Alex D
09-10-2003 08:18:20
just a question.....how do you know if you're becoming an alcoholic?
are there any right reasons for becoming an alcoholic?
and for you psych students, remind me what kind of personality is most suseptible to becoming an alcoholic?
and how many times did i say alcoholic?
man the hangover is bad! Poo Na Na on a wed night is great when you're fubared!!
alex
Jimmy
09-10-2003 09:58:54
If your drinking consistently to stop the hangover thats when your in the bad!
Up for drinking tonight then?
Alex D
09-10-2003 10:00:11
yep...already been at the old jack daniels this morning!
gunna walk into town and smoke lots now
life sucks
JoeyJoJo
09-10-2003 10:06:10
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is also known as "alcohol dependence." It is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law. Alcoholism includes four symptoms:
Craving--A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
Impaired control--The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
Physical dependence--Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
Tolerance--The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects.
Why is alcoholism now considered a disease?
Alcoholism is now accepted as a disease. It is a chronic and often progressive disease. Like many diseases, it has symptoms that include a strong need to drink despite negative consequences, such as serious job or health problems. Like many diseases, it has a generally predictable course and is influenced by both genetic (inherited) and environmental factors.
Is alcoholism inherited?
Yes. Alcoholism tends to run in families and genetic factors partially explain this pattern. The genes that influence the vulnerability to alcoholism are under investigation.
Are certain groups of people more likely to develop alcohol problems than others?
More men than women are alcohol dependent or experience alcohol- related problems. Rates of alcohol problems are also highest among young adults ages 18-29 and lowest among adults 65 years and older. Among major U.S. ethnic groups, rates of alcoholism and alcohol- related problems vary.
How can you tell whether you (or someone close to you) has an alcohol problem?
A good first step is to answer the brief questionnaire below. (To help remember these questions, note that the first letter of a key word in each question spells "CAGE"):
Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (Eye opener)?
One "yes" answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. More than one "yes" answer means it is highly likely that a problem exists. If you think that you or someone you know might have an alcohol problem, it is important to see a doctor or other health provider right away. He or she can determine whether a drinking problem exists and, if so, suggest the best course of action.
If I have trouble with drinking, can I simply reduce my alcohol use without stopping altogether?
That depends. If you are diagnosed as an alcoholic, the answer is "no." Studies show that nearly all alcoholics who try to merely cut down on drinking are unable to do so indefinitely. Instead, cutting out alcohol (that is, abstaining) is nearly always necessary for successful recovery.
However, if studies show that you are not alcoholic but have had alcohol-related problems, you may be able to limit the amount you drink. If you cannot always stay within your limit, you will need to stop drinking altogether.
What is a safe level of drinking?
Most adults can drink moderate amounts of alcohol -- up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people -- and avoid alcohol-related problems. (One drink equals one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.)
Who should not drink at all?
Certain people should not drink at all. They include women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant; people who plan to drive or engage in other activities requiring alertness and skill; people taking certain medications, including certain over-the-counter medicines; people with medical conditions that can be worsened by drinking; recovering alcoholics; and people under the age of 21.
As people get older, does alcohol affect their bodies differently?
Yes. As a person ages, certain mental and physical functions tend to decline, including vision, hearing, and reaction time. Moreover, other physical changes associated with aging can make older people feel "high" after drinking fairly small amounts of alcohol. These combined factors make older people more likely to have alcohol- related falls, automobile crashes, and other kinds of accidents.
In addition, older people tend to take more medicines than younger persons, and mixing alcohol with many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be dangerous, even fatal. Further, many medical conditions common to older people, including high blood pressure and ulcers, can be worsened by drinking. Even if there is no medical reason to avoid alcohol, older men and women should limit their intake to one drink per day.
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism At A Glance
Alcoholism is a very common disease.
Alcohol abuse affects 1 in 13 U.S. adults.
Alcoholism involves physical dependence.
Alcoholism is a treatable, but not a curable disease
Alex D
09-10-2003 10:26:56
at least im not an alcoholic!!
im just gunna kill my lungs with normal backy!!
Alex D
09-10-2003 10:59:37
i needed to clear my nose...got a nasty cold!
To be honest, it's very worrying you're drinking JD at that time of the morning. At least drink single-malt if you're going to drink whiskey.
--Matt
I like a nice vodka and milk in the morning
