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Dear JimAnswers to questions from more than 50 Students dealing with a variety of college drinking issues are answered in Jim’s new book: “The ABCS of College Drinking…25 tips for navigating the college party scene." Check the Books page for further information.
Q. Dear Jim,
Is alcoholism genetic?
A-Dear Anonymous,
Is alcoholism genetic?
Anna L. – Senior, Harvard University
A – Dear Anna,
A – Dear Anna,
This is very complex question. Although researchers have found a genetic link to alcoholism, there is no conclusive evidence that alcoholism itself is genetic, we do know however that we do inherit from our parents our RISK for alcoholism. We all have some risk for the development of alcoholism. If my family has no history of alcoholism, I will inherit a lower risk of alcoholism than someone who has a family history of alcoholism. Actually, the risk for the development of alcoholism is approximately four times greater for children of alcoholics than children of non-alcoholics. Remember, though that ANYONE can develop alcoholism. What we inherit is our RISK for alcoholism.
The development of alcoholism is based on an interaction between our biological risk level and the social and psychological factors that influence our quantity and frequency of use of alcohol. For a comprehensive look at this process I strongly urge you to read my book “ Beer, Booze and Books… a sober look at higher education” and to encourage your campus to implement the “Prime for Life” program developed by the Prevention Research Institute in Lexington, Kentucky.
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Q. Dear Jim,
Everyone complains about the dangers of drinking. Are there any positive sides?
Everyone complains about the dangers of drinking. Are there any positive sides?
Joseph J. – Freshman, Manhattan College
A. Dear Joseph,
A. Dear Joseph,
As far as the positive side of drinking alcoholic beverages goes, there are a few but they do need some clarification:
- Alcoholic beverages can be refreshing thirst quencher however they can also dehydrate us in the long run.
- Consuming a glass of wine can stimulate the digestive juices thus enhancing digestion however it can become toxic to our digestive tract if abused – sometimes even causing cancer.
- It does seem to have some value in reducing the LDL cholesterol and increasing the HDL cholesterol thus contributing slightly to lifetime longevity. This benefit occurs with no more than 2 drinks daily for men and 1 drink daily for women. If more is consumed on a daily basis, numerous health problems can develop. Some evidence is developing indicating that some of the health benefits associated with 1-2 drinks per day are offset by a number of other health risks. For instance, the latest research indicates that although there may be some cardiovascular benefit to 2 drinks a day there may also be some increased risk of breast cancer in women drinking at that rate. The evidence is still inconclusive.
- Drinking alcoholic beverages can enhance socialization yet many people then become dependent upon alcohol to assist them in socializing. This dependence results in a need for alcohol in order to socialize because the social skills we develop while impaired do not transfer very well to sober state. Many students talk to me about how much fun they have socializing at parties but are not very good at interacting with others in other social environments. We refer to this as State Dependent Learning resulting in an inability to socialize without alcohol.
- Alcoholic beverages are used in sacred ritual in many religions.
- Some people simply like the taste of the various alcoholic drinks.
I hope this helps in your understanding about drinking alcoholic beverages. As you can see, I hope, I am not against drinking. I drink alcoholic beverages occasionally. Many people do – approximately 60-70% of the adult population does including many of the prevention and education specialists who are alerting you to the risk associated with that choice to drink. However, I believe as do most people, consumption of alcoholic beverages should be limited to low risk consumption.
Q- Dear Jim,
Why do you think alcohol causes problems in relationships? For example, I drink only one day a week, however, when I drink it does have a effect on my relationship with my girl.
Why do you think alcohol causes problems in relationships? For example, I drink only one day a week, however, when I drink it does have a effect on my relationship with my girl.
Anonymous - University of Oregon
A-Dear Anonymous,
It is tough to answer that question via e-mail but I’ll give it a try. Alcohol is a depressant drug. One of the first things it does is depress our social inhibitors – those things that usual assist in filtering the things we say and do. Perhaps one of the things that is happenings with you is that your lack of inhibitions in contributing to your saying and doing things that are not quite appropriate or at the very least, disturb your girlfriend. When you are sober, feeling the effect of those social inhibitors/filters, you don’t act or do the things you do when drunk.
You mention that you drink “only one day a week.’ Once a week could be considered low risk depending upon how much you drink. However, what you are indicating though is that when you drink it causes you problems. Therefore, whether you drink once a day – week – month – year is irrelevant. The fact that alcohol causes difficulties for you should cause you to re-evaluate the role you want drinking to play in your life. When you drink, can you limit the amount you consume to avoid the relationship problems? Do you want to continue drinking despite the problems? If you have any doubts about this, your campus counselor can help clarify these issues. Good luck!
