Signs
of alcohol poisoning or overdose include slow
or irregular breathing, confusion, unresponsiveness
or unconsciousness, clammy or pale skin (blue
in color), and vomiting.
ALCOHOL
ABUSE: The National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
defines alcohol abuse as "a maladaptive drinking
pattern that repeatedly causes life problems."
Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking
that results in one or more of the following situations
within a 12-month period:
- Failure to fulfill major work,
school, or home responsibilities;
- Drinking in situations that
are physically dangerous, such as while driving
a car or operating machinery;
- Having recurring alcohol-related
legal problems, such as being arrested for driving
under the influence of alcohol or for physically
hurting someone while drunk; and
- Continued drinking despite having
ongoing relationship problems that are caused
or worsened by the drinking.
ALCOHOLISM:
Alcoholism is a disease that includes four symptoms:
- Craving: A strong need or compulsion
to drink.
- Loss of control: The inability
to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
- Physical dependence: Withdrawal
symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness,
and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped
after a period of heavy drinking.
- Tolerance: The need to drink
greater amounts of alcohol in order to “get
high.”
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