You have graduated from college and have a new job. At several of the events related to your job,

alcohol is being served. According to your textbook, it is possible to pace your drinking so that you will not get drunk and embarrass yourself in front of your boss and colleagues. List these guidelines for paced drinking. Then, explain why alcohol abuse increases with the level of stress in one's life, and identify the danger signs of alcohol abuse.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer will include that paced drinking involves the following: (1) Think about your drinking beforehand and plan how you will manage it; (2) Drink slowly, eat while drinking or drink on a full stomach, making every other drink (or more) a nonalcoholic beverage; (3) Limit drinking primarily to the first hour of a social event or party; (4) Practice how you will politely but firmly refuse drinks; and (5) Learn how to relax, meet people, and socialize without relying on alcohol. What sets alcohol abusers apart from social drinkers is that alcohol abusers don't just drink for pleasure but to cope with negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression. That's why alcohol abuse increases with the level of stress in people's lives. People who drink to relieve bad feelings are at great risk of becoming alcoholics. Because alcohol abuse is such a common problem, it is important to recognize the danger signals, which involve the person exhibiting one of more of the following behaviors after drinking: (1) engaging in unplanned sexual activity; (2) not using protection when engaging in sex; (3) driving under the influence; (4) engaging in illegal activities associated with drug use; (5) feeling sad, blue, or depressed; (6) being nervous or irritable; (7) feeling bad about him or herself; or (8) having problems with appetite or sleeping.