Understanding Alcohol Abuse: Causes, Symptoms & Impact

At any given time in the United States, roughly 14 million people are afflicted with alcohol abuse, a condition which ranges from periodic binge drinking to severe alcoholism.

Alcohol Dependence

• Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, is an actual disease in which people come to require alcohol on a daily basis. Not obtaining this alcohol can lead to withdrawal symptoms which include nausea, irritability, headaches, confusion, and even death.

Alcohol Abuse

• A person exhibits alcohol abuse when they drink alcohol despite the negative effects it can have on their relationships, profession, and health.

Health Problems

• If alcohol abuse is continued for an extended period of time, a person may suffer from chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Wernicke-Korsakoff's syndrome.

Social Consequences

• Many people suffer a number of social consequences resulting from alcohol abuse. These can include unsafe sexual practices, a tendency toward violence, loss of inhibition, decreased performance at work and at school, and criminality.

Drunk Driving

• Drunk driving accounts for nearly 16,000 deaths a year, according to AlcoholAlert.com. Alcohol's negative impact on decision making means it's more likely that you will choose to drink and drive despite the obvious and severe potential consequences.