Alcohol Fact Sheet
Description/Overview
Alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) is one of the most commonly abused drugs in our society. Alcohol:
• Is a Central Nervous System depressant (slows down body reactions and general brain function)
• There are two kinds of alcohol:
o Ethyl - found in “beverage” alcohol (beer, wine, spirits and liquors). Ethyl is also present in “non-beverage” alcohol (rubbing alcohol, mouthwash, cooking wine)
o Methyl - found in solvents (paint removers, antifreeze, household products)
Short – Term Effects
• Sense of well being, euphoria and release of inhibitions and tension
• Drowsiness, dizziness and flushing
• Affected speech, balance, and vision
• At higher doses, the effects may be reversed (from euphoria to depression and suicidal behaviour)
• “Hangover” feeling (syndrome of fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and shakiness)
Long – Term Effects
• Heavy drinking over a long period of time (more than 2 drinks per day) can lead to serious health problems such as:
o Stomach ulcers, disorders of the pancreas, liver damage/disease
o Sexual problems/impotence/reproductive problems
o Brain damage
o Certain types of cancer
o Heart disease
o Blackouts (loss of memory)
• Depression is common
• Disruptions in social, work and family life,
• Financial and legal problems
Dependence Potential
• Nervous system adapts to the presence of a chronic depressant and physical dependence develops
• Psychological dependence can also occur, in which users may experience anxiety and even panic when alcohol is not available
• Regular use leads to needing increased doses to produce the desired/same effect (tolerance)
• Regular users of alcohol may not appear to be drunk, but it still is not safe for them to drive a car or perform other tasks
Withdrawal
• Withdrawal effects may range depending upon severity of physical dependence:
• Withdrawal symptoms may include and progress over three stages:
1. Tremulousness (the shakes), irritability, nausea and vomiting, difficulty sleeping. These symptoms may occur a few hours after drinking stops and peak within 24 to 48 hours and then subside in 2 or 3 days. This is the stage where alcohol hallucinations can occur
2. Convulsions (seizures) can develop within 24 to 48 hours after stopping heavy drinking. Convulsions can last from 5 to 20 days
3. Delirium tremens (DTs) is the most serious stage of alcohol withdrawal. Occur 4 or 5 days after heavy/prolonged drinking stops. A person can become extremely confused, agitated and disoriented, with dilated pupils, fever and rapid heart rate
*Drinking during pregnancy can result in birth of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) children
The Addiction Centre aims to:
* Bridge the gap between addiction and physical/ psychiatric treatment services.
* Provide a bio-psycho-social assessment.
* Provide a treatment and referral service that encourages patients to be active participants in their treatment and take responsibility for their overall well-being.
* Provide a multi-dimensional model of care to meet the needs of our patients.
* Teach and train health care professionals about concurrent disorders.
* Evaluate assessments and interventions using standardized evaluation tools.
Scope of Service:
* Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 08:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
* Assessment Clinics: Available at various times Monday to Friday.
* Individual and Group Therapy: Available at various times Monday to Friday.
Adult Programs (Age 18 and older)
Description of Services
The Adult Program specializes in the assessment and treatment of adults with substance related issues and/or behavioural addiction combined with a major psychiatric and/or physical disorder (eg. chronic pain).
Treatment
Each patient is provided with a case manager. The case manager meets with the patient at least once a week and coordinates the patient's treatment plan.
Treatment is multidisciplinary and may involve individual counselling, milieu therapy, group therapy, psychological assessment and testing, patient education about substance abuse and medications, pain assessment and management, social skills training, occupational assessment and counselling, recreation therapy, leisure counselling, and family therapy. Some medication treatment and monitoring is provided.
Treatment Includes:
Assessment Level I
Biopsychosocial assessment utilizing the Addiction Severity Index with case management and support by an interdisciplinary team. Outpatient Programs (Mon. to Fri.)
Groups are offered for individuals at varying levels of treatment readiness, from level II to level IV. Psychoeducational, insight-oriented cognitive behavioral, and support groups.
* Addiction Centre Level II Program Overview
* Addiction Centre Level III Program Overview
* Addiction Centre Level IV Program Overview
Specialized Groups
Addiction group therapy is offered for gambling, chronic pain, couples, nicotine dependence and open group for individuals experiencing a severe and persistent mental illness who can come to group as they please. Psychoeducational, insight-oriented cognitive behavioral, and support groups.
Individual and Family Psychotherapy
Therapy is supportive, cognitive behavioural, systemic, and uses motivational enhancement techniques.
Referral Service
After the assessment, treatment may include a referral to other appropriate community services (AADAC, Residential Programs, Detoxification & Stabilization, EFAP counselling and/or Psychiatric Services).
Claresholm Centre for Mental Health and Addictions
The Concurrent Disorders Residential Program at Claresholm is intended for individuals with concurrent disorders 18 and older who would benefit from residential treatment. For additional information click here
Addiction Network
The Addiction Network includes acute care and community based satellites. Each Addiction Network satellite provides enhanced consultation services to individuals presenting with a history of substance abuse/behavioural addiction concurrent with a significant psychiatric and/or medical diagnosis. Services are supported by a registered nurse, psychologist, and consulting family physician and/or psychiatrist.
Self Assessment
Question 1
In your life, which of the following substances have you ever used? (NON-MEDICAL USE ONLY) No Yes
a. Tobacco products (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, etc.)
b. Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, etc.)
c. Cannabis (marijuana, pot, grass, hash, etc.)
d. Cocaine (coke, crack, etc.)
e. Amphetamine type stimulants (speed, diet pills, ecstacy, etc.)
f. Inhalants (nitrous, glue, petrol, paint thinner, etc.)
g. Sedatives or Sleeping Pills (Valium, Serepax, Rohypnol, etc.)
h. Hallucinogens (LSD, acid, mushrooms, PCP, Special K, etc.)
i. Opioids (heroin, morphine, methadone, codeine, etc.)
j. Other - specify:
Cheers, frizzy2008.