Who Is Abusing Alcohol?
Alcohol abuse is very widespread and affects all ages. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 56 percent of people have had alcohol in the past month.3 In addition, more than 27 percent of Americans over the age of 12 had reported binge drinking in the past month.4 This means that close to one in four of all Americans are binge drinking. Statistics show that approximately 23% of adult men report binge drinking five times a month, averaging eight drinks each time they drink.5
Effects of Alcohol in Low and High Doses
In low doses, alcohol makes users feel relaxed and euphoric while lowering their inhibitions.
According to Healthline, higher doses of alcohol yield much more significant effects, including:- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Angry outbursts and emotional volatility
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of coordination
- Visual impairment
- Memory impairment
- Lost consciousness
- Alcohol poisoning
- Fatal overdose6
If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, please seek help by talking to your to doctor or calling our helpline at 760-548-4032.
Binge Drinking Is Alcohol Abuse
Many believe that they are not abusing alcohol if they go out on the weekends or drink heavily a few nights a week. They think that if they work all day and drink large amounts on the weekend that they are “normal” and don’t have a maladaptive relationship with alcohol — especially if they can quit drinking for weeks or months at a time before returning to their old habits.
Unfortunately, this behavior is the definition of binge drinking and it’s just as dangerous as the drinking habits of those who abuse alcohol regularly. A few more facts to consider:
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as when the individual’s blood alcohol content level is raised to .08 percent or higher.7
- A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showsthat more than 38 million people—or one in six people—binge drink alcohol.8
Risks Associated With Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages
Caffeinated alcoholic beverages are drinks that pre-mix plant-based stimulants, caffeine, and sugar with high amounts of alcohol.9 While these drinks and drinks that combine energy drinks and alcohol are a trend among American young adults, they are the subject of extensive controversy, for a number of reasons.
Here are just a few:- Masked effects of alcohol. The caffeine and other stimulants in caffeinated alcoholic beverages can cover the depressant effect of alcohol, causing users to drink more alcohol than they usually would.
- Doesn’t mask other effects of alcohol. Caffeine does not mask alcohol’s effect on impulse control or inhibitions, lower the concentration of alcohol on the breath, or assist the liver in metabolizing alcohol.
- Increases the likelihood of binge drinking. It’s much more difficult to go out for a drink or two when choosing caffeinated alcoholic beverages. Those who combine caffeine and alcohol are three times as likely to abuse alcohol (i.e., drink five or more alcoholic beverages within two hours).
- Higher risk of poor choices. The CDC reports that those who drink caffeine and alcohol together are twice as likely to be sexually abused, to sexually abuse others, or to drive while under the influence.
Make no mistake – just because alcohol is readily available in every corner store, it is not a safe substance.
Chronic health problems like liver damage and kidney failure are all too common when a person drinks large amounts of alcohol regularly.10 Violence is more common when alcohol comes into play, and more people end up in front of a judge due to choices made under the influence of alcohol than because of almost any other drug.
The Difference Between Abuse and Addiction
People who live with alcohol addiction have all the characteristics of those who abuse alcohol but also have other issues in relation to their drinking. For instance, alcoholics usually have just one type of alcoholic beverage that they indulge in to the exclusion of all others while those who abuse alcohol are generally more open-minded about what they will drink. Also, alcoholics require more alcohol in order to get drunk. They have built up a tolerance due to their regular drinking.
Another difference is that alcoholics will only attend functions where they can drink or get away with being drunk. They may also feel the need to drink regularly — even daily — no matter what activities are going on. Unfortunately, both those living with alcoholism and an alcohol abuse issue may or may not have a clear view of their problem.
However, should either type of drinker try to stop drinking on their own, they are unable to do so. They both require medical detox and addiction treatment in order to stop drinking for any length of time.
Rehab at Michael’s House
At Michael’s House, we offer the highest quality alcohol abuse and addiction treatment available. Each specialized program at Michael’s House provides integrated treatment options, ensuring that our clients get the innovative mental health and addiction treatment they need to begin the recovery process.
Because people vary in the severity of their conditions and their readiness to begin alcohol and drug rehab, the wide range of services available at Michael’s House meets each person at his or her level of need and readiness to recover. If you have questions about whether you or a loved one may need help for addiction, please call our call center 24 hours a day at 760-548-4032.
Start the Journey Today!
760-548-4032