The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that research is beginning to show a decline in alcohol dependence and an increase in alcohol abuse among adults. Adults are still abusing alcohol and drinking too much at a high rate, but the number of adults becoming alcoholics has gone down. While a decrease in alcoholism is good overall, if you drink too much or abuse alcohol you face certain risks and consequences.
Basics
It is important to understand that adult alcohol abuse is not the same as alcoholism or alcohol dependence. Adults who have no control over their alcohol consumption are considered alcoholics. When you are dependent on alcohol, your brain actually changes its chemistry over time, reports the Mayo Clinic.com. According to HelpGuide.org, adults who abuse alcohol demonstrate some control over the limits of their drinking behaviors, although it still is considered self-destructive.
Signs and Symptoms
HelpGuide.org suggests several signs to look for if you or someone you know is experiencing problems with alcohol. These include neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school. A person with a drinking problem may call in sick or avoid family events to nurse a hangover; consume alcohol in situations where there are high risks of physical dangers, such as while driving a car; get in trouble with law enforcement due to alcohol intake; and consume alcohol even though it negatively impacts her relationships.
Risks
There are risks associated with the abuse of alcohol. According to the Mayo Clinic.com, excessive drinking can lead to health problems, including various forms of cancer, pancreatitis, sudden death if you also have cardiovascular disease, heart muscle damage which will lead to eventual heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, cirrhosis of your liver, miscarriage, fetal alcohol syndrome if you drink while you are pregnant, sustaining injuries due to your impaired motor skills and possibility of suicide.
Treatment
Treatment for alcohol abuse will depend on the severity of the drinking problem and how it has negatively impacted your life. With alcohol abuse, since you still have some control over your consumption, you will most likely not have to go through the detoxification process. The HelpGuide.org reports that in order to begin treatment, you will have to admit you have a problem with alcohol that is outside of your control and is negatively impacting your life. Then, you will have to express your desire to change your behaviors and admit that you need help doing so. According to the MayoClinic.com, there are several treatment options, including inpatient residential treatment, which can include individual and group therapy; outpatient treatment, which can include individual, family and group therapy; and support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Getting Help
When you are ready to engage in treatment there are various ways to go about finding the treatment that meets your needs. According to HelpGUide.org, your doctor or insurance company should be able to provide you with a list of referrals and a recommendation for your treatment options. Also, many employers have Employee Assistance Programs that focus on problems with addiction, so you should be able to contact them and access treatment, reports HelpGuid.org. The Substance Abuse Administration has a free referral helpline that you can call 1-800-662-HELP.
References
- NIAAA: Alcohol Abuse Increases, Dependence Declines Across Decade Young Adult Minorities Emerge as High Risk Subgroups
- Help Guide: Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse Signs Symptoms and Help for Drinking Problems
- Help Guide: Alcohol Addiciton Treatment and Self-Help How to Stop Drinking and Start Recovery
- Mayo Clinic: Alcohol Use Why Moderation is Key
- Mayo Clinic: Alcoholism Treatments and Drugs
