For most adults, moderate alcohol use is not harmful. However, nearly 17.6 million adults in the United States are alcoholics or have alcohol problems. Alcoholism is a disease with four main features: -- Craving - a strong need to drink -- Loss of control - not being able to stop drinking once you've begun -- Physical dependence - withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating or shakiness after stopping drinking -- Tolerance - the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get "high" Alcoholism carries many serious dangers. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of certain cancers. It can cause damage to the liver, brain and other organs. It can cause birth defects. It increases the risk of death from car crashes and other injuries as well as the risk of homicide and suicide.

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Fitango Education
Health Topics
Alcohol Control

2. 1
Overview
For most adults, moderate alcohol use is not
harmful. However, nearly 17.6 million adults in the
United States are alcoholics or have alcohol
problems. Alcoholism is a disease with four main
features:
-- Craving - a strong need to drink

3. 2
Overview
-- Loss of control - not being able to stop drinking
once you've begun
-- Physical dependence - withdrawal symptoms,
such as nausea, sweating or shakiness after
stopping drinking
-- Tolerance - the need to drink greater amounts of
alcohol in order to get "high"

4. 3
Overview
Alcoholism carries many serious dangers. Heavy
drinking can increase the risk of certain cancers. It
can cause damage to the liver, brain and other
organs. It can cause birth defects. It increases the
risk of death from car crashes and other injuries as
well as the risk of homicide and suicide.

5. 4
How does alcohol affect a
person?
Alcohol affects every organ in the body. It is a
central nervous system depressant that is rapidly
absorbed from the stomach and small intestine
into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolized in the
liver by enzymes; however, the liver can only
metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time,
leaving the excess alcohol to circulate throughout
the body. The intensity of the effect of alcohol on
the body is directly related to the amount
consumed.

6. 5
What does moderate drinking
mean?
According to the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is
defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women
and up to 2 drinks per day for men. This definition
is referring to the amount consumed on any single
day and is not intended as an average over several
days. The Dietary Guidelines also state that it is not
recommended that anyone begin drinking or drink
more frequently on the basis of potential health
benefits because moderate alcohol intake also is
associated w

7. 6
How do I know if it’s okay to
drink?
The current Dietary Guidelines for
Americans recommend that if you choose to drink
alcoholic beverages, do not exceed 1 drink per day
for women or 2 drinks per day for men. According
to the guidelines, people who should not drink
alcoholic beverages at all include the following:
Children and adolescents.

8. 7
How do I know if it’s okay to
drink?
Individuals of any age who cannot limit their
drinking to low level.
Women who may become pregnant or who are
pregnant.
Individuals who plan to drive, operate machinery,
or take part in other activities that require
attention, skill, or coordination.

9. 8
How do I know if it’s okay to
drink?
Individuals taking prescription or over-the-counter
medications that can interact with alcohol.
Individuals with certain medical conditions.
Persons recovering from alcoholism.

10. 9
How do I know if it’s okay to
drink?
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,
it is not recommended that anyone begin drinking
or drink more frequently on the basis of potential
health benefits because moderate alcohol intake
also is associated with increased risk of breast
cancer, violence, drowning, and injuries from falls
and motor vehicle crashes.