Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse manifests as drinking becomes increasingly important and takes priority over everything else of importance, including job, friends and family. People who drink too much on a regular basis are alcohol abusers or problem drinkers. They may demonstrate some ability to set limits and some measure of control over their drinking, but the alcohol use is self-destructive. It can present a danger to others, as alcohol abuse increases.  The physical and emotional effects of alcohol abuse can often impair judgement to a dangerous level. While some people are able to maintain this pattern for a long amount of time, alcohol abusers are at risk for progressing to alcoholism. It might gradually progress as the tolerance to alcohol increases or can happen in response to a large stressful event, such as death of a loved-one, unemployment or retirement. Although people may use alcohol at different levels this basic pattern is the same.

Indications of Alcohol Abuse

  • Problems at work; continually late, missed days, continual mistakes
  • Scholastic difficulties; dropping grades, skipped classes
  • Difficulties at home; coming home late, sleeping a lot, forgetting chores
  • Drinking while driving; DUI’s, accidents
  • Legal problems and financial problems
  • Deteriorating relationships
  • Mood swings; anger, depression

Progressing Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse to Alcohol Addiction

  • Craving: an intense desire or compulsion for alcohol
  • Loss of Control of Alcohol: the inability to manage one’s alcohol consumption drinking despite its negative consequences
  • Physical Dependence: the individual will experience actual withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is discounted such as nausea, sweating, tremors, anxiety, insomnia and in more severe cases convulsions or even seizures. (This person requires immediate alcohol addiction treatment.)
  • Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to experience the same feeling of drunkenness they initially felt. Tolerance can lead to alcohol poisoning.

If you see the signs of alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction, don’t wait to get help.  For alcohol abuse counseling, please call our toll-free Drug Abuse Helpline at 1-800-943-0566.  We take your calls 24/7 and protect your right to privacy – all calls are confidential.