter what
colour or sex you are or if you’re rich or poor.
People with drinking problems are all different. They drink differently, have different problems,
and lead different lives. People with drinking problems might:
drink every day
drink only on weekends
binge drink every few months
not drink at all (if in recovery)
Here are two examples of what problem drinking might look like. Remember, these are just
examples and don't describe all problem drinkers.
Example 1: Bill
Bill is the foreman on a construction site. He's married to Linda and they have two teenage
daughters. After work, Bill always has 4 or 5 beers before dinner. Then, he drinks several more
until he falls asleep watching TV. Bill has been having trouble at work. His boss has asked him if
he has a drinking problem. When Bill and Linda go out, Bill always drinks heavily, even if he says
he only plans to have 1 or 2 drinks.
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/alberta/Pages/How-to-tell-if-someone-you-care-about-has-a-dri... 1/20/2014
25 What’s the Deal?
Linda has told Bill that she doesn't like him drinking so much and that it embarrasses her when
he gets drunk. Bill tells her that she doesn't know how to have fun. She's tried to talk to Bill about
this, but she doesn't feel like she's getting through to him. When Linda tells Bill he needs help, he
yells at her and throws things. Linda is scared of Bill when he's drinking. She often thinks about
divorcing him. Bill used to drive the girls to school every morning. But, about 2 months ago Bill
was charged with impaired driving and lost his driver's licence.
Example 2: Carly
Carly is in her first year of university. Carly and her boyfriend have been fighting a lot lately about
her drinking. When they go out, Carly gets drunk and says and does things that embarrass both
of them. Carly’s boyfriend said he needs time away from Carly to think about their relationship.
Now instead of going out, Carly stays at home every weekend and drinks. She has missed a few
classes because of her drinking. Her grades have gone down. Carly has spent most of the
money her parents loaned her on alcohol. Now she has no money. Carly’s friends have sent her
messages asking where she is. She hasn't called or texted her friends back.
Both Bill and Carly have a problem with alcohol. But, they are different people with different
problems. They will both need different kinds of help.
Is there a problem?
About 80 percent of Albertans drink alcohol. Most people don't have drinking problems, but some
people do. There is likely a problem if a person keeps drinking, even when it has negative effects
on his or her life.
Alcohol problems can range from mild to very bad. Some factors to think about are:
how much a person drinks
how often a person drinks
if a person can’t stick to limits (says he or she will only have 2 drinks and then
gets drunk)
being preoccupied with drinking
The factors above aren’t the only signs of a drinking problem. A person with a drinking problem
usually has problems in some or all of these areas:
home
work
health
friends
the law
money
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26 What’s the Deal?
Let's think about what Bill's drinking is doing to his life. Clear signs of a drinking problem are that
Bill:
drinks a lot of alcohol (over 40 drinks a week)
gets abusive when someone tries to talk to him about drinking
had his boss talk to him about drinking
has had legal problems because of drinking
keeps drinking even though he knows it's causing problems
Carly’s drinking is also causing problems, but her problems are different than Bill's. Clear signs
of a drinking problem are that Carly:
chooses to stay home and drink instead of going out with her friends
misses school and her grades are falling
is having money problems because of drinking
is drinking to deal with problems
does and says things when she drinks that she later regrets
drinks and this affects her relationships with loved ones
Bill and Carly both need to get help for their drinking, but they might get different kinds of help.
What can I say to help?
Expressing love and concern for a friend or family member with a drinking problem can be hard.
Sometimes it’s even harder because the person might think everything is fine and that you're the
one with the problem. These are normal reactions. The most important thing to remember is you
can't make anyone change or see things the way you see them.
If you want to talk to your friend or family member about drinking, focus on how you feel about it.
For example, Carly’s boyfriend might say "When you got drunk and passed out at my parent’s
anniversary party, it made me feel really mad and embarrassed." Carly’s boyfriend has focused
on a real event and explained how it made him feel.
Be supportive and say clearly how you feel about the person. For example, "I love you very
much and I'm worried about your drinking and how it's affecting your life and our relationship."
If you can, say clearly what you want or expect from the person. For example, "I want us to see a
counsellor about your drinking." If you don’t get a positive answer, you might need to set limits on
what you're willing to do. The limit you set should be something you can stick to. Don't say you're
going to move out if the person doesn't stop drinking unless you're willing to do it.
It is very important to take care of yourself first. If the drinking is causing you so much stress that
you can't function like normal, you might want to see a counsellor. You can see a counsellor
about someone else's drinking problem even if he or she won’t get help.
the Deal?
27 What’s
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What kind of help can I get?
There are different kinds of help for problem drinkers like:
handouts
books
videos
information sessions to quit drinking
inpatient and outpatient treatment programs
self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
You can start by reading about drinking problems or making an appointment to see a counsellor.
There are services for your friend or family member, if he or she decides to get help. If you have
a friend or family member with a drinking problem, you can get help through (even if the person
with the drinking problem isn’t in recovery):
family counselling
weekend family programs
children's groups
self-help programs (e.g., Al-Anon and Alateen)
For more information, see:
Alcohol: Drinking and Your HealthAlcohol: Drinking and Your Health: Problem DrinkingAlcohol
and Drug Problems
Last Revised: December 3, 2012
Author: Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services
This material is for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medica
advice, instruction, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak with your doctor or
appropriate healthcare provider.
For 24/7 nurse advice and health information, please call Health Link Alberta at 1-866408-5465.
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