Alcohol Abuse Articles Blogs and Resources

Teenage Girl with an alcohol abuse problemAlcohol addiction and Alcoholism can be defined as a physical dependence on liquor, or a condition in which the body becomes reliant on alcohol to perform physically. As a result of this alcohol abuse, liquor is consumed obsessively and in unlimited amounts.

Men and women who experience an addiction to alcohol cannot exercise power over the quantity drunk, regardless if their abuse of alcohol is harming their relationships, ability to work, or finances. Alcoholism is a crushing illness as it results in damaging mental, physical, and emotional consequences to the man or woman who may be suffering.

There are numerous interrelated factors that can lead to alcohol abuse or addiction. Examples of these events that can influence the development of alcoholism include biological, psychological, and social/environmental circumstances.

Biological influences that may attribute to alcohol addiction include a genetic element. Psychological factors related to alcoholism include but are not limited to cases of abuse, underlying traumas, feelings of depression, and anxiety. In situations of intolerable emotions, feelings, or pain, alcohol may be misused as a method of escaping these realities.

Social/environmental factors that can be a component in alcoholism include similar cases of abuse within family, availability and acceptability of alcohol within a community, and pressure from peer groups. Examples of social/environmental circumstances that may be related to alcohol dependence are circumstances such as poverty, homelessness, or inadequate housing.

Because of the connections alcoholism has with other addictive diseases, it can be co-occurring with substance abuse or eating disorders. The characteristics of addictive disorders are influenced by numerous factors, and, likely, the person fighting alcohol abuse may also grapple with other kinds of addictions.

Alcohol abuse can result in copious short and long-term consequences for the sufferer. Men and women struggling with alcoholism can be affected physically, psychologically / mentally, and socially as a result of their alcohol abuse.

Please continue reading below to see our latest blog posts on alcoholism. Under the “Substance Abuse Navigation” menu, you can click on the drop-down arrow to see evergreen, general information on abusing alcohol.

Featured Addiction Expert Article

A Neglected Crisis: Alcohol-Related Deaths Rising, Especially Among Women

Alcohol deaths have been increasing at an alarming rate, particularly among women.  McLean Hospital’s Dr. Kathryn McHugh examines this alarming trend and how early intervention and treatment can help alleviate suffering and promote recovery.

 

Death, Grief, and Seeking Comfort in Alcohol

Guy struggling with Suicide and substance abuse Death and grief are extremely painful parts of life. Whether we are coming to terms with our own terminal illness or we have lost a loved one, the emotions that can come from this can be extremely difficult to process. Grieving is basically an umbrella term for the range of emotions that are common when [...]
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Substance Use Disorder in Police Officers

First Responder Policeman Police Car EMT Ambulance - 4858592_1920 While for most people, a stressful day on the job might mean missing an important deadline or dealing with a grouchy customer, police officers regularly face life-and-death situations and are first-hand witnesses to traumatic events. Thanks to this constant exposure to high-stress, traumatic situations, coupled with a work culture that often discourages officers from seeking [...]
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First Responders, Trauma and Addiction

First Responders and Ambulance at Hospital - 3323385_1920 Thanks to frequent exposure to traumatic events and life-threatening situations, plus the taxing demands of a high-stakes, fast-paced job, first responders are at a much higher risk of developing behavioral health conditions and substance use disorder than the general population. Unfortunately, first responders face numerous barriers to treatment and are one of the least likely [...]
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Genetics and Their Relationship with Alcoholism

DNA Strand You probably already know that genes play an important role in your life. From physical characteristics to personality and behaviors, genetics are largely responsible for your individual traits. But did you know that genetics also play a significant role in alcoholism and addiction? That’s right, according to recent research, some people have been born with [...]
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Drunkorexia

Sad female teenager ‘Drunkorexia,’ is a dangerous phenomenon that not only poses serious and life-threatening health threats, but also significantly increases an individual’s risk of experiencing alcohol-related injuries and assault. Twenty-one-year-old Amy has plans to go out drinking with her friends on Friday night. Amy plans to drink quite a few, but she worries about gaining weight from [...]
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