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Understanding Alcoholism Types and Effects

This module discusses the issues surrounding alcoholism and its effects, including various types of alcoholic drinks and the consequences of excessive consumption. It highlights the predictors of alcohol abuse, symptoms of alcohol dependence, and the health risks associated with heavy drinking, such as brain damage, liver disease, and mental health issues. The module aims to provide educational opportunities for understanding and addressing alcohol-related problems.

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Myra Jane Nicolas
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36 views6 pages

Understanding Alcoholism Types and Effects

This module discusses the issues surrounding alcoholism and its effects, including various types of alcoholic drinks and the consequences of excessive consumption. It highlights the predictors of alcohol abuse, symptoms of alcohol dependence, and the health risks associated with heavy drinking, such as brain damage, liver disease, and mental health issues. The module aims to provide educational opportunities for understanding and addressing alcohol-related problems.

Uploaded by

Myra Jane Nicolas
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MODULE 8

CDI7: VICED DRUG EDUCATION AND CONTROL

I. OBJECTIVES

1. Define the term “alcoholism


2. Enumerate the type of alcoholic drinks
3. Determine the effects of excessive alcohol intake

II. INTRODUCTION

At present, the illegal drug trade in the Philippine is considered a critical national, issue,
with methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as shabu) and marijuana as two of the most
used and valued illegal drugs in the country. For the last past few years, ephedrine and
methylenedioxymethamphetamine (also known as ecstasy) are also among the list of illegal
drugs that are of great concern to the authorities (Drug Situation in the Philippines.

This module was designed to provide you fun and meaningful opportunities for guided
and independent learning at your own pace and time.

III. LESSON PROPER

ALCOHOL

The second type of vice to be discussed in this book has to do with alcohol. An alcoholic drink often
contains anywhere from 3% to 40% alcohol. Such drinks are legally sold and consumed in many
countries around the world.

The term "Alcoholism" refers to problems related to alcohol consumption. Generally, it is used to refer to
the uncontrolled and compulsive consumption of alcoholic drinks in a way that is detrimental to the well-
being of the drinker as it affects one's health, social standing, work, and personal relationships.

Medically speaking alcoholism is considered a disease and an addictive illness. The misuse of alcohol
can potentially damage major organs in the body, including the brain. Moreover, the commulative toxic
effects of chronic alcohol abuse can cause medical and psychiatric problems, and in most cases, can
lead to various criminal activities. Thus, the production and selling of alcohol is a widely regulated
industry. (Alcoholism, n.d.)

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TYPE OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

WINE

Wine is the kind of ferments beverage commonly produced from grapes. The process of making
wine involves longer fermentation and aging process compared with beer, as it can take months and
years. Thus, the alcohol content of wine is usually 9% to 16% ABV. It less intoxicating form, sparkling
wine, is produced via secondary fermentation. Thus, its alcohol content is even lower.

BEER

This is a kind of fermented beverage made from mashed barley or a combination of several types
of grains. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world because it is relatively cheaper
compared with its other counterparts.

DISTILLED SPIRITS

A distilled spirit or liquor is another kind of alcoholic beverage produced by extracting or distilling
ethanol, which is produced by fermenting fruit, grain, or vegetables. Distilled, alcoholic beverages that are
unsweetened and have an alcohol content of 20% ABV are called spirits. For its stronger forms, such as
whiskey and vodka, the alcohol content is around 40%.

In North America, the term "hard liquor" is used to distinguish distilled beverages (vodka, tequila, gin,
whiskey, soju, brandy) from undistilled beverages (implicitly weaker).

ALCOHOL ABUSE

As partially discussed in the beginning of this chapter, anything that is done in excess can lead to
many problems. In the case of alcohol abuse, such problems may arise at work, at home and at school.
Apart from damaging your health and personal relationships, the excessive use of alcohol can lead to
many forms of criminal activities, According to experts, the tendency to abuse alcohol may stem from a
combination of one's genes, environment, and psychological traits. Let us take a look at the common
predictors and profiles of alcoholism (Alcoholism,n.d.).

PREDICTORS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE

One is likely to abuse alcohol or become dependent on it if he or she meets any or all of these preditors.

1. Feeling of low self-esteem


2. Being an adult/young adult under pressure
3. Experiencing symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders
4. Easy and unregulated access to alcohol
5. Relationship, life, financial problems
6. A stressful lifestyle

Who has drinking problem?

