Alcohol Use and Impact

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to alcohol use, its impacts, and associated health effects, aiding in understanding for exam preparation.

Psychoactive drug

A substance that alters perception, mood, or consciousness.

Binge drinking

Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, defined as more than 4 drinks for men or 3 for women per occasion.

Alcohol dependency

A physiological or psychological reliance on alcohol, often leading to withdrawal symptoms when not consumed.

Korsakoff syndrome

A chronic neurological condition caused by thiamine deficiency, frequently associated with alcoholism, characterized by severe memory loss.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

A range of effects that occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy.

Alcoholic liver disease

A range of liver conditions resulting from excessive alcohol consumption, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis

Severe scarring of the liver caused by many forms of liver disease, including alcoholic liver disease.

Cancers linked to alcohol use

Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including liver, breast, and colorectal cancers.

Impaired driving

Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.

Socioeconomic status

An individual’s economic and social position in relation to others, based on income, education, and occupation.

Risky drinking behaviors

Patterns of drinking that increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, including heavy episodic drinking.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, which may be exacerbated by alcohol use.

Mental health disorders linked to alcohol

Psychological conditions, including depression and anxiety, that can both result from and contribute to alcohol use.

Alcohol poisoning

A serious, potentially fatal condition resulting from consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short time.

Long-term negative health effects of alcohol

Chronic conditions resulting from sustained excessive alcohol use, including liver disease, brain damage, and increased cancer risk.

Crime statistics related to alcohol use

Data that connects alcohol consumption with crime rates, particularly in relation to violent crimes and impaired driving incidents.