Q: What is alcohol?
A: Alcohol is a drug with the technical name of ethanol. Medically, it is classified as a depressant drug, which is a drug that slows the activity of the Central Nervous System (CNS), especially the brain, which is very sensitive to alcohol. When a person drinks, alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the body, some directly through the tongue and throat. Unlike most foods, alcohol requires no digestion, so as it enters the stomach, it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Once alcohol enters the blood, it begins to penetrate all major organs of the body. About 90 percent of the alcohol consumed is metabolized, or eliminated from the body through the liver, and the remaining 10 percent is eliminated through the lungs and kidneys. A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor contain the same amount of pure alcohol, about .6 ounces of ethanol. It usually takes the liver an hour to eliminate .5 ounces of alcohol. If you drink faster than this, the alcohol begins to accumulate and intoxication begins.
Q: What are the intoxicating effects of alcohol?
A: Alcohol produces a variety of intoxicating effects, which are the direct result of the quantity of ethanol in your blood. The more you drink, the more intoxicated you become, the higher your Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) and the more severe the effects are. The major stages of intoxication are as follows: Happy. In this initial stage, the individual becomes more talkative and sociable. Inhibitions are lower, and there is some loss of judgment. Excited. In this stage, the individual begins to show some erratic behavior. For instance, thinking and judgment are impaired, and reactions are slower. Confused. In this stage, the individual begins to lose control over speech and walking. In fact, the person may stagger, become disoriented and demonstrate exaggerated moods. Slurred speech and double vision may also occur. Stuporous. In this stage, the individual needs assistance in walking and appears to be paralyzed at times. Consciousness is barely maintained and an apathetic mood is evident. Vomiting and incontinence are common. Comatose. In this stage, the individual is unconscious, having few, if any reflexes. The brain activity has slowed so greatly that breathing may become ineffective. DEATH.
Q: What is alcoholism?
A: Alcoholism is a disease, having been recognized as such in the 1930s by Alcoholics Anonymous, and since then, the American Medical Association. Alcoholism is also a chronic disease, once developed, it doesn’t go away. There is no cure for alcoholism; however, it is treatable.
Q: Who is affected by alcoholism?
A: There are approximately 18 million alcoholics in this country. Alcohol is still the number one drug problem in America, and it has no boundaries. It affects adolescents, middle aged people and senior citizens. It affects people of all races, religions, intelligence levels and professions. A typical adolescent moves through the various stages of alcoholism in 6 to 18 months. The adult male alcoholic may progress through these stages in 10 to 12 years, while an adult female may progress through the stages in 4 to 7 years. Senior citizens may progress through the stages in 6 to 18 months.
Q: What physical conditions occur with alcoholism?
A: Brain Damage. A variety of conditions from psychosis to permanent memory loss may occur; Cancer. Mouth, esophagus and stomach cancer frequently result from the irritating effects of alcohol; Heart Disease. Enlarged heart and congestive heart failure are not uncommon; Liver Damage. Cirrhosis (a scarring of the liver), alcoholic hepatitis and cancer of the liver are common; Ulcers. Long term alcohol usage produces irritation, which can lead to ulcers; Glandular Problems. Problems occur in the adrenal and pituitary glands; Birth Defects. Women who drink during pregnancy can cause their unborn children to suffer birth defects, a condition known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS); Suicide. Severe depression typically accompanies alcoholism. A very high number of suicides are related to drug and alcohol use; Accidents. Drinking and driving are a major cause of death in America. About 50 percent of all highway deaths are alcohol-related. Alcohol-related accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers; Physical Abuse. Alcohol is a major factor in a large portion of homicides, as well as child abuse and other domestic violence cases.
Q: What can be done to repair the damage?
A: Some people begin their recovery by going through a structured treatment program. This medical process introduces a patient to the principles of recovery, as well as the disease of addiction and the skills necessary to maintain a recovery program. During treatment, the healing process with family members and co-workers is started. Following treatment, the most effective long-term solution to help stay sober is regular attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous.
Q: How does someone get help?
A: The first step in getting help is finding out if you have a problem. A Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) can effectively perform a professional assessment, which will verify that you have alcoholism and if so, will identify what type of care is most appropriate for you.