First of all, the symptoms of alcohol dependence include the following:

1. Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when one hasn't had a drink for some time;
2. Development of various illnesses from alcohol use; and

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3. Requiring an increasing amount of alcohol to maintain the feeling of being drunk;

Additionally, one may have a drinking problem if he/she

1. Continues to drink, even when one’s health, work, or family are being harmed
2. Easily becomes excited or tense when drinking
3. Tries to hide his alcohol use
4. Drinks alone
5. Becomes hostile when asked about one's drinking habits
6. Misses work or school, or doesn't perform well because of drinking
7. Makes excuses to drink
8. Stops joining activities because of alcohol
9. Doesn't eat a lot or eats poorly
10. Doesn't care about hygiene and how he/she dresses
11. Needs to consume alcohol on most days to get through the day
12. Experiences chills and shakes in the morning or after periods when one has not had anything to
drink.

Who are risks for alcohol in problems?

1. Drinking a lot of alcohol can put one at risk for so many alcohol related problems. According to
experts, those who are at significant risk are the following:
2. Male drinkers who consume 15 or more drinks a week (wherein one drink is equal to a 5 oz. glass
of wine, a 1.5 oz. shot of liquor, or 12 oz. Bottle of beer);
3. Female drinkers who consume 12 or more drinks a week;
4. Male and female drinkers who consume alcoholic drinks at a time at least once a week; and
5. Non-drinkers who have a parent/s suffering from alcoholism. (Alcohol Use Disorder, n.d).

EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL INTAKE

Brain Damage and Dementia

Alcohol-related brain damage has been attributed to the direct and toxic effects of alcohol. Moreover,
nutritional deficiency, liver damage, alcohol withdrawal, and electrolyte disturbances contribute to brain
damage related to the excessive consumption of alcohol.

Meanwhile, chronic and excessive alcohol intake has also been linked to serve cognitive decline along
with a range of complications to the body's neuropsychiatry system. Elderly drinkers are known to be the
most sensitive population group as regards the toxic effects on the brain of alcohol consumption (Long-
term Effects of Alcohol Consumption,n.d.).

Mental Health Effects

Heavy drinkers and abusers of alcohol suffer from high rates of major depressive disorders. Drinking may
lead to a major depressive disorder that, in turn, paves the way for self-medicating alcohol abuse, thus
trapping the drinker in a vicious cycle.

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As for the general alcoholic population, the increased risk for suicide is up to 20 times greater compared
with the general public. In fact, about 15% of alcoholics commit suicide. In addition, those who abuse
alcohol combined with drugs are at a greater risk for suicide: approximately 33% percent of suicide cases
for those under 35 years are directly linked to alcohol and/or other substance abuse.

Sleep Deprivation

Ironically, chronic and long-term abuse of alcohol to induce sleep can actually lead to insomnia.
Frequent movements between sleep stages occur due to sudden awakenings caused by headaches and
diaphoresis. Unfortunately, suddenly stopping chronic abuse of alcohol can lead to profound disturbances
of sleep with vivid dreams. In fact, chronic abuse of alcohol has been linked to Non-Rapid Eye Movement
(NREM) Stages 3 and 4 sleep, the suppression of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, and even REM
sleep fragmentation.

Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease is another mounting public health problem. The chronic abuse of alcohol
can lead to cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and a fatty liver. In fact, in the Western world, alcohol is a leading
cause of liver cancer, accounting for as much as 45% off all hepatic cancers reported. Today, treatment
options for liver diseases are limited, and the most recommended treatment is to discontinue alcohol
consumption. In other severe cases, the only treatment option available is via liver transplant from donors
classified as alcohol-abstinent (Long-term Effects of Alcohol Consumption, n.d).

Pancreatitis

The majority of reported cases of chronic and acute pancreatitis have been attributed to alcohol
abuse. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to intestinal malabsorption, that can result in diabetes. Meanwhile,
alcoholic pancreatitis results in severe abdominal pain and can even lead to pancreatic cancer.

Hormonal Imbalance

Excessive alcohol intake can lead to hyperestrogenism. Scientist believe that alcohol beverages
contain estrogen like compounds. In males, high estrogen levels can lead to the development of
gynecomastia (or the development of male breasts) along with testicular failure. Meanwhile, in women,
increased estrogen levels due to excessive alcohol intake have been linked to breast cancer.

Sexual Dysfunction

Excessive and long-term intake of alcohol can damage the central nervous system and the
peripheral nervous system, thus resulting in the loss of sexual desire and even importance in men. This
can be attributed to the reduced amount of testosterone from ethanol-induced testicular atrophy, which in
turn, results in an increased feminization among males. This is a clinical feature of alcohol-abusing males
diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Compared with others wherein mostly negative effects are reported, the frequent and regular
consumption of alcohol has been linked to a decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Two recent studies
have reported that the reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis can be linked to increasing alcohol
consumption. In fact, among those who consumed alcohol regularly, the one-quarter who drank the most

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50% less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis compared with the other half who consumed the least
amount (Long term Effects of Alcohol Consumption, n.d).

