Alcohol abuse is a serious condition that involves heavy drinking or problem drinking. A man who has more than 14 drinks a week or more than four drinks per occasion is abusing alcohol, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. A woman who has more than seven drinks a week or more than three drinks during an occasion is also drinking too much.
Alcoholism
Many people are predisposed to alcoholism. People who abuse alcohol are not necessarily alcoholics, but may be dangerously close. Alcohol abuse does not mean a person is dependent on alcohol. But if drinking continues in spite of problems to family, job and financial situations or if you begin to drink to forget your problems and to feel more comfortable in social situations, you may be developing an alcoholic problem. Cravings for alcohol, difficulty in controlling how much you drink, needing more alcohol to achieve the same pleasurable effects and withdrawal syndrome are signs of alcoholism.
Injuries
Drinking and driving can result in major traffic injuries and death. Injuries or deaths from drinking also include falls, drowning, burns and firearm use. Spousal or child abuse and violence with other people are often the result of heavy drinking.
Risky Sex
Alcohol abuse can lead to risky sexual behavior that leads to unprotected sex or reckless sexually activity with multiple partners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out. This can cause unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual assault can be caused by alcohol abuse.
Pregnancy
Drinking while pregnant increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. It may also result in fetal alcohol syndrome that can cause birth defects that affect the child throughout life. These problems may include physical abnormalities, mental impairment and behavior problems, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Medical Condition
Drinking too much can affect a medical condition you have and make it worse. Not telling your doctor you drink regularly will affect the way a physician advises you on treatment or medication, which can also negatively affect your condition. Drinking while taking certain medication can be fatal. Over the long term, heavy drinking can contribute to heart disease, intestinal disorders, depression, anxiety and suicide. Liver diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis can develop because of long-term drinking. Heavy drinking increases the risk of developing cancers of the esophagus, mouth, throat and larynx.
Alcohol Poisoning
Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks on one occasion for men and four or more during one occasion for women. High blood alcohol levels can lead to loss of consciousness, coma, respiratory problems and death, according to the CDC.
