Self-evaluation

Alcoholism

Content:

 What is Alcoholism
 Dangers of Alcoholism
 Differenc e between casual drinker
and alcoholic
 I am Alcoholic self test

Submitted by: Gayoso, Kareen B.Submitted to:

BEED 4-CC Mrs. Aida Sanohan
What is Alcoholism? Alcoholic/Alcoholism
Alcoholism is the most serious form of problem Alcoholics usually drink every day or
drinking, and describes a strong, often almost every day. When they drink, they
uncontrollable, desire to drink. Sufferers of always drink too much. They experience
alcoholism will often place drinking above all alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as
other obligations, including work and family, and headache, fatigue and anxiety, when they
may build up a physical tolerance or experience quit drinking. Alcoholics also feel physical
withdrawal symptoms if they stop. cravings for alcohol. Alcoholics cannot
control how much they drink. Most
Alcoholism, now known as alcohol use disorder, is a condition in which a
alcoholics drink daily. They regularly
person has a desire or physical need to
experience problems in various
consume alcohol, even though it has a
aspects of life because of how much
negative impact on their life.
or how often they drink. These
In the past, a person with this condition people require support groups or
was referred to as an "alcoholic." rehab to stay sober.
However, this is increasingly seen as an
You may be an alcoholic if you
unhelpful and negative label. Health
identify with any of the following statements:
professionals now say that a person has
an alcohol use disorder (A UD). A person  Others have told me that I drink too much.
with this condition does not know when  Drinking causes problems
or how to stop drinking. They spend a lot at work or school.
of time thinking about alcohol, and they  I have tried to stop
cannot control how much they consume, drinking, but I can’t.
even if it is causing serious problems at  I feel cravings or
home, work, and financially. withdrawal symptoms
when I go too long without
drinking.
6The biggest differences between a 3Dangers of Alcoholism
casual drinkers and alcoholics are the
Drinking alcohol directly influences the body and over
severity of alcohol-related problems
time can harm (and even kill) it. The dangers of
and the person’s ability to control his or
alcoholism are apparent, not just because of its effects
her drinking.
on everyday areas of life (jobs, relationships, finances)
Casual Drinkers but because of its effects on the body. Prolonged
alcohol use can lead to serious and potentially fatal consequences.
Also known as social drinkers, casual drinkers are people who
occasionally drink alcohol. They usually The Dangers of Alcohol for Women
drink responsibly, which means they
Women’s bodies metabolize alcohol more
don’t get drunk or black out regularly.
slowly than men. Women are also usually
People who drink casually, also referred
slighter of build and weigh less, making them
to as social drinkers, typically consume
more susceptible to the effects of alcohol.
alcohol no more than once per week or a
Drinking can cause a number of health
few times each month. People who drink
problems. Studies have shown that one drink
casually usually don’t get blackout drunk.
per day can increase the risk of breast cancer
However, they may have a low tolerance to alcohol and a high risk of
in some women, especially those who are
getting drunk if they overindulge.
postmenopausal or have a family history of
You may identify as a casual or social drinker breast cancer. Drinking during pregnancy can
if you relate to the following statements: cause brain damage and other serious
problems in the baby. Because it is not yet known whether any amount
 I know when I should stop drinking.
of alcohol is safe for a developing baby. Women are more likely to
 I find a sober driver if I drink too much.
develop alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation) and to die from cirrhosis.
 I drink only a few times each month.
Research suggests that women are more vulnerable than men to
 When I drink, I try not to get drunk.
alcohol-induced brain damage. Alcoholic women are susceptible to
alcohol-related heart disease. Alcohol also disrupt a woman’s menstrual
cycle.
4The Dangers of Alcohol for Men 5How Alcohol Affects Teenagers
Men generally have a higher alcohol The legal drinking age in any state in
tolerance than women, leaving them the US is 21. Teenagers who begin
more open to slip into problem drinking. drinking while they’re still in high
When men use alcohol as a way of dealing school are at a much greater risk for
(or not dealing) with frustration and developing serious health, social and
emotional pain, a couple of drinks per day legal problems. The most common
to relax can quickly lead to alcohol abuse. risks associated with teenage
drinking are:
Research has also shown that people who
drink excessively have a greater risk of Teenagers who consume alcohol are
liver disease, heart disease, depression, also more likely to use other drugs
stroke, and stomach bleeding, as well as such as marijuana while drinking. Teens who drink often engage in
cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, liver, colon, and sexual activity earlier than their non-drinking peers and are at increased
rectum. They may also have problems managing conditions such as risk for contracting a sexually transmitted
diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, disease or becoming teenage mothers.
and sleep disorders. And they may Male teens who drink are at increased
increase their chances for risk for dropping out of high school and
contracting sexually transmitted struggling to find decent employment.
infections from unsafe sex. Immune Teenagers who mask depression and
System. Drinking too much can anxiety with alcohol are at increased risk
weaken your immune system, for attempting suicide, either with alcohol
making your body a much easier or by some other method. Teenagers who
target for disease. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases consume alcoholic beverages tend to have difficulty with memory and
like pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too concentration, which can affect their schoolwork. The penalties for
much. Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows your body’s ability to underage drinking and driving are very heavy in most states and may
ward off infections – even up to 24 hours after getting drunk. lead to fines, loss of license, loss of vehicle, and even jail time.