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.

 

Alcohol Abuse & Eating Disorders: A Concerning Issue

Woman Drinking Martini at Bar For some people with poor coping skills, it is not uncommon for them to experience both alcohol abuse and eating disorders at the same time. Studies show that approximately 2 to 10% of individuals with Anorexia Nervosa, and 8 to 41% of those with Bulimia Nervosa, are also diagnosed with a substance use disorder [1]. [...]
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Screening and Behavioral Intervention for Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Study and Research Book Dr. Mark Gold's Research You Can Use Unhealthy alcohol use is defined as a spectrum of behaviors, ranging from risky drinking to alcohol use disorder (AUD), by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). It is the third leading cause of preventable mortality in the United States. The recent USPSTF update to the 2013 recommendation [...]
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Alternative Options to Self-Soothe Other Than Alcohol

Lady using Alternative Options to Self-Soothe by taking a bath When our bodies are under stress, it activates our stress-response system with the goal to maintain homeostasis or a physiological balance. As a result of ongoing stress, this stress-response system can create unwanted emotional experiences like anxiety and depression. This is when it is crucial to find alternative options to self-soothe other than alcohol. When [...]
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Teaching Responsible Drinking at Home, Think Twice!

Students Discussing parents Teaching Teens Responsible Drinking Several parents practice providing alcohol to their teenagers in order to protect them from the risks associated with underage drinking. Yet, this practice holds no evidential support. In fact, a recent study from Australia suggests that it may backfire altogether. According to the study published in Lancet Public Health earlier last year, teens exposed to [...]
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Research and Long-Term Effects of Marijuana and Alcohol Use

Women combining Marijuana and Alcohol Use Contributor: Megan Wilson, BS, CADC, Timberline Knolls Residential Center Society has long maintained that marijuana and alcohol use can result in decreased success. While it is certainly not true that those who struggle with addiction issues are less successful or valuable members of society, a new study from the University of Connecticut Health research department has found that [...]
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