Alcohol abuse is by definition different than alcoholism. Alcoholism is considered a physical addiction to alcohol while alcohol abuse is when the use of alcohol leads to problems that are not physical. This can include any number of behaviors like drunk driving, anger or violence issues, missing school or work, unprotected sexual activity and many other unusual or unexpected behaviors.
Binge drinking is one type of alcohol use that is considered alcohol abuse. Binge drinking is commonly considered more than 5 drinks for a man and 4 drinks for a woman. One drink is measured as 12-ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or a 1 1/2 ounce shot of liquor.
Although alcohol abuse causes different symptoms in different people, some some signs of alcohol abuse may include:
- inebriation (becoming drunk)
- poor judgment
- chronic anxiety
- irritability
- insomnia
- depression
Those that abuse alcohol often report fair to poor health and continued alcohol abuse can lead to additional serious health problems including:
- alcohol poisoning
- unintentional injuries
- suicide
- hypertension
- pancreatitis
- sexually transmitted diseases
- meningitis
- cirrhosis of the liver
There are many reasons that one may come to abuse alcohol. For some it is a learned behavior, having grown up in a household where binge drinking was the norm. For others, particularly teenagers, it may start as peer pressure for them to fit in and be cool. Because teen alcohol abuse is the most common, and teens are still developing both physically and mentally, it is especially critical for them to receive help early.
If you know a troubled teen that is struggling with alcohol abuse or if you are struggling with alcohol abuse, there is help available. Alcoholics anonymous meetings take place daily throughout the world. Look through the local newspaper or talk to your local health center for specific times and places or visit our site 4drugrehab.com to find drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that are near you.
Alcohol abuse can destroy every aspect of your life, if you let it. Take control of your present and future by seeking help early. The sooner you get help the less long-term health effects you will have to deal with. Don’t let alcohol abuse destroy your body and your life.
