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edt a i LE aia Gl BE DRUG AWARENESS THE PORT PERRY STAR, Tuesday, September 26, 1995. - § Definition of problem alcohol use can vary By Steve Chiasson Regardless of whether they consume alcohol or not, most adults have con- templated what would constitute an alcohol prob- lem. The definition of an alcohol problem can vary greatly both within the general population and amongst professional counsellors. Similarly, there are differing opin- ions on how to best deal with an alcohol problem. The staff at Pinewood's Community Addiction Services believe that treatment of alcohol prob- lems should be tailored to the individual. In most cases the approach taken for early stage problems would be quite different than for chronic alcohol problems. In terms of treatment options, absti- nence is but one goal to be considered. The reduction of alcohol consumption is an appropriate goal for most drinkers who have developed problems of mild to moderate severity. One way to view an indi- viduals use of alcohol is on 2 continuum ranging from No Risk to High Risk of problems related to alco- hol consumption. During the course of a person's life, they may move back and forth through the "Risk Continuum." The High Risk drinkers are considered to be those con- suming in excess of 34 drinks a week. At this lev- el of drinking, long and short term problems have typically developed. Many problems associated with alcohol may also occur amongst people who do not drink heavily or habit- ually. These drinkers like- ly fall into the Moderate Risk category, consuming between 13 and 34 drinks a week. This group of drinkers often adopt "risk practices" that lead to al- cohol problems. The low risk level of drinking is considered to range from one and 12 drinks per week. As long as certain guidelines are followed, drinking at this level would be considered social or moderate drinking. With the current trend in society to be more health conscious, more and more people are mak- ing positive lifestyle changes. A persons rela- tionship with alcohol is a major consideration in terms of their overall well- being. The first step In evaluating ones own use of alcohol is to understand what causes alcohol prob- lems. This is primarily ac- complished through edu- cation and awareness of risk practices. The next step 1s to assess ones use in terms of alcohol-related problems and the poten- tial risk of problems devel- oping. The Pinewood staff are in the process of launching an "Alcohol Check Up Pro- gramme," specifically de- signed for individuals drinking at the moderate risk level. This "Check Up" service will provide individuals with personal- ized feedback, along with more general alcohol- related information. The goal of the programme 1s to have individuals make more informed decisions around their relationship with alcohol. With the aid of a computer programme, individuals will be provid- ed with a wide range of in- formation including the following: their yearly cost 1} i | of alcohol based on home costs and bar costs; the av- erage number of extra cal- ories from alcohol per day; how their level of use com- pares to other adults; ap- proximate Blood Alcohol Concentration calcula- tions; information on health related risks and guidelines pertaining to 10 different risk practices. This "Check Up" service is part of a pilot project that will only be offered out of Pinewood's Port Perry Office. This service is completely confidential and is provided at no cost under OHIP. For more in- formation, contact Pine- wood's Port Perry Office at 905-985-4721. False? True or False? Quick Quiz #2 1. Alcohol helps you sleep. True or False? 2. One drink can't hurt anyone. True or False? 3. Alcohol will cure the common cold. True or 4. Being sure to eat when you're drinking will keep you sober. True or False? 5. You can die from drinking too much alcohol too quickly. A PROMISE OF NO FUTURE. OVERRIDGE FIREPLACE WAREHOUSE ~ THINK AGAIN! ® - NAPOLEON - DIRECT TO YOU WORRY FREE GUARANTEED INSTALLATIONS 180 CASIMIR ST., PORT PERRY Bc: I CARE ABOUT THEIR HOPES & DREAMS. GIVE YOUR KIDS A GOOD START IN LIFE AND TEACH THEM THAT DRUGS ARE HARMFUL. IT'S ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO. Talk To Your Kids About Drugs. This message brought to you by... 985-0715 189 Queen St., Port Perry (905) 985-7221 = SOR CHOICE This Message brought to you by: M BREIL, PONTIAC BUICK LIMITED 10 Vanedward Drive, Port Perry 985-8474 "Serving Port Perry & Durham Region since 1976"