Alcoholism

Fast Facts: Alcoholism

  • Use of alcohol or other drugs at an early age is an indicator of future alcohol or drug problems.
  • People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin at 21.
  • Approximately 8% of the nation's eighth graders; 24% of tenth graders; and 32% of twelfth graders have been drunk during the last month; 12%, 23% and 25% respectively, have used an illicit drug.
  • First use of alcohol typically begins around age 13; marijuana around 14.
  • A clear relationship exists between alcohol use and grade-point average among college students: Students with GPAs of D or F drink three times as much as those who earn A's.
  • 30% of children in grades four through six report that they have received "a lot" of pressure from their classmates to drink beer; 31% to try marijuana; and 34% to try cigarettes.
  • Use of alcohol and other drugs is associated with the leading caused of death and injury (e.g., motor-vehicle crashes, homicides and suicides) among teenagers and young adults.
  • A survey of high school students found that 18% of females and 39% of males say it is acceptable for any boy to force sex if the girl is stoned or drunk.

What is it?

Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence as it is also known, is a disease that includescraving (a powerful urge to drink), loss of control (the inability to stop), physicaldependence (symptoms of withdrawal, like shakiness, anxiety, or nausea), and tolerance(a need to drink greater quantities to get the alcohol “high”).

What causes it?

There are several factors that affect alcoholism. Research has established genetics asa risk factor in developing alcoholism. The lifestyle of families can also be a majorcause. Other factors include a person’s friends, the availability of alcohol, and stress.However, it ultimately boils down to personal choice, at least initially. Some alcoholicscome from families with no drinking problems while some children of alcoholics never drinkat all.

How do you know when someone has it?

Some clues that a drinking problem might exist for your son or daughter are any of thefollowing:

  • Alcohol smell on the breath
  • Regular use of breath mints
  • Sudden attitude or mood changes
  • Poor school attendance or performance
  • Loss of interest in school or other activities that once were enjoyable
  • Resistance to discipline
  • Social withdrawal
  • Secrecy about friends, actions, and possessions

What can happen to people with alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a disease that will last throughout the lifetime of an alcoholic. Thepower of the cravings felt by an alcoholic for another drink are as strong as thecravings we feel for food and water. Health issues, family pressure, or even legalproblems will usually not stop an alcoholic from drinking.

How do you help a loved one suffering from alcoholism?

While there is no cure at this time, there is effective treatment that can help mostalcoholics to recover. Usually a combination of counseling and medication are required.In most cases, help from others is also essential. As with most diseases, the long-termprospects for success vary. In some cases, the alcoholic will never drink again. Inother cases, they will suffer a relapse after a period of time. Others have littlesuccess in stopping at all. Generally, the longer a person goes without drinking, themore likely they are to remain sober.

How CERTS helps those with alcoholism

CERTS programs use a combination of therapy, education, and medications (whereappropriate) to help young people struggling with Alcoholism to change. CERTStherapists have experience in successfully treating these individuals. This successif augmented by the CERTS formula of balancing outstanding clinical therapy,experiential therapy, and education with appropriate medical care.

Experiential therapy programs (such as equine therapy) offered at the facilities havealso proven helpful. A fun and challenging academic education enhances self-esteem andencourages students to rediscover the joy of learning while they clinically stabilize.To learn more about which CERTS program can best offer the help you may require, pleasecontact a CERTS admissions counselor at 801-755-8802.

Learn More About Alcoholism

About.Com Links on Alcoholism
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

Fast Facts Source Information:

  1. J Hawkins, R Catalano, "Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol and Other Drug Problems in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: Implications for Substance Abuse Prevention, 1989, p. 78
  2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism news release, 1/14/98
  3. NIDA, 2000 Monitoring the Future Study, Secondary Students
  4. NIDA, Drug Use Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities, 1995, p.31
  5. C Presley and P Meilman, "Alcohol and Drugs on American College Campuses," Student Health Program Wellness Center, Southern Illinois University, 7/92
  6. The Weekly Reader National Survey on Drugs and Alcohol, Middletown, CT, Field Publications, Spring 1995
  7. Centers for Disease Control {CDC}, "Alcohol and Other Drug Use Among High School Students--United States, 1990," Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report {MMWR}, 11/91, p. 776
  8. Centers for Disease Control {CDC}, "Alcohol and Other Drug Use Among High School Students-United States, 1990," Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report {MMWR}, 11/91, p. 776
  9. OIG, HHS, "Dangerous and Deadly Consequences"

 

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