- Alcohol
- CAGE
- Effects
- Progression
- Damage
- Pregnancy
- Other Drugs
- Family
- Q & A
Alcohol is the most abused drug in the United States.
For most people who drink, it is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Over half of Americans aged 12 and older report being current drinkers (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2014). According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA, 2016), women and people over age 59 are at low risk for developing an alcohol use disorder, when they drink no more than 3 drinks on any single day and no more than 7 drinks per week; and, men under age 60 who drink no more than 4 drinks on any single day and no more than 14 drinks per week. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of either beer or a wine cooler, one 5-ounce class of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled liquor.)
Nonetheless, a large number of people get into serious trouble because of their drinking. Nearly 17 million Americans abuse alcohol or are alcoholic (NIAAA, 2015). Several million more adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems. These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular basis. NIAAA defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL. This typically occurs after 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men --- in about 2 hours. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration defines heavy drinking as drinking 5 or more drinks on the same occasion on each of 5 or more days in the past 30 days (SAMHSA, 2016). In addition, 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem (NIAAA, 2015).
The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious in many cases, often life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx. Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy.
In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicide and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $249 billion per year (NIAAA, 2014). In human terms, the costs cannot be calculated. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disease that includes four symptoms:
- Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
- Loss of control: The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
- Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
- Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get high.
Although some people are able to recover from alcoholism without help, the majority of alcoholics need assistance. With treatment and support, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Many people wonder why some individuals can use alcohol without problems, but others cannot. One important reason has to do with genetics. Scientists have found that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that, if you choose to drink, you too may develop alcoholism. Genes, however, are not the whole story. In fact, scientists now believe that certain factors in a person's environment influence whether a person with genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. A person's risk of developing alcoholism can increase based on the person's environment, including where and how he or she lives; family, friends, and culture; peer pressure; and, even how easy it is to get alcohol.
Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:
- Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities.
- Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery.
- Having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk.
- Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking.
Although alcohol abuse is distinct from alcoholism, many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics. Even though alcoholism can be treated, a cure is not yet available. In other words, even if an alcoholic has been sober for a long time and has regained health, he or she remains susceptible to relapse and must continue to avoid all alcoholic beverages. Cutting down on drinking doesn't work; cutting out alcohol is necessary for a successful recovery.
However, even individuals who are determined to stay sober may suffer one or more slips, or relapses, before achieving long-term sobriety. Relapses are very common and do not mean that a person has failed or cannot recover from alcoholism.
Keep in mind, too, that every day that a recovering alcoholic has stayed sober prior to a relapse is valuable, both to the individual and to his or her family. If a relapse occurs, it is very important to stop drinking once again and to get the support you need to abstain from drinking.