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Q- Dear Jim,
Some college students have died this year due to drinking. What causes this? Why do some people die and others do not?
Some college students have died this year due to drinking. What causes this? Why do some people die and others do not?
Alan Z. – Junior, University of Miami
A- Dear Alan,
A- Dear Alan,
Deaths due to drinking occur for many reasons such as serious accidents, including falls from buildings or down stairs. However, I assume by your questions, that you are referring to alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol is a depressant drug. If we consume too much of it, the depressant nature of the drug can inhibit the central nervous system’s ability to function effectively. As a result, the messages for the heart and lungs to continue functioning can cease – resulting in death.
The BAL (blood alcohol level) that will cause death depends on many factors. A given BAL may have serious ramifications for one person while it could result in the death of another person. However, we do know that once the BAL goes over approximately .4 the drinker is risking coma and/or death.
You can avoid risking alcohol poising by consuming at a low risk level. For a better understanding of low risk alcohol consumption, I urge you to request your campus to consider conducting the “Prime For Life” program developed by the Prevention Research Institute, listed on the Resources Page. Further information can also be obtained in my book, “Beer, Booze and Books… a sober look at higher education.” For now understand that drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Q – Hey Jim,
My friend drinks about twice a week. She usually drinks just beer but often blacks out? How come sometimes she blacks out and other times she doesn’t?
A- Dear Matt,
My friend drinks about twice a week. She usually drinks just beer but often blacks out? How come sometimes she blacks out and other times she doesn’t?
A- Dear Matt,
First of all Matt, be careful when saying “just” beer. The alcohol contained in beer – ethyl alcohol ETOH – is the same alcohol as that in wine, wine coolers and liquor. The difference is the volume of alcohol in each of these alcoholic beverages. An average 12 ounce beer, 4 ounce glass of table wine, and I ounce shot of 100 proof liquor contains approximately ½ ou
nce of alcohol. By the way, much to the surprise of many, an average 12 ounce wine cooler actually contains approximately ¾ ounce of alcohol.
As far as the blackouts are concerned, understand that a blackout is basically alcohol induced amnesia. The memory connections in the brain are disrupted due to the alcohol. The drinker who experiences a blackout, as well as those around the drinker, are unaware of it while it is happening. They don’t know until the next day, when people are re-living the previous night’s events, that the blackout occurred.
We know that a blackout can occur after consuming a lot or a little bit of alcohol. It is more likely that it can occur after drinking at a high risk level in a short period of time. Drinking on an empty stomach can also contribute to a blackout. Most alcoholics experience blackouts however many people who are not alcoholics also experience blackouts. What your girlfriend must take seriously is the fact that a blackout is a sign that dangerous alcohol problem is, at the very least, developing if not already present. It can contribute to a harmful impairment problem while it is occurring.
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Q- Dear Jim,
Once and for all, are there any cures for hangovers?
Once and for all, are there any cures for hangovers?
Anonymous
A-Dear Anonymous,
The best approach is to avoid the hangover. If you chose to drink:
German – Katzenjammer: wailing of cats
Italian – Statuto: Out of tune
French – Gueule de bois: Woody mouth
Norwegian – Jeg har tommermenn: Workmen in my head
Swedish – Hont I haret: Pain in the roots of my hair
A-Dear Anonymous,
Once and for all, there are no cures for hangovers. There are many ways that people try to relieve some of the symptoms of the hangover but you don’t actually “cure” it. International suggestions include heavy cream or cucumber juice. Voodoo legend suggests sticking pins into the cork of the bottle from which you drank. American students try water and aspirin before bed, Alka Seltzer, or Gatorade. None of these things actually cure the hangover however they may relieve the distress and painful symptoms of the hangover. The strength of any hangover cure is based on the BELIEF in the curative value of whatever it is you do.
Some people have “a little hair of the dog that bit them” meaning they consume more alcohol in the morning. This is extremely dangerous behavior since a hangover is a mild form of withdrawal and drinking alcohol to relieve withdrawal symptoms is an addictive behavior pattern. The alcoholic beverage industry masks the seriousness of this with such seemingly innocent things like Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers, Mimosas, and Champagne Brunches.
The best approach is to avoid the hangover. If you chose to drink:
- consume no more than one drink per hour
- avoid spicy and/or salty foods
- clear liquors like vodka or gin tend to have less congeners – toxins – therefore a milder hangover if you over do it
- avoid cheap wines
German – Katzenjammer: wailing of cats
Italian – Statuto: Out of tune
French – Gueule de bois: Woody mouth
Norwegian – Jeg har tommermenn: Workmen in my head
Swedish – Hont I haret: Pain in the roots of my hair
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Beer, Booze and Books... a guide to college drinking
