Alcohol abuse or alcoholism affects about 14 million people in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition to the symptoms experienced while a person is drinking, alcohol abuse is also tied to long-term complications such as liver damage and certain types of cancer.
Identification
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) identifies alcohol abuse as exceeding the recommended drinking limits for a person's sex. For men, up two drinks per day is acceptable, while for women the limit is one drink daily. In these guidelines, one drink is the equivalent of 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or a wine cooler or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. When a person exceeds these limits, they may have an alcohol abuse problem.
Immediate Signs
According to SAMHSA, there are several physical signs that are used to identify alcohol abuse immediately after or while drinking. These short-term, temporary symptoms include a loss of coordination or a distortion of vision and hearing. Also, a change in the way the person perceives his surroundings and emotions may also be a sign of alcohol abuse. A hangover typically follows once the alcohol has begun to wear off.
Cancer
One of the long-term physical symptoms linked to alcohol abuse is certain types of cancer. SAMHSA reports that heavy drinking over a long-period of time contributes to an increased risk for cancer of the colon, rectum, esophagus, mouth, voice box and throat. Furthermore, women may also experience a slight increase in their risk of breast cancer.
Liver Damage
Liver disease is one of the leading symptoms of alcohol abuse over a long period of time. According to SAMHSA, over 2 million people in the United States have an alcohol-related liver disease. In fact, 10 to 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop alcoholic cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. Alcohol hepatitis is also common among alcohol abusers; this condition occurs when the liver becomes inflamed, and presents symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain and fever.
Treatment Options
Though the NIAAA says that alcoholism is incurable, there are several treatment programs available for alcohol abusers. Typically, an alcohol treatment program combines therapy and medications to help alcohol abusers avoid relapse and control their cravings. As of 2010, there are three oral and one injection medications available to fight alcohol dependence.
