Did you know you could have a drinking problem without being an alcoholic? You might not be completely dependent on alcohol, but if you still drink excessively, it can lead to serious problems. About 17 million U.S. adults have an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), as well as about 3.4% of teens.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
In the U.S., a standard drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol. This translates to:
Moderate drinking is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. For some people, it’s advised to avoid alcohol completely. These include those who are:
ALCOHOL’S EFFECTS
There are both short and long-term effects of excessive drinking and intoxication. Lowered inhibitions and interference with speech and muscle coordination are some of the short-term effects. Heavy binge drinking may impair your memory or even cause a coma or death. The effects of long-term excessive drinking include digestive problems, difficulty with sexual functioning, heart problems, liver disease, neurological problems, and an increased risk of cancer.
SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM
People who regularly binge drink or begin at an early age are at a high risk for alcoholism. Those with a family history of substance abuse and people who have a mental illness are also at risk. In addition, look for the following signs that indicate alcoholism:
ACTION STEPS
✓ Schedule an appointment for a check-up with your primary care provider.
✓ Provide your doctor with an honest and forthright report of your alcohol use.
✓ Recognize you may need to be admitted to rehab to completely detox.
✓ Seek out individual counseling from professionals specializing in addictions.
✓ Participate in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
✓ Make lifestyle changes to support reduced alcohol use or abstinence.
✓ Enlist the support of friends and family who are not also dependent on alcohol.
KEEP IN MIND
Alcoholism and excessive drinking is not something to take lightly. If you or someone you know struggles with this, be courageous and seek help. Consider reaching out to your health care provider and engaging other counseling resources for guidance on next steps.
Want to talk to a counselor today about this?