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FAQs ALCOHOL

What is the difference between Alcohol misuse and Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, which is also known as "alcohol dependence syndrome," is a disease that is characterized by the following elements:

  1. Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
  2. Loss of control: The frequent inability to stop drinking once a person has begun.
  3. Physical dependence: The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. These symptoms are usually relieved by drinking alcohol or by taking another sedative drug.
  4. Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to get "high."

Alcoholism has little to do with what kind of alcohol one drinks, how long one has been drinking, or even exactly how much alcohol one consumes. But it has a great deal to do with a person's uncontrollable need for alcohol. This description of alcoholism helps us understand why most alcoholics can't just "use a little willpower" to stop drinking. He or she is frequently in the grip of a powerful craving for alcohol, a need that can feel as strong as the need for food or water. While some people are able to recover without help, the majority of alcoholic individuals need outside assistance to recover from their disease. With support and treatment, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives. Many people wonder: Why can some individuals use alcohol without problems, while others are utterly unable to control their drinking? Recent research has demonstrated that for many people, a vulnerability to alcoholism is inherited. But even though one would be born with this vulnerability, they would still be safe if they did not drink alcoholic beverages for this is the only way to 'trigger' your vulnerability. And here it is important to recognize that aspects of a person's environment, such as peer influences and the availability of alcohol, also are significant influences in getting one started in imbibing these beverages. Both inherited and environmental influences are called "risk factors." But risk is not destiny. Just because alcoholism tends to run in families doesn't mean that a child of an alcoholic parent will automatically develop alcoholism but the chances are significantly higher.

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What Is Alcohol Misuse?

Alcohol misuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control, or physical dependence. In addition, alcohol misuse is less likely than alcoholism to include tolerance (the need for increasing amounts of alcohol to get "high"). Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that is accompanied by one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:

  1. Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities;
  2. Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery;
  3. Recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk;
  4. Continued drinking despite having on-going relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the effects of alcohol. While alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, it is important to note that many effects of alcohol misuse are also experienced by alcoholics.
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Aren't beer and wine "safer" than liquor?

No. One 12-ounce beer has about as much alcohol as a 1.5 ounce shot of liquor, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a wine cooler.

Why can't teens drink if their parents can?

Teens' bodies are still developing and alcohol has a greater impact on their physical and mental well-being. For example, people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin at age 21.

How can I say no to alcohol? I'm afraid I won't fit in.

Remember, you're in good company. The majority of teens don't drink alcohol. Also, it's not as hard to refuse as you might think. Try: "No thanks," "I don't drink," or "I'm not interested."

Is it true most of the alcohol people drink enters bloodstream through the stomach

No. Most enters by way of the small intestine. Approximately 20% enters the bloodstream through the stomach.

Is it true that alcohol chills the body?

Yes. People feel warmer after drinking, but body temperature actually goes down. Drinking excessively outdoors in cold weather (at games) may lead to hypothermia.

Can mixing alcohol with other drugs be dangerous even if they are only over-the-counter cold medications or antihistamines?

Yes. Mixing alcohol with other drugs can easily intensify the effect and may cause serious reactions.

Does mixing alcohol with carbonated (fizzy) make it affect you faster than say mixing with juice?

Yes. Adding sodas to alcohol with the resulting carbonation can cause the pylorus valve to open, which speeds up the emptying time of the stomach. With the entrance to the small intestine open, one's alcohol absorption rate is increased. This action occurs because the carbonated bubbles irritate the pylorus which is the rung of muscle that serves as a gate between the stomach and small intestine. This then causes it to open up prematurely to empty the stomach contents into the small intestine, from which alcohol is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream.

What is the difference between a 'blackout' and 'passing out'?

A 'blackout' is a type of amnesia. The person is functioning but has no recall.

Will switching drinks make me drunker than if I just stay with one kind of alcoholic beverage?

No it will not. But it may make you sick

How much alcohol does can the body get rid of per hour?

The liver can get rid of (metabolise) about 1/3 to 1/2 oz. of ethanol (pure alcohol) per hour.

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