Alcohol Abuse

Introduction
This module tackles the following topics: A brief history and background of alcohol A description of alcoholism The reasons that people drink The short and long term effects brought about by alcohol abuse

Brief History
Alcohol as a beverage has been around

in one shape or form for at least 12,000 years The first beer mugs are dated back to 10,000 BC The first major civilization known to make alcoholic drinks is Shanghai, China (5,000 BC) The practice of distillation, which produced drinks with higher alcoholic contents, was developed by the Persians around the 8th century AD

Brief History
From the cheapest beer to the

most expensive wine or after dinner liqueur, all are made by adding yeast to a substance that contains sugar The yeast starts the formation process, which turns sugar into ethyl and carbon dioxide gas In the Philippines, the most common forms of alcohol are beer, gin, rum and lambanog.

What is Alcoholism?
It is a chronic and potentially fatal disease in which a person is addicted to alcohol
It is characterized by three or more of the following occurring in a one-year period:
Tolerance: increasing amounts of alcohol needed to get

the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms, such as shakiness, sweating, nausea, anxiety and depression

What is Alcoholism?
Drinking larger amounts and for longer than you

intended. Inability to cut down or quit drinking Spending a lot of time getting and drinking alcohol or recovering from its effects Reducing or giving up important work or leisure activities Continued use despite the physical or emotional problems it causes to the drinker or other people

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that is accompanied by one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:
Failure to fulfil major work, school, or home

responsibilities Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as

being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk
Continued drinking despite having ongoing

relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the effects of alcohol

Why Do People Drink?

Escaping Pressures, Problems, or

Relieving Stress Changing a Bad Self-Concept Forgetting Loneliness Boosting Self-Confidence Masking Unsatisfactory Personal Relationships To Feel More Adult As An Act of Rebellion For Experimentation Peer Pressure

Immediate Effects
Flushing of the skin
Increased heart rate Overexcitement or

Giddiness Impaired judgment Decrease in motor skills Slurred speech Blurry vision

Immediate Effects
Loss of balance
Double vision Clammy or cold skin Dilated pupils Unconsciousness In extreme cases, death

due to alcohol poisoning

Long Term Effects

Heart Problems: Cardiomyopathy, commonly known as "holiday heart syndrome, or abnormal heart rhythm Hypertension Stroke

Long Term Effects

Liver Disease Chronic alcohol abuse can cause fatty liver, cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis Alcohol is a leading cause of liver cancer in the western world accounting for 32-45% of hepatic cancers

Long Term Effects

Pancreatitis Chronic excessive intake of alcohol can cause destruction of the pancreas resulting in severe chronic pain, which may progress to pancreatic cancer
Diabetes Binge drinking and high alcohol consumption may increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes in women

Long Term Effects

Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to the cancer in the following parts of the body: Pancreas Larynx Pharynx Esophagus Liver Breast

Long Term Effects

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome or FAS is a disorder of

permanent birth defects that occurs in the offspring of women who drink alcohol during pregnancy Fetal alcohol exposure is the leading known cause of mental retardation in the Western world

Long Term Effects

Sexual dysfunction Long term use of alcohol can lead to damage to the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system resulting in loss of sexual desire and impotence in men.