Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Many people drink a small or moderate amount of alcohol to relax and enhance their social activities. Using alcohol in this way is not harmful for most adults.

However, people whose use of alcohol has negative effects on any aspect of their lives, including health, relationships, work or school and money, are considered to have an alcohol problem. These problems can range from mild to severe. The severity of an alcohol problem depends on factors including the type of alcohol you drink, how much you drink, and how long you have been drinking.

Experts divide levels of alcohol use and abuse into the following categories in terms of risk for developing problems:



* moderate drinking;

* at-risk drinking;

* alcohol abuse; and

* alcohol dependence (alcoholism).

Alcohol affects different individuals in different ways. The level of alcohol in the blood may be affected by gender, age, physical health, amount of food eaten, and any other drugs or medication taken.


What Is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that involves one or more of the following problems within a one-year period:

* Failure to carry out major responsibilities at work, school, or home;

* Drinking in physically dangerous situations, such as while driving;

* Legal problems related to using alcohol; and

* Continued drinking despite ongoing problems in relationships with other people that are related to alcohol use.

Alcohol abuse does not involve physical dependence on alcohol. But if it is not treated, alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol dependence.


Facts About Alcohol Use And Abuse

* Almost 14 million Americans (1 in 13 adults) have problems with drinking alcohol. About 8 million of these people are alcoholic.

* Several million more Americans drink in ways that could lead to alcohol problems.

* About 50 percent of American adults have been affected by alcohol abuse or dependence in their family.

* Alcohol abuse and dependence occurs about two to three times more often in males than females.

* Alcohol problems are most common in the early adult years and lowest among people ages 65 and older, but they can occur at any age.

* First experiences with getting drunk often occur in adolescence. The earlier people start drinking heavily, the higher the chance they will develop serious medical problems later.

* Alcohol abuse and dependence can occur in all racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, but some groups are at higher risk than others.


from: http://www.ehealthmd.com