What Is Considered Alcohol Abuse?

According to the Center for Disease Control's Final Data for 2006, there were 22,073 alcohol-related deaths in the United States, minus homicides and accidents. There were also 13,050 deaths resulting from alcoholic liver disease. The abuse of alcohol not only causes fatalities but can also ruin the drinker's and his family's life. Alcohol abuse is a well-known contributor to domestic abuse, resulting in broken homes. It is critical that children and adults know what alcohol abuse is to avoid becoming a victim.

Definition

• Alcohol abuse can be either persistent habitual drinking or binge drinking that results in (or worsens) a persistent recurring work, social, financial, legal or health issue.

Abuse vs. Dependence

• An alcohol abuser may not develop a physical dependence to alcohol. But some individuals who abuse alcohol gradually become dependent on it.

Causes

• If alcohol abuse runs in an individual's family, he runs the risk of becoming an alcohol abuser. If he has a history of mental illness, alcohol abuse can exacerbate his mental condition and spawn new symptoms.

Teen Warnings

• Signs of teen alcohol abuse may include trouble in school, isolation and gaining a new set of friends.

Health Effects

• Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to liver inflammation; risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer; birth defects and erectile dysfunction.