April is Alcohol Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to understand what problem drinking looks like, reflect on your own drinking habits, and ensure you feel healthy about all your choices.
Alcohol is among the most commonly used drugs in the world. In 2023, 84.9% of adults over the age of 18 reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lives. Drinking occasionally, socially, or incorporating alcohol into holidays and celebrations is common. But when you can’t stop drinking or find yourself engaging in unhealthy behaviors when it comes to alcohol, you may need to address a situation that could become deadly.
How Much is Too Much?
Many of us have had too much to drink at a wedding or event, but when is drinking too much a cause for concern? Regular binge drinking, which is defined as having five drinks over two hours for a man, or having four drinks over two hours for a woman, can lead to serious health and safety risks.
Alcohol Use Disorder (previously referred to as alcoholism) is a medical condition in which people use alcohol to the point where it becomes a problem. It may interfere with their everyday priorities — including jobs, relationships, friendships, and more — but you might not be able to recognize it’s an issue.
It can be difficult to think of yourself as having a drinking problem. You might brush off the thought and think it’s not an issue for you. You might reason that because you maintain a full-time job and take care of all your responsibilities, drinking alcohol — even if you drink a lot sometimes — doesn’t pose a problem.
But having Alcohol Use Disorder is not as simple as “drinking too much.” It’s less about the quantity you drink and more about how it impacts your quality of life. The phrase “functioning alcoholic” is a colloquial term for someone who has become dependent on alcohol but is still able to maintain their day-to-day activities and responsibilities.
Know the Signs
If you think alcohol has started causing problems in your life, or you’re just curious to examine your drinking patterns to confirm you don’t have an issue, consider the following alcohol use disorder symptoms and behaviors:
- You regularly tell yourself you’re just going to have one or two drinks, but always end up drinking more than you intend. In other words, you can’t stop yourself.
- You’ve tried more than once to stop or cut down on your drinking, but you’re not able to do it. Your resolution in the morning may be firm, but at the end of the day, you can’t help pouring yourself a drink.
- You spend a lot of time either thinking about drinking, planning the next time you’re going to drink, or skipping other activities to have a drink.
- You find you have to drink more than you once did to feel the effects of alcohol.
- You have found yourself in situations that were risky or dangerous because of your drinking, such as driving while intoxicated, having unsafe sex, or operating machinery.
- You continue to drink even though it makes you feel depressed, anxious, or contributes to existing health issues.
- You’ve experienced physical withdrawal symptoms as alcohol wears off, such as trouble sleeping, nausea, sweating, shakiness, or a seizure.
Complications
Heavy drinking has both short-term and long-term effects. Dealing with hangovers or withdrawal symptoms can impact your everyday life, but heavy chronic alcohol consumption can lead to physical and psychological issues such as:
- Liver damage
Alcohol is a toxin, flushed out through your liver. If your liver can’t flush them out fast enough, your liver cells will start to die. Eventually, scarring called cirrhosis will occur, which could lead to liver failure.
- Heart disease
Alcohol can contribute to the dangers of blood clots and high levels of fats and cholesterol in your body.
- Cerebellar degeneration
This disorder impacts brain nerves and can lead to issues with speech, eyesight, or balance.
- Delirium tremens
Although it can be treated, this life-threatening form of alcohol withdrawal requires immediate medical care.
- Brain and nervous system problems
Heavy drinking can lead to nerve damage and contribute to depression, anxiety, and dementia.
- Cancer
A link between heavy alcohol use and cancer has been established, including cancer in your liver, breast, and intestines.
Treatment
If you think you might suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder, the most important first step you can take is admitting you might have a problem. Seeking help usually requires a visit with a healthcare provider who can understand your condition and recommend the right course of treatment. You’ll likely be encouraged to start behavioral therapy and medication if it’s required.
It’s important to realize that this is a disorder that is common and can happen to anyone, regardless of age, socio-economic background, or nationality. Seeking treatment like you would with any other disorder or illness can vastly improve your day-to-day life and future health. Studies show that most people can reduce their drinking or stop it entirely with support.
MindGlow Health offers talk therapy and psychiatric care through convenient online appointments with licensed providers who are experienced and passionate about what they do. The company was built on the foundation of a well-established behavioral health organization, where thousands of people nationwide have sought care for their mental health concerns.
Learn more about the services we provide or get started today with one of our experienced, passionate online providers to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
