The Voice of Southwest Louisiana April 2018 Issue

Q&A
By: Regina James, Brenda Hill
Q&A with Patrick
Steward, M.Ed
Alcohol Abuse Prevention Awareness
In light of Alcohol Abuse Prevention Awareness, Patrick Steward,
M.Ed., Owner/Operator of New Beginnings Outreach Community
Center defines Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. He agrees
with scripture in that the first step in all of your getting is an
understanding.
Certified Master Addictions Counselor III
Certified Anger & Depression
Management Specialist
Certified Behavior Management
Specialist
He likes to read, travel and go to the
beach and look at the sunset.
QWhat is the difference between
Alcoholism and Alcohol abuse?
ASomeone who is dependent on
alcohol needs it through the day.
They develop a high tolerance needing
more alcohol to feel any effect. Alcoholics
suffer from withdrawal and will drink to
avoid symptoms of withdrawals which
includes, anxiety, tremors, sweating, and
depression. Alcohol abusers are not
yet dependent, but may experience a
little bit of tolerance or a small degree of
withdrawal. Nothing as severe as what a
true alcoholic goes through.
QWhat race, gender, etc., seem to
suffer the more from Alcoholism/
Alcohol abuse?
AAlcoholism has devastating
effects on a person’s health and
personal life no matter what sex they are.
Alcoholism is more prevalent among men
than women. Recent studies have shown
that White and Native Americans have
a greater risk of alcohol use disorders
relative to other ethnic groups. However,
once alcohol dependence occurs Blacks
and Hispanics experience higher rates
than whites of recurrent or presistent
dependence.
QWhat factors lead up to Alcoholism?
A
Genetic,
Environmental, and
Social factors can be precusors to
alcoholism. Alcoholism is considered a
disease, compulsive need, and addictive
illness.
Heredity Genetic factors may account for
one half of the total risk of developing
alcoholism. Research indicates that more
than one gene is responsible for an
increase of developing alcoholism, yet
abnormalities in certain brain regions are
implicated in alcohol dependence.
QDoes city festivals and parties
influence rates of alcoholism?
A
Louisana
is among the top states that
have a higher than average binge
drinking rate. Mardi Gras draws 1.4 million
people into New Orleans alone. New Orlens
has a binge drinking rate which is higher
than the national average. Louisiana also
has many festivals and like activities across
the state and binge drinking is higher in
Louisiana than the national average.
QWhat types of conditions and/
or illnesses seem to contribute to
alcohol abuse?
AGenetics, emotional pain and
mental health can contribute to
alcohol abuse.
QWhat are some long term health
effects associated with Alcoholism/
Alcohol abuse?
ASome health effects associated with
alcohol intake in large amounts
include an increased risk of malnutrition,
chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic liver
disease and cancer.
Programs supporting loved ones affected
by Alcoholism/Alcohol abuse are New
Beginnings Outreach Community Center
(337) 794-5351, Successful Self Inc, (337)
377-5731, Alcoholics Anonymous (337)
502-9833.
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April 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 5 • Number 9