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How Common is Alcohol Use?

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Determining what a responsible amount of alcohol is can be a tricky and often double-ended question. Alcohol can affect individuals in vastly different ways depending on family history, environment, and even genetics.

With the exception of a brief prohibition in the 1920’s, alcohol is a widely accepted adult beverage in the United States. Because of this, it can be difficult to spot if a loved one is suffering from alcohol use. It is more common that you may think.

What is Alcohol Use?

To determine if a loved one is suffering from alcohol use, it is first important to understand what alcohol use is. Alcohol use can present itself in many forms, but the underlying issue revolves around an individual’s behavior when it comes to alcohol consumption.

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Individuals who use alcohol often take unnecessary and sometimes dangerous risks while drinking. Those who make risky decisions such as deciding to drink and drive instead of getting a ride home, or making aggressive contact with another individual while under the influence of alcohol are often signs of alcohol use.

Alcohol use can also present itself with neglect for other aspects of an individual’s routine. For example, calling into work because of a bad hangover or missing a deadline to go out and drink can be telling signs of alcohol use.

Alcohol Use vs Alcoholism

Simply put: the difference between alcohol use and alcoholism is a matter of severity. While both conditions can lead to devastating results, alcoholism is a more severe form of alcohol use that has turned into alcohol dependence.

Alcoholism is considered a disease, and rightfully so. With this degree of alcohol use comes a dependence on alcohol that can completely dominate an individual’s life. An alcoholic has little to no control over the amount and frequency of alcohol they consume. Despite negative consequences, getting their next drink can consume their livelihoods. It is not uncommon for individuals suffering from alcoholism to ignore financial, social, and professional responsibilities as a result of their drinking habits.

While alcohol use is not as severe as alcoholism, it can still take over an individual’s life. The risky behaviors and drinking habits of someone who uses alcohol makes them increasingly prone to alcoholism. The risky habits associated with alcohol use can also turn deadly very quickly, or at the very least lead to broken relationships and even jail time.

With alcohol use there is still a good chance to turn things around and change the role alcohol plays in your life. Choosing friendships and activities that are not centered around drinking or going out to the bar can distance the relationship you have with alcohol and help put you back in the driver’s seat of your own life.

Who is at Risk for Alcohol Use?

So who is at risk for alcohol use? The short answer is: everyone. Alcohol use can affect any race, culture, age, or gender. However, there are some individuals who are more likely to use alcohol than others.

According to Mayo Clinic, the following factors can increase an individual’s likeliness to use alcohol:

  • A family history of alcoholism or alcohol use
  • Drinking at a young age
  • Relationships that encourage drinking
  • Prolonged periods of drinking on a regular basis
  • Environmental factors (i.e. viewing alcohol as ‘glamorous’)

The stereotypical college lifestyle is a common portrayal of alcohol use, but it isn’t always this blatant. Alcohol use could be as simple as your friend choosing to drive home after ‘only a couple beers’ even if they have a sober ride home offered to them. Aggressiveness or a tendency towards criminal behavior while drinking could also indicate alcohol use.

According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 37.9% of college students in the age range of 18-22 reported binge drinking, and 12.5% reported ‘heavy use’ of alcohol. Both of these categories are classified as alcohol use, which can put these populations at a higher risk for alcoholism later on in life. It is estimated by this survey that 20% of college students in the United States meet the criteria for alcohol use.

Signs Of Alcohol Use

Alcohol use is by no means limited to the college aged population. There are many individuals that use alcohol and it can go unnoticed to friends and family.

If you suspect a friend or family member is abusing alcohol, it is important to look closely for the signs related to alcohol use. Keep in mind this is much more about their behavior surrounding the consumption of alcohol, and not necessarily limited to the amount of alcohol they consume.

Some common signs of alcohol use can include:

  • Taking unnecessary risks while drinking alcohol, such as driving drunk
  • Missing deadlines or priorities due to drinking or hangovers
  • Planning all or most activities around the consumption of alcohol
  • Depression, or change in mood or mental health
  • Associating drinking with emotions, such as stress or anger
  • Continuing to drink heavily several nights in a row

Get Help For Alcohol Use

Alcohol use can affect anyone, no matter what their demographic may be. If you suspect a loved one is suffering from alcohol use, or if you believe you have some symptoms of alcohol use, it is important to learn about what treatment options are out there.

Alcohol use is a battle no one should have to fight alone. Contact one of our alcohol treatment specialists today. All calls are 100 percent confidential.