Alcohol abuse is a problem that can affect anyone. It occurs when a person drinks in ways that interfere with their daily life and negatively impact their relationships, work and health.

There are many causes for alcohol abuse, including genetics, psychological traits and social factors. Treatment is necessary to overcome this condition.

Causes

There are many factors that can lead to alcohol abuse. Genetics, mental health disorders, social or environmental issues, and a need for approval can all play a role.

People who have mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder are at an increased risk of developing alcoholism. They often use alcohol to help them cope with these feelings.

Chronic alcohol abuse can damage your liver, kidneys, heart and brain. It can also increase your risk of infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Symptoms of alcoholism are characterized by cravings, tolerance (needing more), and physical dependence. These symptoms can be treated with behavioral therapy.

Binge drinking* is a common symptom of alcohol abuse. This pattern of drinking is defined as consuming 5 drinks or more for men and 4 drinks or more for women within two hours.

Symptoms

Drinking too much alcohol causes a wide range of negative effects on your body. It affects your mood, speech, coordination and your vital organs, like your liver.

Some people may also experience psychological effects when they drink, such as a loss of memory or bad judgment. These can be a sign of an alcohol abuse problem.

Heavy drinkers who reduce their drinking or stop altogether may experience alcohol withdrawal (AW). These symptoms can include tremors, anxiety, irritability, agitation and sometimes hallucinations and seizures.

If you are worried about your own drinking or if someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it’s time to get help. Early treatment can help you or your loved one return to the life you want.

Treatment

Alcohol abuse, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a serious mental health problem that can affect your social life, family relationships, and physical well-being. Treatment options include medication, talk therapy and support groups.

Medications, like Acamprosate and Disulfiram, help rebalance chemicals in the brain that change when people drink too much alcohol. These medicines may help to prevent relapse, too.

Talk therapy: Counseling sessions with a healthcare provider, such as a psychologist or mental health counselor, can teach you ways to cope with your drinking problems. Motivational, cognitive-behavioral, contingency and 12-step facilitation are the most common techniques.

Other forms of therapy include marital and family counseling, which can address the impact that alcohol misuse has had on your spouse or other loved ones. This can help to repair and strengthen your relationship. Psychologists can also diagnose and treat other mental health conditions that may be a co-occurring issue with alcohol misuse. In addition, a psychologist can coordinate the care you receive from other health professionals.

Prevention

Alcohol abuse can cause severe problems for those who use it, including health concerns and dysfunctional relationships. Prevention methods can reduce the risk of addiction and a lifetime of drinking.

Preventive programs teach people to avoid alcohol and other drugs by helping them build coping skills, consider their personality traits and resist the temptation of alcohol. These programs are effective for adolescents and older adults.

It’s important to have open conversations with children and teens about the risks of alcohol. The more parents and friends can talk about the consequences of alcohol, the less likely a child or teen is to drink too much.

Monitoring and surveillance are also essential for preventing harmful use of alcohol. They help track and monitor the impact of alcohol use, strengthen advocacy, formulate policies and improve treatment services.