Seventy percent of young adults in the United States had consumed alcohol at some point during the past year, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIAAA, in a survey conducted by the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, NESARC, in 2001 to 2002. Young adults are drinking alcohol at high rates, but in addition to this they are consuming large amounts of alcohol in risky and dangerous situations that have resulted in tragedies.
Basics
The NIAAA reports, that 46 percent of young adults exceeded the recommended daily limits of alcohol, two drinks for men and one drink for women, within the past year. This high consumption of alcohol by young adults can lead to risky behaviors. The NIAAA reports 51 percent of drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 who died in a fatal car accident tested positive for alcohol.
Factors Influencing Use
Young men are more likely than young women to engage in alcohol abuse, reports the NIAAA. Also, race and ethnicity are connected to alcohol abuse in young adults. Whites and Native Americans have demonstrated higher rates of alcohol consumption than African-Americans and Asians, while Hispanics fall in the middle, reports the NIAAA. When college students where compared with non-college peers they drank at lower rates and tended to stop their bouts with heavy drink sooner, as they matured, reports NIAAA.
Signs And Symptoms
According to Help Guide.org, the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school on a consistent basis; consuming alcohol in dangerous situations, such as while driving a car; getting in trouble with the law as a result of alcohol intake and continuing to drink alcohol without regard for how it is negatively impacting their relationships.
Acknowledgement
The first step, in dealing with alcohol abuse is to admit there is a problem with alcohol. The next step will be to get the necessary support; because for people who abuse alcohol drinking plays a large role in their day-to-day life and it will be hard to change alone, reports Help Guide.org. Trusted friends and family members should be aware that their support is needed to overcome the abuse. It is possible to reduce the intake of alcohol without professional health, but it is important to be aware when this is no longer the case.
Professional Treatment
Dealing with alcohol abuse alone will be hard; the involvement of professional help may be necessary. According to Help Guide.org, a doctor or company Employee Assistants Program will be able to provide a list of referrals for treatment. Also, current college students can get help from the campus counseling and mental health services focused on alcohol abuse. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline at (800) 662-HELP provides free referral.
