What is Alcohol Abuse?
What is Considered Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse is constantly misusing alcohol. It is when problem drinking – or binge drinking – becomes very severe. Alcohol abuse can often lead to health problems, difficulty in day-to-day life, or even financial and legal problems. There are two main types of alcohol abuse. Binge Drinking and Heavy Alcohol Use.
Binge drinking is typically considered consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in one sitting. Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time can cause both physical and cognitive problems. It can lead to drunk driving, alcohol poisoning, or even injury.
One drink is:
- 5 ounces of hard liquor
- 5 ounces of wine
- 12 ounces of beer
Heavy Alcohol Use is defined as someone who binge drinks five or more days in a month. This can lead to long-term problems like stomach bleeding, anemia, heart disease, or liver disease.
It is important to note that someone who struggles with alcohol abuse isn’t necessarily addicted to alcohol. Alcoholic and alcohol abuse are terms that are often interchanged, but they don’t mean the same thing. Someone who suffers from alcohol abuse is at risk of developing alcoholism and becoming an alcoholic. An alcoholic suffers from the highest form of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is when a problem drinking becomes extremely severe.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
It can be difficult to determine if a loved one is experiencing alcohol abuse problems. Here are a few questions that can help identify if you or someone you love is abusing alcohol.
- Do you drink longer and heavier than you originally intended to?
- Do you have difficulties when you attempt to cut back or stop drinking?
- Do people around you – friends and family – voice concerns about your drinking?
- Have you drank alcohol even though you are likely to cause physical harm in doing so? This could be operating a vehicle, or other tasks.
- Do you frequently experience blackouts or bouts of forgetfulness?
- Do you avoid obligations so you can continue drinking?
- Is drinking replacing activities that used to bring you joy or fulfillment?
- Are you suffering from withdrawals when you stop drinking?
- Have you ever hidden or lied about your drinking habits?
- Do you feel shame about your drinking habits?
- Are you in denial about your drinking habits?
- Are you in financial or legal trouble because of your drinking?
Alcohol Rehab Center
Here at Holland Pathways , we believe that every person who wants treatment for alcohol use disorder has the power to achieve recovery. Our residents are given comfortable rooms in an upscale setting that is designed to give them a safe, accepting environment. This is where they can heal from the negative effects of alcohol use. Our inpatient treatment includes education and one-on-one counseling. It also includes group treatment with others who understand the challenges being faced. Contact Holland Pathways for more information on our alcohol treatment program.
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