What is Alcoholism?
Alcohol addiction is often overlooked because substance abuse and drug addiction are a significant public health crisis in the United States. The economy loses an average of 600 billion dollars a year in lost productivity and increased healthcare and law enforcement costs, thanks to substance abuse. An average of 34 million Americans will be charged with a DUI every year, with 21 million under the influence of alcohol and the remainder driving while high on drugs. Although alcohol is a legal substance to use for adults 21 and older, it’s one of the most harmful and dangerous substances in the U.S. While most people can drink responsibly, about seven percent of people ages 18 and older are addicted to alcohol. What happens when someone is an alcoholic? Alcoholism takes a severe toll on a person’s health and wellbeing. What is Alcoholism?According to the CDC, moderate, safe drinking is defined as one drink a day for women, and two drinks a day for men. Moderate drinking doesn’t mean healthy, though. Recent studies on alcohol consumption have indicated that even moderate levels of drinking can have unintended health consequences. A drink is measured as:
- 12 ounces of beer at 5% alcohol content
- 8 ounces of malt liquor at 7% alcohol content
- 5 ounces of wine at 12% alcohol content
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor
People need to understand that drinking over these limits doesn’t necessarily mean a person has alcoholism. While excessive drinking can be harmful, it doesn’t always mean a person is addicted. But, excessive drinking can lead to alcohol dependence and addiction. Estimates indicate that up to 90% of people who drink to excess do not meet the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism.
Alcoholism is a chronic disease that requires outside help and intervention to manage and treat adequately. The signs and symptoms of alcoholism include the following indicators:
- An inability to limit drinking
- Continuing to drink despite the negative consequences
- Increased tolerance for alcohol
- Intense cravings to drink
What are the Current Demographic Statistics on Alcoholism?
Alcohol consumption is a relatively common activity among diverse populations and demographic groups in the U.S. Drinking does not mean someone will become an alcoholic, but several factors may increase a person’s chances of developing alcoholism.
People between the ages of 18 and 25 are the most likely to develop alcohol use disorder, and also the most likely to suffer from injuries related to alcohol abuse, including overdoses, car accidents, burns, and falls. College-age students between the ages of 18 and 21 are also at the highest risk of engaging in binge drinking, which significantly increases the chances of injury, increased alcohol tolerance, and dependence on alcohol. Caucasians typically have the highest rates of alcohol consumption, but it is Native Americans who have the highest rates of alcoholism. African Americans and Native Americans are the most vulnerable to alcohol-related consequences.
Comparing men and women, men are more likely to binge drink and suffer from alcoholism. However, women who have alcohol use disorder are more likely to suffer from health-related consequences of addiction and also to experience higher incidences of relapse. Men with alcoholism are more likely to suffer from increased incidences of violence and drunk driving than women who are alcoholics.
At What Stage is Alcoholism Most Likely to Develop?
Certain things can trigger alcoholism in people who are vulnerable to the disorder. Untreated mental health issues, in particular depression and anxiety, can increase a person’s dependence on alcohol as a way to self-soothe painful and distressing mental health symptoms. People who drink to excess can build a tolerance to alcohol, needing more and more of the substance to get the same desired effect. With increased tolerance also comes a risk of physical dependence, when the body needs alcohol to feel “right” and to function. Without it, withdrawal symptoms can occur. Drinking earlier, and at younger ages also increases a person’s chances of becoming an alcoholic when they get older. Heavy drinking before age 15 greatly increases alcoholism risk.
Do Genetics Play a Role in Alcoholism?
Alcoholism can run in families, and research indicates that genetics do play a role in developing addictive disorders such as alcoholism. Genes are responsible for about 50% of the risk of developing the condition, but environmental factors influence the other 50%. However, it’s essential to understand that genes and environmental factors can also decrease the risk of becoming addicted to substances like alcohol.
As an example, some people of East Asian descent carry a gene that alters the way a person metabolizes alcohol. The symptoms can be unpleasant, including nausea and changes to heart rate and blood pressure. A lot of people who get these symptoms will not drink, and therefore, won’t develop alcohol use disorder.
What can Someone do to Combat Alcoholism?
Early intervention and education are vital to preventing and combating alcoholism. Because alcohol use is so prevalent, it is challenging to keep young people from drinking. Drinking at a young age greatly increases a person’s chance of becoming an alcoholic. Community-based, targeted programs against youth drinking can prevent alcoholism and problem drinking in young people.
Although alcoholism can be difficult to treat, it is not impossible. Customized rehabilitation programs are critical for treating the disorder and helping people achieve and maintain sobriety. While every substance comes with a withdrawal and detox timeline, withdrawal symptoms for alcoholism are incredibly intense and also potentially dangerous. For people who want to achieve and maintain sobriety, attending a medically-assisted detox program is ideal.
Comprehensive aftercare programs can help those in recovery abstain from alcohol and prevent relapse through one-on-one therapy, group therapy sessions, support groups, and alternative treatments. Tailored recovery plans take into account the whole patient and what types of treatment methods will address their particular needs, circumstances, and medical histories.
