Why People Abuse Alcohol

Abusing Alcohol

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The American Drinking Culture

Drinking is a part of American culture and why people abuse alcohol.

Alcohol abuse spans generations. It is historically been considered a rite of passage.

Even small children are given a sip of wine or beer as adults smile and laugh at their reactions.

This introduction to the culture of drinking at such a young age can be problematic.

It often reinforces the connection between drinking alcohol and having a good time.

Drinking is deeply rooted in celebrations and holidays.

This compounds problems for those struggling with alcohol abuse.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking too much too often.

People who abuse alcohol have a serious problem.

It interferes with their daily life and destroys relationships.

Whether it’s binge drink or daily drinking, if it’s a problem that can’t be stop or control, there is likely an untreated alcohol misuse disorder.

People who abuse alcohol will likely be unable to function at work and in other areas of their lives.

Reasons Why People Abuse Alcohol

Many factors contribute to the disease. Alcoholism is an addiction that doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t matter their gender identity, financial status, age, or how they were raised. There isn’t one true way to tell if someone will abuse alcohol. However, one can determine if people are more likely to abuse alcohol. Here are factors that can contribute to why people abuse alcohol.

• Genetics- Alcoholism runs in families. Research indicates that half of a person’s genes can contribute to the risk of why people abuse alcohol.
• Traumatic Experiences- Trauma is a main contributing factor in why people abuse alcohol. People who abuse alcohol often have not received any services to process their trauma. There is a high risk for people to abuse alcohol when they have experienced bullying, death, domestic violence, emotional or sexual abuse. Having a mental illness or caring for someone with one can contribute to people abusing alcohol to cope.
• Social Pressures- When drinking part of an after-work solution to a stressful day, it can contribute to why people abuse alcohol. Growing up where teenage drinking is common people abuse alcohol at an earlier age. This is peculiarly true when drinking is normalized in the family setting.
• Mental Health- People who abuse alcohol will develop mental illness left untreated. People who abuse alcohol do so because of a mental illness. Dealing with issues of depression or anxiety, people who abuse alcohol tend to believe that drinking relieves their symptoms. If people who abuse alcohol develop an addiction will have a tougher time in recovery.

Are you Abusing Alcohol?

Some questions can be asked that address if you are abusing alcohol. When you closely look at the behaviors it can help people who abuse alcohol confront problem drinking. When you can see problems, it can help people who abuse alcohol put their drinking in perspective. It illustrates how easy it can be for people who drink moderately to quickly abusing alcohol. The following questions can help people determine if they are abusing alcohol. This is not a comprehensive list of red flags when it comes to drinking. It does, however, show how gradually the issue can develop.

• Have you attempted limiting your drinking?
• Does drinking seem less of a choice or more of a need?
• Have you lost track of how much you drank?
• Do you spend more time than usual acquiring or ensuring you have enough to drink?
• When, do you find yourself craving alcohol during stressful situations or at a certain time of day?
• Does having a drink take priority over other obligations?
• Are you avoiding time with family, work, or other engagements?
• Has drinking been the focus of arguments or disagreements with close family and friends?
• Do you have a drink before heading to a family gathering?
• Have you drunk ahead of an event even when you know you need to drive?
• Has your drinking become the preference over hobbies?
• Does finishing off a bottle of wine seem like no big deal?
• Do you suffer from withdrawal when you stop drinking?

The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse

The impact on people who abuse alcohol often affects their health negatively. Alcohol inhibits the brain’s communication ability. This is why people who abuse alcohol personality changes. The heart is a highly susceptible organ to alcohol damage. Heart attack and heart failure are common for people who abuse alcohol. Liver damage is common in people who abuse alcohol.

Your Mental Health and Alcohol Abuse

Depression occurs often as a dual diagnosis in people who abuse alcohol. People who abuse alcohol can temporality feel better when they drink, however, drinking exuberates existing mental health issues. If you are drinking to cope with depression, alcohol will make your symptoms worse. People who abuse alcohol to self-medicate increase their consumption. This habit may temporary relief from these symptoms but will lead to alcoholism.

How to Treat People Who Abuse Alcohol

Alcoholism is one addiction that needs to be medically treated. Without medical supervision, people who abuse alcohol can suffer from fatal complications when they stop drinking. At Resurgence Behavioral Health safety is key during alcohol detox and withdrawal. There is a certain level of risk involved in stopping alcohol consumption.

Sudden withdrawal for people who abuse alcohol include seizures, agitation, fever, and delusions. Detoxing under supervision is essential when these situations happen during withdrawal. Resurgence Behavioral Health can provide you with an initial assessment to determine if a medically supervised detox is appropriate.

Medications for People Who Abuse Alcohol

There are a few medications that the Food and Drug Administration has approved for people who abuse alcohol. Medications to help people who abuse alcohol are underused in addiction treatment. These medications are proven to reduce cravings for alcohol.

Two drugs approved to treat people who abuse alcohol are naltrexone and Acamprosate. These medicines take away the reward that reinforces the urge for people to abuse alcohol. Taking this medication along with treatment reducing the motivation to drink.

Long Term Maintenance for People Who Abuse Alcohol

There are many levels of care when treating people who abuse alcohol. Detox is only the first step towards recovery. Alcoholism is a progressive chronic brain disorder. It does not just go away. However, you can still lead a productive healthy life when you seek treatment. Treatment for people who abuse alcohol includes identifying behaviors that promote sobriety and contribute to relapse. Resurgence Behavioral Health can help you make the choices that contrite to long-term recovery.

The Recovery Journey

For people who abuse alcohol that is no one size fit all treatment.

The most efficient approach to help people who abuse alcohol is comprehensive care.

Being upfront and honest is essential to recovery.

Treatment is targeted when you are honest and upfront about your alcoholism.

If you or a loved one is abusing alcohol, there is help.

Resurgence Behavioral Health offers comprehensive care to treat people who abuse alcohol.

Call us today for an initial consultation and discover how you can live a sober life.

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We want to ensure you receive the maximum amount of care permitted under your plan.

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