By Dan Berman
ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) — Up to forty percent. That’s how much people in the country struggle with alcohol abuse. Whether it be from genetics, ethnicity, and or socio economic issues. When drinking alcohol there’s a certain number of ounces that is considered unsafe to drink.
“Women and men process alcohol differently so the official amount you look at a shot it would be one point five ounces would be one dose one drink and women can have one per day safely unless their pregnant and men can have two per day safely otherwise.” says Cayuga Health medical director John Paul Mead.
Dr. John Paul explains why alcohol causes people to make poor decisions
“Alcohol affects the frontal lobe further so in the short run when you’re on alcohol you’re going to make poor decisions like have injuries car accidents bad relationship decisions.”
Dr. Paul says the maturation process specifically those aging from fifteen to twenty one with brains that aren’t fully developed yet can be slowed down with the consumption of alcohol and it can hinder growth significantly.
“Brains that age are supposed to be developing and so if you slow down development by putting chemicals in there it’s the same as marijuana if you overuse that or over use it as a teenager you’re going to slow down your development and end up not being ready for the real world as an adult when you’re twenty one.”
In terms of treatment from alcohol abuse and addiction Dr. Paul says the main source is connections.
“The anecdote to abuse and addiction is connection so people need to connect with families with trusted mentors with their schools their resources available at every campus and every high school around here.”
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