Many people confuse alcohol abuse with alcoholism. However, alcohol abuse is very different. Unlike alcoholism, alcohol abusers have some ability to set limits on their drinking. However, their alcohol use is still self-destructive and dangerous to themselves, can progress into alcoholism and they need help. When people are abusing alcohol they may neglect some of their everyday duties. Alcohol abuse is when drinking leads to problems, but not physical tolerance, withdrawal or addiction.
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work including:
Repeatedly Neglecting Responsibilities: Because of drinking, repeatedly neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school. For example, neglecting the children, performing poorly at work, poor or failing grades in school, or skipping out on work, school, personal or social commitments because you’re hung over.
Repeatedly Neglecting Responsibilities: Because of drinking, repeatedly neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school. For example, neglecting the children, performing poorly at work, poor or failing grades in school, or skipping out on work, school, personal or social commitments because you’re hung over.
Alcohol Use in Dangerous Situations: The use of alcohol in situations where it can be physically dangerous, such as drinking and driving, drinking in a bad neighborhood, mixing alcohol with prescription medication against the advice of your doctor or operating machinery while drinking.
Legal Problems Due to Drinking: If, due to drinking, you are experiencing repeated legal problems. For example, getting arrested for fights, drunk and disorderly conduct, domestic disputes, driving under the influence.
Continued Drinking Despite Relationship Problems: Alcohol is causing or making problems worse in your relationships with your friends, family or spouse, and you continue to drink. For example, fighting with your family because they don’t like how you act when you drink or going out and drinking with your buddies even though you know your wife will be very upset.
Drinking to De-Stress: Many drinking problems start when people use alcohol to relieve stress. Because alcohol is a sedative drug, over time, you will need more alcohol to have the same effect. Getting drunk after a very stressful day more often, for example, or reaching for a bottle after you have an argument with boss, a friend or your spouse more frequently.
Those who abuse alcohol may also be suffering from depression, peer pressure, low self-esteem, or who live stressful lifestyles
Alcohol abuse is an increasing concern. It has been estimated that one out of every six people throughout the United States has a drinking problem. This includes alcohol abuse, but can also include risky drinking and alcoholism. 51.5% of adults were current regular drinkers at least 12 drinks in the past year.
Anyone who has more than a dozen drinks in a week or who has five or more drinks in one of occasion can be at risk of alcohol abuse. These will often lead to problems within their lives, which may include medical problems as well is difficulties completing activities of daily living, such as occupational problems, difficulties with relationships, and other functional impairments. This is not an addiction because the person has not developed a physical tolerance or withdrawal symptoms.
Those who are suffering from alcohol abuse often move into alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, alcohol dependence, or alcohol addiction, because they need to drink more alcohol in order to feel the effects. This is called tolerance. These individuals may also begin to feel withdrawal symptoms if they have not had a drink in a specific amount of time. These individuals may also end up requiring medical detoxification.
Some of the common symptoms for people with alcohol abuse include drinking alone, neglecting to eat properly, trying to hide the use of alcohol, and. Those who are showing signs of alcohol abuse need to get help just as much as those who are considered alcoholics. The same treatment programs that are available for alcoholics can work for those with alcohol abuse. The first step is realizing that there is a problem that needs to be dealt with.
While alcohol abuse may be common throughout the United States, it doesn’t have to be a problem. Those who recognize that they have a problem can get help. Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs. The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment. In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the alcohol abuse treatment and drug abuse treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies. Our treatment center provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting. If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery. Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful. Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.
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