Alcohol Abuse

The Prevalence of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is common in the United States, so common, in fact, that it has reached what are described as 'endemic proportions' and beyond the realm of epidemiological study. That is, alcohol abuse is so prevalent and engrained in our society that it affects nearly everyone and is almost impossible to count and assess in clinical trials. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence estimates that about 18 million Americans abuse alcohol on a regular basis. More disturbing is the number of car accidents and traffic deaths that occur as a result of alcohol abuse: 100,000 each year in the United States alone.

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Alcohol Abuse Versus Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism, though similar, are defined differently according to medical and treatment standards. Alcoholism is a disease that is characterized by cravings for alcohol and physical withdrawal symptoms when alcohol levels drop in the blood stream. Tolerance to alcohol is usually quite high, requiring more and more to get drunk and a steady supply is necessary in order to avoid withdrawal.

Alcohol abuse is the precursor of alcoholism. Some call alcohol abuse the first stage of alcoholism. Any form of alcohol use that results in illness, alcohol poisoning or mental, emotional or physical dependence is worthy of treatment at a center like The Canyon.

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Characteristics of Alcohol Abuse

There are a number of characteristics that can help you define whether you or a loved one are abusing alcohol. Alcohol abuse manifests in the following ways:

• Problems at work and the inability to keep up with schoolwork or family responsibilities
• An compulsivity to drink despite negative results such as drunk driving, missing appointments, destroyed relationships and inappropriate behavior
• Problems with law enforcement due to behavior while under the influence

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Characteristics of Alcoholism

Dependence on alcohol or alcoholism is also easily recognized by taking an objective look at behavior. The following list of alcoholic characteristics will help you determine whether or not you or your loved one is an alcoholic:

• The need for an excessive number of drinks in order to get drunk
• Shaking, headaches, muscle pains and lack of appetite when a few hours have passed since the last drink
• Drinking in secret or downplaying the number of drinks
• The feeling or appearance that every day is taken up either with drinking or recovering from hangovers
• Drinking early in the day, every day
• Using any excuse to drink and drinking so much that important occasions are forgotten or missed completely

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Treatment for Alcohol Abuse at The Canyon

At The Canyon, our staff is professionally trained in the treatment of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Those who drink too much usually do so because of mental or emotional problems, which means that many alcoholics have what is called a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis refers to two or more disorders-one of which is substance abuse-that affect the alcoholic equally and require a treatment that addresses both issues. Depression, eating disorders, psychiatric disorders-any of these in combination with alcoholism require a unique treatment that only centers like The Canyon can provide. If you have questions about alcohol abuse treatment options available at The Canyon, please call us anytime of the day or night at .

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