Alcohol abuse is a broad term that covers a wide range of harmful consumption behaviors, ranging from excessive binge drinking to full-blown dependence, from a social nuisance to fatal health complications. Alcohol addiction is characterized by compulsive and repeated use of alcohol despite negative consequences to personal, family, and social life. This abuse can lead to a variety of medical conditions including high blood pressure, heart attack, depression, diarrhea, panic attacks, sexual dysfunction, and even death.
What exactly is an Alcohol Abuse Problem?
Individuals who abuse or indulge in alcohol are generally not addicted to or reliant upon alcohol. However, an individual may abuse alcohol regularly without being dependent or addicted to it.
It is important to address any alcohol abuse problem promptly and appropriately. If not treated, it can rapidly escalate into a more serious condition. In many cases, treatment is possible through family therapy, but it can be difficult for relatives who do not drink to fully participate in the therapy process. Even when family members do participate, there are often ongoing risks associated with drinking that cannot be addressed through therapy alone.
A number of symptoms may indicate alcohol abusers are developing a problem.
Many of these symptoms are similar to signs and symptoms of other medical conditions, such as diabetes, depression, or high blood pressure. However, some of the symptoms for abusers and non-alcoholic drinkers are unique. Some of the more common symptoms are frequent headaches; frequent insomnia; loss of appetite; irritability; poor performance at work or school; frequent nervousness and restlessness; feeling irritable and tense most of the time; constant sickness; short temper; constant crying spells; unable to concentrate and/or having problems concentrating; feeling listless and constantly daydreaming; constant need for sleep.
There are a number of risk factors that are common to people with dependence or abuse of alcohol.
Risk factors include age (which progresses from early adulthood to late adulthood); gender; ethnicity (which tends to be a reflection of socioeconomic status and family history); and social class (which is influenced by social networking). One of the risk factors for alcohol abuse is genetics. If one or both parents or grandparents have had a history of alcohol abuse, then you have a greater chance of developing an addiction or dependence in your own family.
Alcohol abuse and dependence have become a growing issue in many areas of the United States. This is also growing as a percentage of the population that is not practicing related crimes (such as drunk driving). In many parts of the country, it is possible for a person to be arrested for drinking underage or possession of small amounts of it without purchasing it. It is also possible for a person to suffer the devastating consequences of either losing their job or ending up jail time for consuming alcohol.
The adolescent brain’s maturation during the critical periods of its development normally controls how alcohol will affect them later in life.
However, if abuse during adolescence interferes with this process, then there is a higher risk of the adolescent developing a substance use disorder. Alcohol use disorders have many negative health implications, such as increased risks for cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, heart, and various brain areas. If you or someone you know uses alcohol or is abusive, please seek professional help right away.
Over 4% of the United States population suffers from alcohol abuse or alcoholism.
The majority of alcoholics are men between the ages of twenty and forty. Alcoholism is also more prevalent among minority groups, such as American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, Chinese, and Pacific Islander people. Overall, alcohol abuse is more common among middle-aged and older adults and has a negative impact on overall health and well-being.
A variety of alcohol consumption behaviors poses a harmful use to your health.
Heavy drinking (more than eight drinks per week for women) can damage your liver. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism increase your chances of having a stroke, heart attack, or cancer of the lymph system. Heavy drinkers also experience higher levels of anxiety, tension, and depression. Heavy alcohol consumption also affects your memory and reaction time, reduces concentration, and depresses your senses.
Drinking too much puts you at risk for some cancers, such as cancer of the mouth, esophagus, throat, liver and breast. It can affect your immune system. If you drink every day, or almost every day, you might notice that you catch colds, flu or other illnesses more frequently than people who don’t drink. – health.clevelandclinic.org
Alcohol consumption can cause a variety of medical conditions that require treatment. Alcohol dependence is one of the most serious forms of induced diseases and is characterized by an intense psychological craving for alcohol that interferes with the ability to control bodily functions. Alcoholism also leads to uncontrolled weight gain, seizures, comatose, and other serious health disorders. Addiction is also a common cause of cirrhosis and other life-threatening diseases.
The adverse effects of Its consumption are not exclusive to the body of its users.
It can be very harmful to one’s mental health and well-being. Chronic heavy drinking (two or more drinks per day for men and one or more drinks per week for women) can result in a reduced life span. This abuse has been linked to such serious mental illnesses as Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. This has also been shown to increase the frequency of accidents, domestic violence, sexual assault, and incarceration.
Alcohol consumption can have social consequences as well.
Alcohol use and abuse can lead to negative consequences like broken relationships, criminal acts, employment problems, and a decreased quality of life. Its consumption can also negatively impact one’s appearance and personal image. People who drink heavily often have a diminished sense of reality and may engage in dangerous behavior like theft, binge drinking, and driving under the influence. Alcohol use can be associated with such common and serious social consequences as: high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, damage to the liver, sexual dysfunction, and chronic inflammation of the liver.
Long-Term Health Risks. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum. – cdc.gov
Alcoholism is a serious medical condition that can lead to serious health consequences. Alcoholism is an addiction. This abuse can lead to serious medical conditions like cirrhosis of the liver, HIV, tuberculosis, and some forms of cancer. This kind of abuse also significantly reduces one’s social status and his or her ability to enjoy life to the fullest.
The adverse effects of alcohol consumption have become all too obvious over the past few decades.
This has resulted in various campaigns against alcohol use. The most effective of these campaigns is the “quit drinking” campaign that has successfully reached many individuals around the world. However, it is still necessary that individuals make the effort to cut down on alcohol use. Because of the health consequences.
So, that’s all for today. We hope you enjoyed reading this post and it has helped you. Stay tuned with The Post City for more amazing and informative blogs. Thanks for reading this post here. Have a good day!
