GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Alcohol has been a part of society through the ages, but alcohol has NEVER been the problem! Alcohol never drove a car off a bridge, never broke the law underage, or abused a child or spouse. People have done these things and more under the influence of alcohol. So which is the problem? The improper use of alcohol is the issue. Instead of being one of the 100 or more individuals on average forced to take a look at their drinking with the help of ADAPT here. Use this information to guide you.

There are three main types of alcohol abuse we will take a look at.

Binge Drinking: A large percentage of 18-25 year olds partake in this activity. At times it is used to show off or be part of the crowd, but usually results in negative consequences. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), five or more drinks in a sitting is a binge. (A "drink" is classified as 12 oz of beer, 6-8 oz of wine, or 1-1 ½ oz of liquor that is 80 proof)

What you may see:
- Drinking fast for effect. The guy who gets two or three drinks at a time so he won't have to wait in line "might lose the buzz".
- Choosing strong drinks such as Long Island Iced Teas, which have five to six shots of alcohol in each drink.
- Playing drinking games
- "Keg stands" or "Bonging" drinks

Consequences:
- Blackouts
- Hangovers
- Drinking and driving because you thought you were fine, but blood alcohol level was still on the rise
- Doing or saying things you regret

Alcohol Abuse: This is a diagnosis that, unless caught early, may lead to alcohol dependence. Some may confuse this with spilling a perfectly good beer or vomiting soon after consumption. This is not the alcohol abuse we are referring to. There are four identifying criteria that must be met within a twelve-month period. Only one is needed for the diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms:
- Failure to meet responsibilities or obligations: This can be work, family, home, or breaking a promise to someone you care about, or not even scheduling engagements for the time you may be using or recovering.
- Use in physically hazardous situations: This is usually seen as drinking and driving, unprotected sex, or sex with unknown partners. Basically engaging in other "dangerous" behavior you would not do if you were sober.
- Legal problems arising from use: Driving While Impaired (DWI), underage drinking or physical altercations.
- Continued use despite problems you already are aware of: Disagreements with spouse, child or someone you care about due to your use, extramarital "indiscretions" while under the influence, late to work, or in general not meeting standards.

Alcohol Dependence: In this condition the person's alcohol use has progressed to the point where the person is psychologically or physically "dependent" on
alcohol. One must meet three of the following in the same 12 month period to be diagnosed.

Signs and symptoms:
- Tolerance: Either a marked decrease of effect with usual amount of alcohol, or marked increase of effect with less amount of alcohol. Tolerance is often confused with blood alcohol levels. Blood alcohol level is the percentage of alcohol found in your blood. Tolerance is merely how well you have trained your body to react to higher levels of alcohol.
- Excessive use: Drinking more than you intended or spending more time drinking than you had intended. This can also be not setting a time limit or limit on how much you drink. A lot of times we hear "only alcoholics keep track of how much they drink."
- Impaired control: Unsuccessful efforts to quit or cut down on alcohol use.
- Continued use despite problems you already are aware of: Disagreements with spouse, child or someone you care about due to your use, extramarital "indiscretions" while under the influence, late to work, physical problems associated with drinking.
- Withdrawal: Nausea, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping heavy drinking.
- Large amounts of time spent obtaining, using or recovering from effects. Preoccupation with alcohol-thinking on Monday about going to the bar on Thursday; spending the majority of the weekend either drinking or recovering from drinking.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or significantly reduced. (Either all social activities must include alcohol or you don't attend functions where alcohol is not served or allowed).

In reading through the three main types of alcohol abuse, I am sure you were able to think of at least one person that fits into one of the categories, maybe even yourself. If you would like more information on alcohol and the effects of drinking please stop by or call the ADAPT office at 747-4460.