CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the Issues
2. Understanding Alcohol Abuse
3. Understanding Violence Against Women
4. Alcohol and Domestic Violence
5. Alcohol, Sexual Assault, and Rape
6. Prevention and Early Intervention
7. Screening and Assessment
8. Diagnosis and Treatment
9. Legal and Ethical Issues

Supplements
Fact Sheets
Videos
Resources

Silence Hurts
Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women

Module Content Objectives Introduction What Is a Drink? Alcoholism and Alcohol Problems -- Alcohol Abuse vs. Alcohol Dependence -- DSM-IV Criteria for Dependence -- Addiction and Craving Theories of Addiction Signs of Alcohol Abuse Risk Factors for Alcohol Abuse Roles in Families Where Alcohol is a Problem -- Defense Mechanisms The Effects of Alcohol and Violence on Teens and Young Adults Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA)-Teenagers and Older Myths and Facts About Alcohol Abuse Summary of Module References Module 2 Quiz

Myths and Facts About Alcohol Abuse

Although alcohol abuse is a serious public health concern, many myths still exist. Sometimes, these myths prevent men and women from receiving accurate, dependable treatment. The more informed we are about alcohol abuse, the better able we are to help those around us with these problems.

Myth: Most alcoholics are "skid row bums."

Fact: Only 3 to 5 percent of alcoholics live under bad conditions. Most are employed and live in mainstream society.^23,24

Myth: People who abuse drugs are morally weak and should be able to stop taking drugs if they are willing to change their behavior.

Fact: Addiction is a lasting but treatable disease that people live with for the rest of their lives. Drug abuse begins when an individual makes a conscious choice to use drugs. Drugs interfere with normal brain functioning, creating powerful feelings of pleasure. But they also have long-term effects on brain chemistry and activity. Drug abuse then turns into addiction, which lasts over time and can come back if not treated correctly. People can learn how to live without drugs, but they must remember to never use drugs again. Otherwise, they run the risk of becoming addicted again.^25,26

Myth: Very few women become alcoholics.

Fact: Decades ago that might have been true. Today, the numbers of men and women affected are roughly equal. Women also tend to abuse prescription drugs in much higher numbers than men do.^27,28

Myth: It's only beer.

Fact: A 12-ounce can of beer is about equal to one average cocktail or one glass of wine. You can get very drunk on beer.^29,30

Myth: Alcohol is a stimulant.

Fact: Actually, alcohol slows down the central nervous system. Many people believe otherwise because alcohol tends to make them less embarrassed and self-conscious. People then act in ways they might not otherwise. A person's reaction time, judgment, and coordination slow and become clouded after only a small amount of alcohol.^31,32

Myth: Drinking coffee, going for a walk, or taking a cold shower will quickly "sober you up."

Fact: A person can sober up only when the liver gets rid of all the alcohol. Nothing can speed up this process, and eating a meal beforehand will not prevent a person from getting drunk.³³