Alcohol Assignment by Amaya Toby

Tolerance

amayatoby2019 — 2025-08-11 02:46:03 UTC

In the video, Ryan talks about how he had to keep increasing the amount of alcohol he drunk to feel the same he had when he first started using. This is an example of tolerance, which is when the body gets used to a substance and requires more of it to get the same effect. In chapter 9 of Therapeutic Communication for Health Care Professionals, it explain that tolerance is one of the clinical signs of substance dependence (C. Tamparo 2024). Ryan’s increasing use shows that his body adapted to the alcohol, making it harder for him to stop using.

Withdrawal

amayatoby2019 — 2025-08-11 02:51:47 UTC

Ryan describes feeling sick, anxious, and out of control when he wasn’t drinking. The symptoms reflect withdrawal, which is a physical and mental reaction to not having the substance in use in the body. According to chapter 9 of Therapeutic Communication for Health Care Professionals, withdrawal is one of the key diagnostic criteria for addiction (C. Tamparo 2024). Ryans symptoms were so severe that hey made him return to drinking, which shows how powerful and painful withdrawal can be.

Diminished Social or Occupational Functioning

amayatoby2019 — 2025-08-11 02:57:45 UTC

Ryans drinking affected his relationship with his family, social life, and responsibilities. He became isolated and unreliable, which matches the behavior in chapter 9 of Therapeutic Communication for Health Care Professionals, called “diminished social or occupational functioning”. Substance abuse often leads people to withdraw from loved ones or fail to meet life’s expectations. His family was clearly hurt, frustrated, and confused which is common when someone is caught up in addiction.

Persistent Desire and Failed Attempts to Quit

amayatoby2019 — 2025-08-11 03:02:46 UTC

Even though Ryan said he wanted to stop drinking, he kept relapsing. This shows a persistent desire to quit, but inability to follow through. In chapter 9 of Therapeutic Communication for Health Care Professionals, it explains that when someone knows their behavior is harmful but can’t control it, it is considered a major symptom of addiction. Ryans struggle to quit even with support shows how deep addiction can go, and why professional help is often needed.

amayatoby2019 — 2025-08-11 03:12:43 UTC