Alcohol abuse is a condition in which a person consumes large amounts of alcohol, or continues to drink over a long period of time, despite the harmful effects on his or her health.
It also interferes with work, school, relationships and financial stability. It may even cause serious mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or panic attacks.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a common problem amongst people of all ages and stages of life. There are a few common signs that someone may be abusing their alcohol intake, such as slurred speech, lowered inhibitions and the smell of alcohol on the breath.
It is important to keep an eye out for the warning signs of alcohol abuse if you have a loved one who is struggling with alcoholism. If you notice any of these behaviors, get them help right away to avoid serious health complications.
The first sign that alcohol is becoming a problem is when your loved one starts drinking more than normal. This is especially true if they have a family history of alcohol addiction. They might also start avoiding healthy activities or engaging in risky behavior, such as driving or unsafe sex.
Symptoms of Alcoholism
Alcohol is a substance that can affect the brain and body in many ways. It can also interfere with normal functioning of emotions and perceptions, and with relationships.
Drinking too much alcohol over time can cause serious problems. It may lead to a physical dependence on alcohol, or it can worsen an existing mental health condition such as bipolar disorder.
There are many different reasons people start drinking: social pressure, a need to relax, a coping mechanism for anxiety or depression, tension, loneliness, self-doubt or unhappiness.
In the most severe case of alcohol abuse, a person has a physical dependence on alcohol. This is characterized by tolerance, the need to drink more and more to get the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is stopped. Withdrawal can include nausea, sweating, tremors, hallucinations, restlessness and irritability.
Treatment for Alcoholism
Treatment for alcoholism includes medication, counseling, behavioral therapy and other support programs. The best treatment option depends on your needs and the severity of your condition.
Medications such as disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate may help reduce your cravings by blocking certain parts of your brain from detecting alcohol. They also ease withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and flushing of the skin.
Psychologists can also work with people with a drinking problem to treat the psychological issues that cause it. They can help people learn new ways to deal with high-risk situations and develop social support systems within their own communities.
Other forms of therapy include cognitive-behavioral coping skills treatment, motivational enhancement therapy and 12-Step facilitation approaches. These treatments may be used in combination with other therapies to maximize their effectiveness.
Prevention of Alcohol Abuse
The prevention of alcohol abuse is important because it reduces the harmful effects of drinking on a person’s health, relationships and work. It also helps save money.
People can learn to drink less by making changes in their behavior, like pacing themselves and spacing out when they drink. They can also learn to avoid situations and people that trigger their urge to drink.
A person who drinks too much at one time can have a condition called alcohol poisoning. This is when the body stops functioning normally, including breathing and choking.
Everyone can contribute to the prevention of alcohol abuse by choosing not to drink too much and helping others not to do it. Communities can adopt strategies recommended by the Community Preventive Services Task Force to discourage excessive alcohol use and reduce its negative impacts.
