Are There Signs That Indicate You Have A Drinking Problem?

Alcohol has become more common place in our society. The effects of alcohol can increase the risk of several harmful health conditions. According to the Center of Disease Control,

Excessive alcohol use, either in the form of heavy drinking (drinking more than two drinks per day on average for men or more than one drink per day on average for women), or binge drinking (drinking 5 or more drinks during a single occasion for men or 4 or more drinks during a single occasion for women), can lead to increased risk of health problems such as liver disease or unintentional injuries. According to recent national surveys, more than half of the adult U.S. population drank alcohol in the past 30 days. Approximately 5% of the total population drank heavily, while 15% of the population binge drank. From 2001-2005, there were approximately 79,000 deaths annually attributable to excessive alcohol use. In fact, excessive alcohol use is the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death for people in the United States each year.1

Alcohol consumption creates a problem when it negatively affects your family and relationships, schooling, social activities, or in the way you feel and think. If you have questions about whether you or someone you know has a drinking problem, check with your physician.

The difference between alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse is that alcohol dependence is a disease identified by several characteristics, including continued use despite harmful effects to relationships, physical illness during periods of abstinence, personal injury, or the need to increase alcohol consumption to produce a drunken feeling or effect. Alcohol abuse can be defined as a pattern of drinking that negatively affects one’s health, ability to work, and interpersonal relationships. It acts as a depressant to the central nervous system and affects each organ of the body. The intensity of alcohols influence on the body is directly related to the amount consumed.

Alcoholism is a tricky disease because it can sneak up on people. An alcoholic usually starts out as a social drinker. They will have a few drinks a couple times a week or drink with friends on weekend. Frequently the number of drinks and the frequency with which they drink increases. However, these increases may be subtle and go unnoticed.

To keep yourself from slipping into alcoholism, pay very close attention to your drinking habits. If you’re frequently in situations that involve alcohol, keep a written record of when you drink and how much you drink. Also, pay attention to your genetics. If alcoholism runs in your family, you’re much more likely to be an alcoholic than someone who does not have alcoholism in their family. Withdrawal from alcohol is dangerous and can be life-threatening. If you decide to abruptly sustain from alcohol, you should not be alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing alcohol withdrawal, they need to see a doctor. These symptoms can become severe and can result in serious health problems so they need to be treated. It may be necessary to seek the help of a physician. They can monitor the symptoms and provide them with the support that they need.

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