Alcohol—Still the Most Abused Substance
Some people can go out and have a drink or two. Maybe they’ll get drunk on occasion. For many people, hearing this seems obvious. For those that suffer from alcohol addiction, though, the concept of only having a drink or two may seem foreign.
While alcohol is legal, it is still a substance that can be easily abused—and it is. Alcohol is still the most abused substance. This abuse can lead to major consequences—from problems at work and issues at home, to injury and death. Alcohol abuse needs to be taken seriously.
Below is more information about how common alcohol abuse is, as well as some information about seeking help. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Front Door Health. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have and get you the help you need.
Is Alcohol Abuse Prevalent?
Yes. As per the alcohol facts and statistics provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:
In 2019, 25.8 percent of people ages 18 and older (29.7 percent of men in this age group and 22.2 percent of women in this age group) reported that they engaged in binge drinking in the past month and 6.3 percent (8.3 percent of men in this age group and 4.5 percent of women in this age group. reported that they engaged in heavy alcohol use in the past month.
Along with binge drinking, high-intensity drinking and daily drinking are high. Actually, close to 15 million people suffer from an alcohol use disorder in the United States alone.
Am I a Casual Drinker? Should I Seek Help?
With all of this said, you may be wondering if you should seek help, or if you are considered a “casual drinker.” There are a few indicators to consider in order to see if you are suffering from alcohol addiction (as provided by Mayo Clinic)…
- Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so
- Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use
- Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol
- Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alcohol use
- Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it's causing physical, social, work or relationship problems
- Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies to use alcohol
- Using alcohol in situations where it's not safe, such as when driving or swimming
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect or you have a reduced effect from the same amount
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, sweating and shaking — when you don't drink, or drinking to avoid these symptoms
If you are experiencing some or all of these symptoms, consider reaching out for help.
In-Home Treatment
For in-home, professional treatment, reach out to Front Door Health. We will provide you with outstanding care from the comfort of your own home. If you are unsure if you are suffering from addiction, please reach out. We’ll discuss the issue with you and provide you with a diagnosis.
For more information, contact us. We look forward to speaking with you.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
