Introduction:
Alcohol is one of the oldest drugs that has been used across cultures.
Today, of all societal drugs, Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol is the most commonly
used intoxicating agent and the societal problems resulting from its use is
dramatic. For example, alcohol consumption is highly correlated with
numerous types of violent criminal behavior including battery and domestic
violence. Its use causes thousands of auto fatalities each year in the
United States alone, and further costs society billions of dollars in law
enforcement, property damage, insurance and hospital costs Finally, in
addition to disorders such as alcoholism, fetal alcohol syndrome, behaviors
such as binge drinking by college-aged students is correlated with numerous
problems and often results in tragic consequences including death.
One interesting aspect about alcohol is that use at low levels (< 2 drinks)
on a regular basis has been shown to have positive health effects.
However, greater consumption begins to cause many health problems.
Finally, and most importantly, alcohol is a unique drug in that it impacts
all body structures (not just neurons like most other drugs).
This section reviews variables that influence alcohol levels and how alcohol
impacts numerous body structures. It also is one of the most important
sections since most clients seen in treatment centers will be using alcohol
on a regular basis (either alone or with other drugs). Finally, make
sure you look at the appendix in Chapter 13 to determine how much you are
drinking.
Outcomes:
After completing this lesson you should understand / be
able to:
