Facts About Alcohol Abuse

Alcoholism is characterized by a strong dependency on alcoholic substances. Alcoholics continue to drink despite health problems and social consequences. Many believe it to be a disease because it can be genetic.

Size

• Almost 14 million Americans have problems with alcohol abuse. That is about 1 out of every 13 people. Over half of Americans have been effected by alcohol abuse within their family. It is said that 9 percent of the general population is pre-disposed to the possibility of developing alcoholism based on genetics.

Types

• People who drink alcohol are classified into one of four groups. There are moderate drinkers, at-risk drinkers, alcohol abusers and alcohol dependents. Any more than two drinks per 24 hour period is considered at-risk drinking. Abuse is characterized by an inability to uphold responsibilities because of alcohol. Dependence is an inability to stop drinking.

Health Problems

• In the short term, alcohol can cause diarrhea, lack of coordination, sexual dysfunction, headache and other health problems. In the long term, alcohol can lead to serious health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver and heart disease.

Diagnosis

• If three or more of the following apply, you may be an alcoholic: you experience an increase in tolerance, you drink larger amounts for longer than intended, you can't cut down or quit, you reduce or give up important work or leisure activities, you spend lots of time getting, drinking, and recovering from alcohol, you continue to use despite physical or emotional problems caused by drinking or you experience withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment

• Many people with alcohol problems attend support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and undergo a 12 step program to help quit or control drinking. Also it is recommended alcoholics receive cognitive-behavioral therapy, and they may even need medications to control drinking and withdrawal symptoms.