Although the consumption of alcohol is a widely accepted practice for most adults, there are some instances in which that consumption becomes problematic. When individuals begin to drink alcohol in such excessive amounts or at such intense frequencies that it begins to hinder their ability to function appropriately on a daily basis, an alcohol abuse problem has developed.

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

This type of problematic drinking pattern can be exceedingly difficult to overcome. Individuals often find that their consumption of alcohol has begun to take priority over things that were once important to them, including their jobs, their families, and their social lives. As a result, all areas of their lives suffer, often resulting in the development of feelings of hopelessness about their futures and feelings of helplessness to put an end to the destructive behavior. While it is a difficult battle to face, it is not one that has to be faced alone. There are treatment options available that can help stop the devastating pattern of alcohol abuse and help individuals return to happy, healthy lives, free from the grips of alcohol addiction.

Statistics

Alcohol Abuse Statistics

Alcohol is said to be one of the most commonly used of all addictive substances in the United States. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), approximately 17.6 million adults suffer from alcohol abuse and dependence, which is the equivalent of 1 in every 12 American adults. Of that 17.6 million people, the NCADD reports that more than half come from families with preexisting patterns of problematic drinking. Furthermore, it has been estimated that more than seven million children live in homes where at least one parent is abusing or has become addicted to alcohol.

Causes & Risks

Causes and Risk Factors for Alcohol Abuse

Researchers and professionals in the mental health and addiction fields agree that the following are causes and risk factors of alcohol addiction:

Genetic: There is a strong genetic link to the development of an addiction to alcohol. Individuals who have family members who struggled with alcohol abuse and addiction are at a greater risk for struggling with the same concerns than are those who do not share the same type of family history. More specifically, studies have shown that between 40% and 60% of an individual’s vulnerability to suffering from an alcohol use disorder lies in his or her genetic makeup.

Environmental: There are a number of environmental factors that can play a role in enhancing an individual’s susceptibility to an alcohol use disorder. For example, people who grow up in an environment where alcohol is frequently abused are at an increased risk for abusing the substance themselves, as they come to view alcohol consumption as an acceptable behavior. This is especially true in situations where individuals are exposed to others who use alcohol as a means of coping with stress. Additionally, individuals who have gone through traumatic experiences and do not possess sufficient coping resources often seek out a way to numb their negative emotions. In some cases, alcohol provides this desired numbing effect.

Risk Factors:

Being male
Family history of alcohol abuse and addiction
Family history of addiction to other substances
Family history of mental illness
Personal history of mental illness
Being the victim of abuse or neglect
Suffering through a traumatic experience
Lacking healthy coping skills
Low self-esteem

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

When individuals are struggling with an alcohol abuse problem, the symptoms that they display will vary depending on the length of time that they have been abusing the substance, the amount of alcohol that they are regularly consuming, and the frequency at which they consume alcohol, as well as the individual’s overall state of health. Examples of various warning signs of alcohol abuse include:

Behavioral symptoms:

Hiding alcohol
Lying about one’s alcohol consumption
No longer participating in activities that one once enjoyed
Repeated absences from work
Withdrawing from friends and family / social isolation
Drinking alcohol alone

Physical symptoms:

Flushed skin
Disturbed sleeping patterns
Sweating excessively
Persistent headaches
Distorted vision
Tremors / shakes
Nausea
Vomiting

Cognitive symptoms:

Decreased ability to use appropriate decision-making skills
Decreased ability to use reason and sound judgment
Lacking the ability to focus / concentration difficulties
Memory impairment

Psychosocial symptoms:

Heightened feelings of anxiety
Feelings of depression
Frequent changes in mood and temperament
Excessive feelings of irritability and agitation
Excessive and unwarranted anger
Feelings of hostility
Suicidal ideation

Effects

Effects of Alcohol Abuse

The continued abuse of alcohol can bring about countless negative effects on an individual’s life. Such effects will inevitably impact a person’s occupational, recreational, and social functioning, as well as cause turmoil within his or her home life. Specific examples of various effects that may result from prolonged alcohol abuse can include, but are not limited to, the following:

Familial strife, including separation and divorce
Disturbances within other important interpersonal relationships
Frequent absences from work
Failure to perform at the expected level occupationally, potentially resulting in job loss
Long periods of unemployment
Financial turmoil

Additionally, the longer that an individual continues to abuse alcohol, the more susceptible he or she is to experiencing adverse health effects as a result. Examples of such health effects can include:

Weakened immune system
Liver disease
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Brain damage

Co-Occurring Disorders

Alcohol Abuse & Co-Occurring Disorders

It is common for individuals who are suffering from alcohol use disorder to suffer from symptoms of other mental health conditions simultaneously as well. Disorders that have been commonly cited as occurring alongside alcohol abuse and addiction include the following:

Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Anxiety disorders
Depressive disorders
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Personality disorders
Other substance use disorders

Withdrawal

Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal & Overdose

Effects of alcohol withdrawal: When alcohol is consumed in excessive amounts and for prolonged periods of time, and then that use suddenly ends, individuals may experience an extremely uncomfortable period of withdrawal. The symptoms of withdrawal will present differently in type and severity amongst various individuals, and the duration during which these symptoms are experienced will also vary. Examples of possible signs that may indicate that someone is going through withdrawal from alcohol can include the following:

Intense cravings for alcohol
Onset of flu-like symptoms
Disorientation and confusion
Increased heart rate
Anxiety
Irritability
Hot and cold sweats
Trembling
Restlessness

Effects of alcohol overdose: Whenever individuals consume more alcohol than their bodies are capable of appropriately metabolizing, they are at risk for experiencing alcohol overdose, also frequently known as alcohol poisoning. When this happens, emergency medical attention should be sought in order to prevent a grave outcome. Potential signs that can be indicative of the fact that someone has overdosed on alcohol can include the following: