Alcohol abuse is a substance abuse disorder involving excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. When it occurs in families, alcohol abuse can cause serious financial, emotional and health-related problems. Domestic violence, child abuse and other violent crimes are highly associated with alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Understanding the nature of alcohol abuse allows families to recognize and treat problems sooner for a more positive outcome.
Prevalence
Alcohol abuse is a widespread problem. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 43 percent of Americans have experienced alcoholism within the family, with one in every five being raised in an alcoholic household.
Risk Factors
The causes of alcoholism are complex and not completely understood. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that a combination of genetic factors, psychiatric disorders, childhood trauma and environmental factors are often to blame. The attitudes of parents toward alcohol use and lifestyles like working in a bar may contribute to overall risk as well. Peer pressure, exposure to advertising by the alcohol industry and having one or more alcoholic parents can also act as risk factors in some people.
Signs and Symptoms
Alcohol abuse isn't always obvious at first. When symptoms are present, they may include mood swings, frequent hangovers and worsening performance at work or school. Legal problems may also serve as a sign of alcohol abuse. Driving under the influence, physical altercations and public intoxication can lead to legal problems for heavy drinkers. The presence of withdrawals and an inability to control drinking may signal full-blown alcoholism.
Effects
Alcohol abuse puts serious strain on the body. Liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver failure are among the most serious risks of long-term alcohol abuse. Brain damage caused by severe nutrient deficiencies can result in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome---an irreversible impairment of memory, coordination and cognition.
Secondary consequences of alcohol abuse are often as devastating as its health effects. According to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, alcohol is involved in 62 percent of assaults, 48 percent of robberies and 68 percent of manslaughter cases in the U.S. Child abuse and neglect, bankruptcy and lasting emotional problems in loved ones are all possible outcomes of alcohol abuse in families.
Prevention/Solution
Substance abuse and addiction can be a difficult condition to treat. Fortunately, a variety of options exist for helping alcohol abusers get clean. Inpatient rehabilitation centers, detoxification facilities and maintenance programs like Alcoholics Anonymous can increase the likelihood of recovery. When alcohol abuse is severe or ongoing, all family members may require professional help in order to cope. Family counseling services and support groups for family members of alcoholics may help reduce long-term emotional damage caused by alcohol abuse.
