The language of intoxication is remarkably different when it comes to men and women. There have been studies done by researchers at the department of psychological sciences at the University of Missouri, which report that tremendous variations occur depending on the amount of alcohol a person consumes as an individual and how the effects differ on different occasions. In these studies it was found that men tend to use more heavy intoxicated words such as "hammered" to describe their state of intoxication between moderate to heavy and are relatively more forceful in their tone. Women tend to use more moderate words such as "tipsy" to describe their level of intoxication of four drinks in a two hour period, which actually meets binge-drinking criteria for women but not men. Since women use euphemistic terms such as "tipsy" to describe their level of intoxication more so than men, women are potentially mislead and often feel as though they are capable of driving after drinking because they are "only tipsy". This is also similar to other gender differences in slang use such men sweat and women glow. The discrepancies between these objective and subjective effects can help the clinician assess tolerance and sensitivity. They could also aid in the development of gender-sensitive interventions by helping them understand which terms men and women usually use to describe their levels of intoxication. Therefore helping interventionists to better relate to those they are trying to help during an intervention. Even though "drunk" is the oldest English-language intoxication-related synonym currently used today individuals do not perceive "drunk" in the same way. So, the question remains how do you really know how drunk a person is by them telling you? It's obvious that each individual has a different tolerance for alcohol consumption and each has their own way of expressing how they are feeling at any giving time on different occasions. In the past alcohol researchers have largely ignored the language of intoxication and have relied largely on objective measures which do not reflect individual subjective differences in drinking experiences.
These new studies are a major break through for researchers and in March of 2009 results will be published in the March issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental. It's amazing how different we are as men and women and how our gender effects the way we perceive the world. Research on alcohol use between men and women is only one of the many ways to describe how we are effected on different levels. The research that's being done is going to be a great help to clinicians giving them more insight on the patients they see. Even though this research is a help flow to the medical profession and the public it still does not replace the vast need for rehabilitation services that are needed in the United States due to alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is wide spread across the U.S. and many other countries and is often the cause of many lives that are lost on a daily basis. If you or someone you know is suffering with alcohol abuse please contact a counselor for help.
Besides the outstanding, pristine scenery, the wildlife, both marine and land locked and the opportunity to experience the outdoors safely, Vancouver Island has some of the most challenging hiking trails in the world.
But let's work up to it slowly: I have seen first hand what it can do to the so-called amateur outdoors man.
On the south end of the island, starting in Saanich and winding its way around Victoria to the south-west coast, is the famous 'Galloping Goose Trail'. Named after a rather strange looking railway carriage of earlier times, this former railway line right of way extends for fifty-five kilometers along wheelchair accessible terrain. Besides passing through a great variety of scenery it also has access to fishing, beaches, and areas for pot holing, kayaking and other water activities.
To start us out on our fitness trails, take the Galloping Goose and try the fifty five kilometer walk: or maybe cycling would be easier for you to start out!
Well, while we are all warmed up, why not drive up to Strathcona Provincial Park, in the centre of the island, and do a bit of wilderness hiking.
This is not only the oldest Provincial park on the island but the largest, and has the highest mountain peaks of the Vancouver Island Range; with several towering at over 2,000 meters in height.
This list includes The Golden Hinde, which at nearly 2,200 meters is the tallest in the park and Elkhorn Mountain, just tens of meters shorter.
One of the tallest waterfalls in Canada can also be found in this Park. Della Falls is 440 meters up which provides some astonishing and majestic views to those brave enough to manage the steep hike..
Of course all of this makes an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and those who feel at home in nature and its surroundings. However, there are bears, cougars and other potentially dangerous animals.
Within Strathcona Provincial Park are dozens of different trails, ranging from easy to advanced. Some trails can be easily done in a less strenuous hike while others are several days long; all are wilderness trails with few amenities.
Now I have you aching for more, so to speak, we can take a look at the Vancouver Island special, the West Coast Trail. What the big boys call ?The real Canadian experience?.
This is one tough hike! Besides being 75 kilometers in length it can take anywhere from five to ten days to travel. You will need to bring all your own supplies including food and water, and because of the location on the pacific coast side of the island it is only open to use between May and September.
You have to get a permit, you will get lots of rain and mud, you will have to deal with tide changes, long steep climbs, tree ladders, steep cliffs, natural bridges and manually operated cable cars over deep chasms: and don't forget the wolves and bears!
Vancouver Island is full of adventures for you to discover, so if you think you can handle a real hiking experience, head to the Pacific North-west and give these three suggestions a try. But come prepared, the British Army training group didn't find it very easy, and neither will you.
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