Alcohol Assignment by

Chapter 9 Substance Abuse and Addiction- Ryan's story

agantt1_1 — 2025-08-07 23:37:40 UTC

This Padlet talks about the case of a young man named Ryan who had a server alcohol dependence. As shown in the documentary, it focuses on four behaviors linked to substance use disorder as described in Chapter 9: tolerance, withdrawal, persistent desire, and continued use despite physical or psychological impairment.

Tolerance

agantt1_1 — 2025-08-07 23:48:12 UTC

Ryans showed tolerance, which is a medical term meaning that the body becomes accustomed to the effects of alcohol, requiring you to drink more to achieve the same feeling. Or when the body is experiencing less of the effect from the same amount of alcohol. Over three years, Ryan escalated to drinking three pints of vodka daily just to feel "normal". His body had adapted to the alcohol to the point that normal amounts no longer produced the feeling he had been used to. This matches how chapter 9 mentions when someone uses a substance a lot, their Body gets used to it, so they need more and more just to feel the same effects.

Withdrawal

agantt1_1 — 2025-08-07 23:48:38 UTC

Ryan displayed alcohol withdrawal symptoms when he went even a few hours without drinking. After 8 hours without alcohol, he had experienced tremors, anxiety, fever and an overwhelming feeling of dread. Chapter 9 explains that the sudden ending of alcohol usage when a person is dependent on it can destabilize the nervous system, which causes potentially fatal symptoms such as seizures, irregular heartbeat etc. Ryan's family had also often gave him alcohol in certain amounts to prevent life-threatening withdrawal.

Persistent desire for substance

agantt1_1 — 2025-08-07 23:58:51 UTC

Ryan had showed a persistent desire and inability to cut down despite repeated consequences. Even after being hospitalized, receiving warnings from doctors and even attempting rehab. He still sought alcohol urgently. Ryan had admitted to feeling terrified of being sober. He was afraid of his own thoughts and believed alcohol was the only way to function. Chapter 9 explains this as a behavior that shows how someone can become so focused on getting and using the substance that it overtakes their thinking and decision making.

Continued use despite Physical or Psychological Impairments

agantt1_1 — 2025-08-08 00:02:33 UTC

Ryan continued drinking despite severe physical and psychological harm. His medical exams revealed chronic pancreatitis, liver damage, avascular necrosis of the hip and malnutrition. Psychologically, he experienced hallucinations and paranoia. Despite these behaviors, Ryan kept drinking. Chapter 9 defines this as continued use even when the user is fully aware that the substance is worsening existing health problems, which Ryan had acknowledge multiple times.

agantt1_1 — 2025-08-08 00:41:42 UTC