Alcohol Use Disorders

 

Disorders associated with alcohol are caused by the ingestion of alcohol over a period of time and in ways that leads to problems with health, personal relationships, school, or work.  Alcohol Use Disorders include alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, alcohol intoxication, and alcohol withdrawal.  

 

People who suffer from alcoholism usually display a loss of control when it comes to alcohol use.  It is often easier to have no alcohol than it is to stop after a predetermined limit. Once alcoholics start drinking they can’t stop, even if they’ve decided beforehand only to have a limited number of drinks.  Drinking problems also have a very negative impact on mental health. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can worsen existing conditions such as depression or induce new problems such as serious memory loss, depression, or anxiety. 

 

Short-term effects include memory loss, hangovers, and blackouts. Long-term problems associated with heavy drinking include stomach ailments, heart problems, cancer, brain damage, serious memory loss, and liver cirrhosis. Heavy drinkers also noticeably increase their chances of dying from automobile accidents, homicide, and suicide. Although men are much more likely than women to develop alcoholism, women's health suffers more, even at lower levels of consumption.   

 

Alcohol and drug use disorders, which include misuse, dependence, or addiction to alcohol and/or legal or illegal drugs, is not an adults disease.  Children and adolescents can also be affected by this condition which can isolate them from their peers, family, and community, making it difficult for them to lead a normal, healthy childhood.  This is true not only for those who are dependent on drugs and alcohol, but also for those with parental figures or siblings who have drug and alcohol problems.  Preventing and overcoming these problems requires awareness, education, and dedicated support from family, mentors, schools, and the entire community.   

 

Evidence strongly suggests that many people especially those with jobs, families and other forms of social support can resolve their alcohol-related problems after their first attempt.  Not everyone is so fortunate, however.  Some require a number of attempts to solve their drinking-related problems.

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