The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 140,000 deaths in the United States each year. With April being Alcohol Awareness Month, we wanted to highlight this concerning health issue and raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol addiction. In this post, we’ll look closer at alcohol use disorder (AUD), the health issues that can arise from excessive drinking and where those struggling with the condition can turn for help.
What is alcohol abuse?
Alcohol abuse is a serious problem that occurs when a person exhibits a pattern of drinking too much alcohol too often, even though it causes harm to themselves or others. Those who frequently use alcohol may develop AUD, ranging from mild, to moderate or severe. The more symptoms of this disorder a person has, the more severe it may be. People dealing with the condition are often preoccupied with alcohol and find it hard to control their consumption of it.
How does AUD develop?
AUD can develop very quickly or happen gradually over years. The rate at which it progresses depends on the person and how much and how often they consume alcohol. For example, at first, an individual’s drinking may not seem any different from how other people drink, enjoying an occasional glass with friends or at parties. Eventually, they may start to drink more, using alcohol to feel normal or cope with life’s problems. It may seem easy to stop, like they can quit drinking at any time, but unless they can consistently keep their drinking under control and not fall back into unhealthy patterns, they may need to seek help.
What are the signs and symptoms of AUD?
If you’ve wondered about your alcohol habits or if your drinking is becoming a problem, these warning signs could indicate an issue. You may have AUD if you display two or more of the following symptoms:
- You drink more alcohol (or for longer durations) than you intended.
- You struggle to cut down or control your alcohol consumption or use.
- You spend large amounts of time obtaining, drinking or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
- You have a preoccupation and/or intense craving for alcohol.
- Your alcohol consumption impedes or interferes with everyday life (work, school, home, etc.)
- You continue to drink alcohol, even though it causes trouble with your relationships.
- You give up activities you enjoy so that you can drink.
- You drink alcohol in situations when doing so is dangerous.
- You continue to drink alcohol even though you know it’s causing health problems.
- You need more and more alcohol to feel the same effect.
- You experience withdrawal symptoms (trouble sleeping, shaking, irritability, nausea, sweating, anxiety, depression, etc.) when you consume less or stop drinking altogether.
What health problems can arise from alcohol misuse?
Drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis can take a toll on a person’s overall health and body, harming their liver, nervous system, heart and brain. It can also lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Stomach or digestion issues
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cirrhosis
- Pancreatitis
- Osteoporosis
- Certain types of cancer, including breast cancer
- A brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
AUD can also trigger adverse interactions with certain medications, violence, accidents, legal troubles, social isolation, and work, school or home issues. Excess drinking can make symptoms of mental health conditions worse as well.
What treatment programs exist for those dealing with alcohol use disorder?
There are a few different types of treatment programs available for those dealing with alcohol use disorder, including:
- Outpatient – This form of treatment requires a person to regularly go to a mental health clinic, counselor's office, hospital clinic or local health department for treatment.
- Inpatient – With this option, an individual must stay at a facility and undergo treatment during the day or evening. It usually lasts several weeks, and then, in most cases, they will likely transition to outpatient treatment.
- Residential – This is an extended treatment option where a person lives at a facility while recovering. It can last from weeks to months. Residential treatment may be a good option for anyone who has a long history of alcohol or drug use, has a difficult home situation or has limited social support.
Anyone struggling with AUD should speak with their primary care provider, especially if they’re unsure of their treatment options. They can help determine which program is appropriate based on their situation.
Where can someone turn for help?
If you live in Allen County, call 260-427-5801 to connect with a recovery coach about addiction. To learn about other resources for recovery, please contact the Parkview Behavioral Health HelpLine any time, 24 hours a day, at 260-471-9440 or 800-284-8439. Experienced specialists are available to guide you to the appropriate level of care for your situation.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, you may find peer support a beneficial tool in your recovery journey. For more information about the various support groups that Parkview Behavioral Health has to offer, call 260-373-7500 or 800-284-8439.
Helpful resources
For more on alcohol addiction, take a look at these posts on the Parkview Dashboard blog:
Addressing the rise in alcohol use disorder
Alcohol use: When to intervene
How does alcohol consumption affect the heart?
Insight into alcoholic liver disease
The true hazards of a hangover
Are non-alcoholic beverages a smart option for me?
The dangers of drinking in the sun
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