IV. ASSESSMENT
Direction: Write your answer on the answer sheet provided.

 Create your own brilliant and catchy “Anti-Alcohol” Slogan or sayings.

Take Note!
“You are STRONGER than you think.”
-Ma’am MJ
V. REFFERENCE
Vice and Drug Education and Control (Hand Book) by PLTCOL LOURDES GURAL
CEJES, MBA, PMAJ MARGARITA LIBRES-ETIS, MBA

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PARTIDO COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
Goa, Camarines Sur

STUDENT’S PROFILE
Name: ______________________________ Year & Block: _____________ Date Received: ____________
Address: ____________________________ CP #: ___________________ Date Returned: _____________
Assessment Task #: ___________________

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Common questions

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Understanding the ABV in different alcoholic drinks is crucial as it informs consumers about the potency and potential effects of the alcohol they consume. For example, distilled spirits typically have a higher ABV than beer or wine, which can influence consumer choice based on desired intoxication levels. Regulative measures also depend on ABV, dictating age restrictions and limits on sales and marketing practices. By ensuring informed consumer choices, ABV knowledge can help mitigate alcohol misuse and abuse .

Chronic alcohol abuse can cause numerous medical problems such as liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and brain damage, and psychiatric issues like depression and anxiety disorders. These health problems may impair judgment and exacerbate mental health symptoms, contributing to increased criminal activities, such as driving under the influence or aggressive behavior. The linkage arises as individuals with impaired control and decision-making abilities may engage in illegal activities while under the influence or as a means to support their addiction .

Excessive alcohol consumption has dire consequences on neurological health, causing brain damage through its direct toxic effects, compounded by nutritional deficiencies and liver damage. It can lead to significant cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric complications. Moreover, alcohol impacts sleep patterns, causing chronic insomnia and disturbances in sleep stages, particularly by reducing Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep quality, which correlates with various sleep disorders .

The interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological traits heightens the risk for alcohol abuse. Genetic predispositions can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as peer pressure or access to alcohol, and psychological traits like anxiety or depression may lead individuals to self-medicate with alcohol. Preventive measures include public education campaigns, promoting mental health support, regulation of alcohol sales, and interventions targeted at high-risk groups to address these factors comprehensively .

Risk factors such as consuming 15 or more drinks per week for males, 12 or more for females, and family history of alcoholism can indicate a severe drinking problem. Symptoms like withdrawal signs, increased tolerance, continued drinking despite health issues, and neglecting responsibilities also signal alcohol dependence. These factors and behaviors are critical for diagnosing alcoholism, facilitating early intervention and treatment planning by recognizing the pattern and impact of alcohol use on an individual's life .

The common predictors associated with alcoholism include feelings of low self-esteem, being a young adult under pressure, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Easy and unregulated access to alcohol, relationship troubles, life stresses, financial problems, and overall stressful lifestyles also contribute to alcohol abuse risk. These factors create a conducive environment for alcohol abuse as individuals may use alcohol as a coping mechanism for the psychological and emotional challenges they face .

Considering alcoholism as a disease and an addictive illness helps reframe it from a moral failing to a medical condition that necessitates treatment. This shift can reduce stigma, encouraging individuals to seek help without shame. It supports the development of medical and therapeutic interventions focused on treatment rather than punishment. However, societal attitudes may still carry stigma, influencing individuals' willingness to seek treatment and affecting public support for comprehensive addiction care .

Excessive alcohol intake can lead to hormonal imbalances where estrogen-like compounds in alcohol cause increased estrogen levels. In men, this can result in gynecomastia and testicular failure, while in women, high estrogen levels are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. These hormonal imbalances highlight serious health implications, including reproductive health issues and cancer risks, necessitating caution and moderation in alcohol consumption .

Unlike the largely negative health impacts of alcohol, regular consumption has been linked to a decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Studies indicate that those who consume alcohol regularly have a 50% lower risk of developing this condition compared to those who drink minimally or not at all. The paradox lies in how alcohol might modulate immune responses, highlighting that moderate consumption could potentially yield protective effects against rheumatoid arthritis .

Excessive alcohol intake significantly impacts liver health, leading to conditions such as cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver disease. Alcoholic liver disease is a leading cause of liver cancer in the Western world. Treatment options for such liver diseases are limited; the most recommended is complete abstinence from alcohol. In severe cases, a liver transplant from donors classified as alcohol-abstinent may be needed, indicating the grave challenge these diseases present in both prevention and treatment .

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