• Module 1 - Attitudes
  • Introduction
  • The Function of Attitudes
  • Opportunites for Discussion
    • Ambivalence
    • Faith Tradition
    • Youth Experiences
    • Case Study
    • Final Reflection
• Module 2 - Awareness
  • Introduction
  • General Awareness Information
  • Salient Features
  • Stages of Alcoholism
  • Physiological Impact
  • Other Options
  • Handouts
• Module 3 - Assimilation
  • Introduction
  • Roles of Religious Leaders
  • Codependency
  • Class Activity
  • Case Study
  • Handouts
• Module 4 - Action
  • Introduction
  • General Considerations
  • "The Twelve Steps" Information
  • Factors
  • Phases
  • Additional Possibilities
  • Handouts

MODULE II: Awareness

General Information

Competency 1 - Be aware of the:
Generally accepted definition of alcohol and other drug dependence
Societal stigma attached to alcohol and other drug dependence

Competency 2 - Be knowledgeable about the:
Signs of alcohol and other drug dependence
Characteristics of withdrawal
Effects on the individual and the family (household)
Characteristics of the stages of recovery

Competency 3 - Be aware that possible indicators of the disease may include,
among others:
Marital conflict, Family violence (physical, emotional and verbal), Suicide, Hospitalization, or Encounters with the criminal justice system

Competency 4 - Understand that addiction erodes and blocks religious and spiritual development; and be able to effectively communicate the importance of spirituality and the practice of religion in recovery, using the scripture/sacred writings, traditions and rituals of the faith community

Definition of Alcoholism

The definition of alcoholism used in this curriculum is taken from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The definition reads as follows:

"Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disease that includes the following four symptoms:

• Craving – A strong need, or urge to drink
  
  
• Loss of control – Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun
  
  
• Physical dependence – Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking
  
  
• Tolerance – The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get high

For clinical and research purposes, formal diagnostic criteria for alcoholism also have been developed. Such criteria are included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, as well as in the International Classification of Diseases, published by the World Health Organization. (See also "Publications," Alcohol Alert No. 30: Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Abuse and Dependence in the NIAAA online archives.) If you have the time and wish to explore other definitions of alcoholism, consult Module II, Handout 1.

 

Module Home • Introduction • General Awareness Information • Salient Features Concerning Alcoholism • Stages of Alcoholism
Physiological Impact of Alcoholism • Other Options to Exercise in Conjunction with this Module

 

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