Alcohol Abuse: History, Types, Uses And Effects

Last Updated February 1, 2023

Alcohol use is a common and accepted part of many cultures. Alcohol addiction is a chronic brain disease that consists of compulsive alcohol use. Alcoholics will continue to drink even though they know they have a drinking problem.

Alcoholism affects the central nervous system by altering the chemistry of the brain. One of the signs of alcohol addiction is having withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. Alcoholism is a serious disease that abuses alcohol that affects the brain and the body. It鈥檚 important to know the warning signs of alcoholism so you can get help.

Alcohol abuse can lead to problems in various areas of life. This includes health, relationships, work, or school. Legal difficulties, depression or anxiety disorders, and financial difficulties are also common.

What Is The Difference Between Alcohol Misuse & Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol misuse is a less severe form of problematic drinking, while Alcohol Use Disorder is a clinically diagnosable condition that has a more severe impact on an individual’s life.

What Is Alcohol Misuse?

Moderate drinking is defined as two drinks or fewer for men per day and one drink or less for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol misuse refers to a pattern of drinking that is harmful or dangerous, but does not meet the criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Alcohol misuse may involve drinking more than intended, putting oneself or others in harmful situations while drinking, or neglecting responsibilities due to drinking.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol Use Disorder, on the other hand, is a diagnosable condition defined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) as a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. It is characterized by symptoms such as:

Strong cravings or urge to drink
Difficulty controlling or cutting down on alcohol consumption
Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from its effects
Drinking despite negative consequences on personal, social, or professional life
Continuing to drink even though it causes physical, mental or interpersonal problems

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

There are many different symptoms of alcohol withdrawal wich vary based on the individual, the amount they drink and their medical conditions. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:

Upset stomach and vomiting
Hand tremors
Irritability or anxiety
Headaches and fatigue
Fever and sweating

Alcoholism Statistics

Alcohol abuse is a common problem that sees聽 1 in 8 Americans suffering from alcoholism.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, 2 billion people (27% of the world’s population) were using alcohol.
In the same year, about 3 million deaths, or 5.3% of all deaths globally, were caused by alcohol consumption.
The highest alcohol consumption per capita was reported in Europe, followed by the Americas and Western Pacific.
In the United States, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), in 2018:
- Approximately 14.5 million adults (aged 18 and older) had AUD.
- Among adult drinkers, 26.45% reported binge drinking in the past month.
- In 2015, more than 10% of children (aged 0-17) lived with a parent with alcohol problems.

It’s important to note that these numbers are likely to be underestimates, as underreporting and lack of access to data in some regions can affect the accuracy of the statistics. Alcohol use and its related consequences continue to be a major public health issue globally, and it’s important to address it through evidence-based prevention and treatment efforts.

What Are The Early Signs Of Alcoholism?

There are several warning signs to look out for to detect alcoholism. One common sign is the person鈥檚 drinking habits. Alcohol can affect a person鈥檚 moods and personality. These change when they abuse alcohol and when they stop.

Drinking too much alcohol over time will become a coping mechanism. Individuals who struggle with alcoholism may start to neglect work and personal relationships. Alcoholics struggle to stop drinking despite the problems that arise. Those problems include financial strain, legal troubles, or withdrawal symptoms.

It鈥檚 important to understand these warning signs to get the appropriate help. Yet, it鈥檚 important not to place blame on a loved one, which can be counterproductive. Instead of pointing fingers, offer support and encourage them to seek treatment.

Some medical illnesses have similar symptoms or complications to alcoholism. The person will need a physical exam from a doctor to diagnose any issues.

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What Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is consuming more than 4 drinks in two hours for men, and 3 for women. Binge drinking is also considered hazardous to your health.

Among adolescents, binge drinking is consuming at least five drinks on occasion. They have not developed a tolerance and will experience more pronounced effects from alcohol.

Binge drinking leads to alcohol use disorder (AUD). This is a medical diagnosis for a pattern of recurring alcohol abuse issues. AUD is the most common form of substance use disorder in the United States.

