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by Danna Martínez

Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances in the United States; unfortunately, it is also one of the most misused ones. Nevertheless, there are multiple opportunities for overcoming alcohol use disorder.

Excessive alcohol intake generates a deterioration in the human being on a physical, mental and social level. People who cannot control their alcohol consumption are designated alcoholics.

Alcoholism is a disorder caused by irregular alcohol use. According to the Alcohol Rehab Organization, “Alcohol use disorder is organized into three categories: mild, moderate and severe. Each category has various symptoms and can cause harmful side effects.”

The excessive use of alcohol is due to several reasons. Genetic propensity or individual tendencies are some of the motives. However, in most cases, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is due to the influence of the social environment.

Some signs that allow the community to recognize a problem with alcohol use are:

Anxiety about consuming any drink with alcohol.
Inability to stop drinking.
Loss of control and irregular behavior.
Alcohol dependence.
Prioritization of consumption over everything else.

Not knowing how to regulate alcohol consumption can lead to severe problems. Alcohol addiction guide to chronic illnesses and health problems. Here are some examples:

High blood pressure.
Cardiovascular accidents.
Digestive problems.
Memory loss.
Hypertension.
Fatigue.
Mental illness.
Domestic abuse
Nervous system problems.
Cancer of the breast.
Cancer of the throat.
Cancer of the liver.
Cancer of the colon.
Liver problems.

Moreover, alcohol abuse is one of the global causes of isolation and economic problems.

In a matter of time, this disorder can become a complication within social relationships. People’s excessive use of alcohol commonly causes family, couple, and even work area conflicts. To overcome social relationships difficulties, many organizations worldwide have pronounced their help to people with alcohol use disorder. One of these campaigns is The “Talk. They Hear You.” “Talk. They Hear You” is a parent and caregiver empowerment campaign aimed at strengthening communication with children about drug and alcohol abuse issues.

Cases of alcoholism happen every day in people all over the world and of all ages. According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Approximately 14.5 million people age 12 or older had an alcohol use disorder (2019 NSDUH).” Alcoholism is not alien to everyday reality. Everyone can become a victim of this problem. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Approximately 10.5 percent (7.5 million) of U.S. children ages 17 and younger live with a parent with AUD, according to a 2017 report.”

A few small changes in routine may be the necessary initiative to defeat the alcohol use disorder. For example, avoiding people or places that induce drinking. Plan extracurricular activities that do not involve drinking. Seeking help is also a great option.