Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that leads to negative consequences and can be dangerous. It can take many forms, including binge drinking*, heavy use and alcohol dependence.
It can cause health problems such as cancer, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and sexually transmitted diseases. It can also make a person feel depressed or suicidal.
Alcoholism
Alcohol Abuse is a serious disorder that can affect a persons social relationships, emotional well-being, work or career, finances and family. It can also result in legal problems.
Symptoms of alcohol abuse include drinking too much and ignoring responsibilities at home or work. They can also lead to problems at school or with a spouse or child.
People with alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, cant stop drinking even when they know its bad for them. They may have withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit, including nausea, sweating, restlessness, tremors, hallucinations, and anxiety.
Problem drinking is a complex disorder with many causes, but some risk factors are common to most drinkers. Genetics, physiological factors, and psychological traits can all increase the risk of drinking problems. Often, these factors are influenced by other health conditions, such as depression or a history of trauma. In addition, people who start drinking at an early age have a higher chance of developing alcohol use disorder.
Binge drinking
Binge drinking, or excessive alcohol consumption in a short amount of time, can be extremely dangerous. It can result in a range of health problems, including alcohol poisoning and accidents.
Some people binge drink to deal with their feelings of anxiety or depression, and they think it will make them feel better. However, it can actually increase their stress level.
If you have a friend or family member who is struggling with binge drinking, it is important to talk about the problem. They may get defensive or deny it, but you need to speak up.
The key is to recognize the impact of binge drinking on their life, and help them find healthy ways to cope with their emotions. This will help them avoid putting themselves at risk or experiencing other alcohol-related problems.
Heavy drinking
Heavy drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption that typically leads to negative health impacts. It usually involves binge drinking, where an individual consumes large amounts of alcohol within a single session versus small quantities more frequently.
Binge drinking is a risk factor for many health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure, esophageal and stomach ulcers and pancreatic inflammation. Binge drinkers are also at increased risk for some forms of cancer.
The CDC defines heavy drinking as more than 14 drinks for men and more than 7 drinks for women per week.
Several factors contribute to how much harm alcohol causes your body, including your age, gender, your body size and composition, your drinking patterns, nutritional status, metabolism and social factors. Your alcohol tolerance is also a factor in how much you can drink before you start to feel the effects of your alcohol intake.
Alcohol abuse in children
In some families, alcohol abuse can result in an unpredictable environment that doesn't meet the needs of children. This can make children feel unsafe, and lead to increased problems in their schooling and social lives.
Researchers have found that children who grow up with a parent with an alcohol problem often develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adulthood, including hypervigilance and need for control. These symptoms can also lead to a reduced self-esteem and poor emotional regulation.
In addition, children may blame themselves for their family's drinking problems. This can make them feel bad about themselves and their own lives, leading to more alcohol abuse and dependency.