As with any disease, it鈥檚 important to diagnose alcoholism. Diagnostic criteria for AUD include

Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or stop alcohol use
A great deal of time on activities necessary to get alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects
Craving and inability to control drinking. Drinking will be the only thing you think about sometimes for days or weeks at a time
Withdrawal symptoms take place when drinking stops. Abstaining from alcohol leads to anxiety, shaking, stomach pain, and other uncomfortable effects

What Is Social Drinking?

Social drinking is a form of drinking that occurs normally without excess consumption. Alcohol is a legal substance and many individuals enjoy it responsibly at home, with friends, or in social settings without consuming to much alcohol or experiencing any adverse side effects.

High Functioning Alcoholics

A high-performing alcoholic is someone who can function in day-to-day life. Yet, they are dependent on alcohol. They may go about their workday/night, raise a family, and keep up with responsibilities. These alcoholics will drink before or during these tasks to maintain their habit.

One of the signs that someone is a high-functioning alcoholic is when they never drink alone. They are around people who drink which can lead them to believe that their habit is normal.聽 Another sign is when someone drinks right after they wake up or before they go to bed, regardless of the time of day.

This means that they are dependent on alcohol to have a good time, regardless of the consequences. It鈥檚 important to remember that any amount of drinking can be dangerous. It will lead to problems so it鈥檚 important to be aware of this in everyday life. If you notice other signs of alcoholism, it鈥檚 important to be open about your concerns. in a gentle, non-judgmental way that offers support.

Alcohol Is a Legally Controlled Substance

Alcohol is a popular legally controlled psychoactive drug that is commonly consumed in social settings. Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is the intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic beverages that produces the feeling of being drunk. It lowers anxiety and inhibitions with a broad range of side effects, from euphoria to other harder side effects such as loss of coordination to slurred speech.

Many people feel that since alcohol is legal and everywhere it’s much harder to stop than other commonly abused drugs. Recovery from alcohol abuse and misuse is possible. Going to a medically monitored detox facility will put your mind at ease. Contact our admissions team to start the process today.

Alcohol and Other Related Drugs

Alcoholism leading to drugs is not uncommon. It鈥檚 important to be aware of the signs so you can keep yourself and others safe. Alcohol is one of the most common substances used with other drugs. Such as tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, inhalants, and other drugs.

The difference is that alcohol is legal and accessible. Alcohol is available at any grocery store, convenience store, bar, and restaurant. Other substances such as marijuana or cocaine are not accessible in the same way. The ease of access makes it much more likely for people who enjoy alcohol to become addicted. Alcohol changes your brain fast. This means that your risk for mental health disorders increases the more you drink.

Frequently Asked Questions About alcoholism

How prevalent is alcohol consumption?

The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 85.6 percent of people ages 18 and older admitted to drinking alcohol at some point in their lives, 69.5 percent admitted to drinking within the past year, and 54.9 percent admitted to drinking within the past month (59.1 percent of men and 51.0 percent of women in this age group).

How many people binge drink and or abuse alcohol?

What drugs are commonly mixed with alcohol?

What drugs are synergistic with alcohol?

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Sources

University Health Service. The Effects of Combining Alcohol with Other Drugs | University Health Service. (2022). Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://uhs.umich.edu/combine

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2008). Alcohol and other drugs. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa76/aa76.htm

Heilig, M., Augier, E., Pfarr, S., & Sommer, W. H. (2019). Developing neuroscience-based treatments for alcohol addiction: A matter of choice?. Translational psychiatry, 9(1), 1-11.

Kruse, C. S., Lee, K., Watson, J. B., Lobo, L. G., Stoppelmoor, A. G., & Oyibo, S. E. (2020). Measures of effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of telemedicine in the management of alcohol abuse, addiction, and rehabilitation: systematic review. Journal of medical Internet research, 22(1), e13252.

Tabakoff, B., & Hoffman, P. L. (1996). Alcohol addiction: an enigma among us. Neuron, 16(5), 909-912.

Medical Advice Disclaimer

Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.