Alcohol Abuse





Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is often placed into the same category as alcoholism; however, the two are different forms of drinking problems. Sometimes alcohol abuse can turn into an addiction or a physical dependence on alcohol, which then constitutes alcoholism. It doesn’t matter if you abuse alcohol or are an alcoholic; in either case, you need help as both can be extremely dangerous to your health and personal life.

Causes of Alcohol Abuse

No two addicts or abusers begin drinking for the same reasons. While it is possible to gain back your life after abusing alcohol before it leads to a dependency, both alcoholism and alcohol abuse are caused by some similar factors. Here are a few reasons why someone may begin to abuse alcohol:

  • Peer pressure
  • Mental problems such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
  • Low self-esteem
  • Problems with relationships
  • Cultural acceptance of alcohol use

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

While you may have started consuming and abusing alcohol for any number of reasons, the signs of a physical dependency on the drug can be more common and widespread among abusers. If you are abusing alcohol and become dependent, you might go through an alcohol-related illness, build up a tolerance to the drug, black out after drinking heavily or experience withdrawal symptoms once you stop drinking. These are all common signs that alcohol abuse is present and a dependency is imminent until help is sought.

Alcoholism Characteristics

If someone you know is abusing alcohol, it is possible that alcoholism – the physical dependency on the drug – is right around the corner. If you are abusing alcohol or you are a loved one of heavy drinker, you may want to look out for some of the characteristics of alcoholism and abuse:

  • Drinking alone
  • Hostility over drinking habits when confronted
  • Turning down activities you once enjoyed because of alcohol
  • Hiding alcohol use
  • Morning shakes
  • Getting violent while drinking
  • Lack of control over drinking

If you are experiencing any of these characteristics, your alcohol intake is no longer recreational. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also defines its own set of signs that alcohol abuse is present. Some abusers and addicts will drive when they have been drinking. Others will feel like they need to drink more to feel their desired effect. Alcohol abusers might also lose jobs and tarnish relationships due to their abuse.

Alcohol Abuse Treatment

To gain control of a life of abusing alcohol or alcoholism, complete abstinence is necessary. For any addict or abuser, this can be difficult to do, especially since alcohol has become such an integral part of your life. For this reason, alcohol abuse treatment centers work with patients to identify the extent of their problem and get back their lives. Whether you are abusing alcohol or have a full-blown addiction, these centers can help by allowing you to detox from alcohol safely and securely. All these programs can include help with interventions and managing withdrawal symptoms as well as assistance in developing a plan for long-term recovery.

Alcohol abuse treatment also focuses on aftercare. Many treatment facilities will line up support groups that you can attend after rehab so you don’t relapse back into your addiction or abuse.