ALCOHOLISM

 

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Introduction

        As we begin our unit on addiction, we will begin by exploring some information about alcoholism.  Alcoholism can affect people in many different ways. It is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal disease. It is a primary disorder and not a symptom of other diseases or emotional problems. The chemistry of alcohol allows it to affect nearly every type of cell in the body, including those in the central nervous system. After prolonged exposure to alcohol, the brain becomes dependent on it. The severity of this disease is influenced by factors such as genetics, psychology, culture, and response to physical pain.

Information

*    Read the following web article: Alcohol: When Enough is Enough.

*    You will need your notebook and health journal for the following activity.

Activity

*    In your notebook, list the five danger signs that can be linked to alcoholism. 

*    Think about these five warning signs.  Write a short paragraph in your health journal about an experience with alcohol that you or someone you know had that displayed one or more of these danger signs.

*    Next, list in your notebook the three risk factors associated with alcoholism.

*    Finally, write a short paragraph in your health journal about the steps you would take if you or someone you know might have a problem with alcohol.