Investigate Alcohol

107 Pages·2014·2.64 MB·English

by  Marylou Ambrose

About this Book
Investigate Alcohol
Alcohol is part of many people's social lives, but excessive drinking can lead to
addiction. What are the physical and mental effects of alcohol abuse? How does
casual use lead to alcoholism? How do you resist peer pressure and help friends
who may drink too much? Real-life case histories bring this book to life.

Contents
Cover
About this Book
Title Page
Introduction
Chapter 1: ALCOHOL Seriously
Straight Facts About Alcohol
Alcohol Dependence and Abuse
Did You Know? - What is a “Standard" Drink?
Underage Drinking
Did You Know? - Famous People with Alcoholism
Alcohol’s Effect on Families
Chapter 2: ALCOHOL Through the Ages
Grapes and Grain Among the Ancients
Did You Know? - A modern drinking method
The “Water of Life”
Alcohol Comes to America
The Rise of Prohibition
A New Theory
Did You Know? - When Drinking Was Against the Law
Then and Now
Chapter 3: HOW ALCOHOL works
The Lure of Alcohol
This Is Your Body on Alcohol
Did You Know? - Alcohol Can Kill
How People Act on Alcohol
Euphoria:
Excitement:
Confusion:
Stupor:
Coma:
Death:
Responsible Drinking
What Causes Alcohol Problems?
Genes:
Family history:
Gender:
Mental Health:
Drinking patterns:
Social factors:
Cultural factors:
Child abuse:
Signs of Alcohol Dependence or Abuse
Did You Know? - Alcohol and Ethnic Groups
Stages of Alcoholism
Early Stage
Middle Stage
Final Stage
Myths about Alcohol
Chapter 4: ALCOHOL’S Uncool Aftereffects
Drinking and Driving
Sobriety Tests
Testing for Alcoholism
Health Problems from Alcohol Abuse
Liver disease:
Digestive problems:
Heart trouble:
Sexual problems:
Immune system problems:
Bone loss:
Nerve problems:
Cancer:
Birth defects:
Did You Know? - Giving Alcohol to Minors
Did You Know? - Babies and Alcohol Don’t Mix
Chapter 5: DEALING WITH ALCOHOL in Everyday Life
Did You Know? - What’s a “Dry Drunk”?
Why People Drink Alcohol
Social or Peer Pressure:
Stress:
Emotional Problems:
Inhibition:
Loneliness:
A Closer Look at Why Young People Drink
It’s a Family Problem
When a Friend Has the Problem
Did You Know? - How to Cope with Parents Who Have a Drinking Problem
When You Have the Problem
Chapter 6: WHAT’S UP Next?
Did You Know? - The Cost of Underage Drinking
The Price We Pay
What Can Be Done?
Knowledge Is Power
It’s a Shame . . . Isn’t It?
Shame:
Lack of Awareness:
Did You Know? - A Pill That Will Let People Drink— Moderately
It All Adds Up
Chapter Notes
Glossary
For More Information
Further Reading
Internet Addresses
Index
Note To Our Readers
Copyright
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Introduction
Alcohol has been around for a really long time. We know that people made
some form of alcohol as long as 12,000 years ago. Since then, alcohol has had its
ups and downs. Many people today are still not sure how they feel about it.
So what do you know about alcohol? Did you know it was a drug? Did you
know that drinking alcohol moderately has been acceptable in most cultures for
thousands of years? Did you also know that drinking too much has been frowned
upon for just as long?
Image Credit: ©Stockbyte Sensitive Issues
Image Credit: © Photos.com
On this tomb painting from ancient Egypt ca. 1500 B.C., men can be seen treading
grapes to make wine. On the right, men are picking grapes.
Roughly 64 percent of people in the United States drink alcohol. A small number
of that 64 percent actually abuse alcohol. They either drink too much over a
short period of time or they can’t live without it. Unfortunately, the small
number who abuse alcohol can affect the rest of us.
This book will give you the straight facts about alcohol. It covers how alcohol
works in your body and the many aftereffects of using it. It describes the risk
factors, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of alcoholism. You’ll discover how
alcohol can affect a teen’s home, school, and social life. You’ll also read stories
about real people who’ve overcome problems with alcohol, and some who
weren’t so lucky.
You’ll get the information you need to make smart decisions about the role
alcohol will play in your life, now and in the future.