“Women and Alcohol: Guidelines for Health”

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Jennifer Faringer, MS.Ed., CPPgDirector, NCADD-RA

National Council on Alcoholism andDrug Dependence - Rochester Area

www.ncadd-ra.org

Health Consequences for Women who Drink Heavily

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Drinking, binge drinking, extreme binge drinking - by women - are all on the rise!

Women who drink are at higher risk of:

Liver disease Alcohol-related heart disease Alcohol-related brain damage Alcohol-related blackouts Developing breast cancer

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How is Excessive Alcohol Use Defined?

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/pdfs/excessive_alcohol_use.pdf

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Motor Vehicle Crashes Interpersonal Violence HIV, STI’s Unintended Pregnancy Liver Cirrhosis Various Cancers (e.g. Breast,

Colon) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders High Blood Pressure Alcohol Dependence

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alcohol Use and Your Health. http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm

Excessive or Risky Alcohol Use is Associated with Poor Health

Tan, CH; Denny, C H ,Cheal, NE, Sniezek, JE, Kanny, D. Alcohol Use and Binge Drinking Among Women of Childbearing Age — United States, 2011–2013. MMWR Morb Mor Weekly Report. 2015; 63:1042-1046.

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What is FASD? FASD caused by women drinking alcoholic beverages

during pregnancy. Characterized by physical and behavioral disabilities

as a result of exposure to alcohol before birth.

Alcohol is a teratogen.

“Of all the substances of abuse (including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana), alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus.” — IOM Report to Congress, 1996

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Facts

All alcoholic beverages are harmful.

Binge drinking is especially harmful.

There is NO proven safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy.

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Alcohol Exposure and Phases of Embryo/Fetal Development

Coles, 1994

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FAS characteristics include effects in (3) primary areas:

A. Under 10% height and weight.

B. Brain/CNS Injury (poor coordination, poor decision making).

C. Cranial and facial abnormalities.

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FAS and the Brain

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European FASD Alliance – TYTD “Too Young Too Drink” campaign

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A Pregnant Woman Never Drinks Alone

There is NO safe level ofdrinking during pregnancy

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The Importance of Physical Health for Women In Recovery

Heidi J. Gordon, MS, CADCCriminal Justice Programs Manager

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.www.councilsepa.org

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Changing the Mindset about Physical Health

EducationAccess to Services New ExperiencesQuality of LifePeer Support

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Education

https://www.viachristi.org

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Access to Services

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Tobacco Cessation

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Exercise

Cardiovascular HealthWeight LossIncreased EnergyGoal Setting and AccomplishmentEndorphins and Mood

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Nutrition

Balanced Diet

Meal Preparation

Healthy Eating on a Budget

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Questions?

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Cigna Behavioral Health Awareness

If you are a Cigna customer and have questions about Substance Use treatment or about your benefits and how to use them, please contact:

Chantelle Hoogland – 888.244.6293 x329159 Lisa Osborne – 770.779.2023

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