Chapter 6: Alcoholism

Question 0

Genetics ?

1. The closer the genetic make-up, the more what ?
2. There are four factors under genetic control that are related to vulnerability…..what are they?
3. Genetic factors are only partially responsible for alcoholism: ?

Answer 0

1. similar drinking patterns
2. Flushing response to ethanol
   a low level of response to ethanol (tolerance)
   personality traits that include impulsivity and sensation seeking
   psychiatric symptoms
3. a person with an alcoholic identical twin has only a 60% chance of being an alcoholic aka environment causes some extent of this

Question 1

Disease model???? Think Jellinek???
Phases? 
>moderate social manner (aka initial ) 
> Prodromal phase 
>Gamma alcoholics

Answer 1

-associated with the alcoholic anonymous movement
> drink more and more heavily characterized by frequent blackouts
they are problem drinkers not alcoholics
> loss of control over drinking and physical dependance indicated via high levels of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations and the delirium tremens.
***** NO DIFF IN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION BETWEEN PRODROMAL AND GAMMA

Question 2

FHP vs FHN

Answer 2

alcoholics versus nonalcoholics

• biochemistry, personality or response to to alcohol
• no equivocal results

Question 3

Loss of control?

Answer 3

one or two drinks will cause uncontrollable craving to drink more and more.
unresolved issue ( no loss of control in lab studies)
- many studies have seen alcoholics going form excessive to moderate social drinkers (problem drinkers or gamma? controversy)