April is Alcohol Awareness Month in the United States

Over seven percent of the United States population suffers from a drinking problem. This means that over 15 million people over the age of 18 have an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol-related deaths are also the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

Alcoholism also referred to as alcohol use disorder, is characterized as a severe form of alcohol abuse where an individual is unable to manage their drinking habits. They do not know how to stop drinking or when they should stop drinking.  Alcoholics will also spend a significant amount of time thinking about alcohol. Alcoholism is divided into three categories of abuse from mild, moderate, to severe depending on the amount of alcohol that is consumed.

Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse is imperative. Those suffering from alcoholism may not even understand that they have a serious condition. By knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism and being able to share the dangers of this disease, you may be able to help a loved one take the necessary steps needed to kick the habit.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcoholism may not always be easy to spot. People who know they have an issue but are not willing to come to terms with it may look to hide some of the common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse. Be on the look-out for the following signs and symptoms that could point to alcohol abuse:

• Being intoxicated regularly
• Drinking alone or being dishonest and secretive
• Inability to say “no” when offered alcohol
• Craving alcohol when not drinking
• A high tolerance for alcohol (needing to consume more and more drinks in order to achieve their desired effect)
• Appearing ill, irritated, or generally unwell
• Blacking out while drinking
• Ritualistic drinking and irritation if drinking is commented on (ex. After dinner drink, after-work drink)
• Signs of withdrawal when not drinking such as nausea, shaking, sweating
• Increased difficulties at work, in relationships, run-ins with the law, or financial issues stemming from alcohol use.

Dependency on alcohol can take anywhere from a few months to years to develop depending on an individual’s sensitivity

Genetics can play a key role in developing alcohol dependency. Stress also plays a significant role in alcoholism. Increased levels of stress can cause a person to reach to alcohol in order to cope with the feelings of anxiety associated with stress. Depression and other mental health disorders may also lead to abusing alcohol as a coping mechanism. Whatever the reason for your or your loved one’s addiction, the dangers are high for those suffering from alcoholism but help is available.

The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse

The dangers that come with chronic drinking can make a serious impact on an individual’s health. While some effects of alcohol may be short-term, they can have lasting consequences. Alcohol is a depressant and limits the functions of the nervous system. It can alter emotions and thoughts, lower inhibitions, and can impair a person’s judgment. Reaction times begin to slow, and reflexes become sluggish with alcohol use. This is the reason why drinking and driving become dangerous, putting yourself and others at risk of serious injury or death.

                Long-term health effects are also seen with alcohol abuse. Liver disease, including hepatitis and cirrhosis, are permanent, progressive conditions that can develop over time. High blood pressure, heart damage, and failure, stroke, and diabetes are also long-term effects of excessive drinking. Alcoholics may also suffer from bone loss, vision damage, and have an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

                Alcoholism is not a death sentence. If caught in time, many health issues can be reversed or improved. For those needing help, there are many resources available both locally and nationally that can help you or your loved one achieve sobriety.

Getting Help for Alcoholism

                The biggest decision an alcoholic will ever make is choosing to seek out help for their addiction. The recovery from alcoholism is a lengthy process and lasts far beyond the time spent in rehabilitation or therapy. Staying sober takes a serious commitment to ongoing therapy and a sincere desire to improve your health.

                Achieving sobriety, while different for everyone, generally falls into three stages. The first stage is detoxification. This stage involves the withdrawal stage and is best completed under the care and supervision of medical professionals. Withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and having assistance from healthcare professionals allows individuals the ability to alleviate the side effects with medical intervention.

                The second stage of treatment involves rehabilitation. This can be done in one of two ways, through either inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab is typically an intensive treatment program that allows an individual to check into a facility for 30, 60, or 90 days. Outpatient rehab will allow an individual to take part in an individually tailored program without interrupting their day-to-day life. Your regular physician will be able to help you decide on the best treatment option based on your needs.

                The last stage of treatment for alcoholism is usually the hardest. The maintenance stage lasts for a lifetime and includes various ongoing therapy such as support groups and individual counseling. Having a solid support system helps make the long road to maintained sobriety smoother.

For more information on United States statistics of Alcohol abuse and awareness visit https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics