Download Facts about Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

Facts about Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
Medical Review:
2003
Contributing Author: Cherri Straus, MPH
Alcoholism and alcohol abuse is a widespread problem throughout the world. According to current estimates of the
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, about 18 million Americans abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more
adults engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. Approximately 53% of people in the U.S.
report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.
Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence syndrome,” is a chronic, often progressive disease with the following four
symptoms:
• craving - a strong need or compulsion to drink
• lack of control - the inability to stop drinking
• physical dependence - withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped
• tolerance - the need for increased amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects, or “high.”
A person suffering from alcoholism will continue to drink despite the consequences, such as a loss of job or health
problems.
Recent research supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has found that alcohol
tends to run in families and that there may be a genetic vulnerability to alcoholism. In addition, a person’s environment,
influence of friends, stress levels, and the ease of obtaining alcohol, may influence the development of alcoholism. Both
hereditary and environmental influences are called “risk factors”. However, this does not mean that children of alcoholic
parents will automatically develop alcoholism. Other factors, such as social support and self-esteem may protect even
high-risk people from becoming alcoholics.
Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism because the abuser does not experience the same four symptoms of alcoholism as
previously described. Alcohol abuse is defined by a pattern of drinking that is accompanied by one or more of the
following situations:
•
•
•
failure to fulfill work, school, or home responsibilities
drinking in physically dangerous situations, such as when driving or operating machinery
recurring alcohol-related legal problems such as being arrested for drunk driving, or for physically assaulting someone
while drunk
• continued drinking despite having social relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the effects of drinking
Many of these situations are also experienced by alcoholics. However, unlike the alcoholic, the alcohol abuser is not
addicted or dependent on alcohol, but chooses to drink excessively.
Whether a person suffers from the disease of alcoholism or is an alcohol abuser, the consequences are similar - potential
serious and life-threatening effects on personal health and public safety, resulting in health care and legal costs of over
$100 billion per year.
According to the American Cancer Society, there is evidence of a connection between heavy alcohol use and increased risk
for cancer, with 2-4% of all cancer cases thought to be related to alcohol. A strong association exists between alcohol use
and cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Still under study is the association of alcohol with liver, breast, and
colorectal cancers. Alcoholism has also been associated with suppression of the immune system. Immune suppression
makes chronic alcohol abusers more susceptible to various infectious diseases, and possibly cancer.
Approximately 4.6 million American women suffer from alcoholism or abuse alcohol. Although that is one-third of the
total number of alcoholics, women equal or surpass men in the number of problems that result from their drinking.
Alcohol, page 2
Female alcoholics have a 50 -100% higher death rate than men, resulting from suicides, accidents, circulatory problems, and
liver disease. The effects of liver damage are far more severe for women than for men.
As previously mentioned, breast cancer is still under study for risk association with alcohol consumption. Menstrual
disorders (painful menstruation, heavy flow, PMS, irregular cycles) have been found to be associated with heavy chronic
drinking. Excessive alcohol use can affect fertility, can cause miscarriages, and may lead to early menopause. Alcohol use
during pregnancy can cause premature birth, and can affect the developing brain cells of the baby, causing a condition
called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. A baby born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may suffer from a number of disabilities
including mental retardation, learning impairment, organ abnormalities, and other mental and physical problems.
Other effects of alcohol on health include:
• increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure
• reduced hormone (testosterone) levels in men, resulting in possible infertility and other sexual and reproductive
problems.
• disturbed regulation of normal blood sugar levels and is extremely dangerous for anyone being treated for diabetes
• impaired calcium metabolism, affecting bone cells and leading to bone diseases, such as osteoporosis
A serious public health issue is alcohol-related accidents. Forty per cent of all traffic fatalities (the leading cause of
accidental death) are alcohol related. In addition, up to 60% of boating fatalities involve alcohol use. Alcohol impairs
information that is processed by the brain, and requires extra time to be able to read a street sign or respond reflexively to
any traffic situation. Inability to fully concentrate on driving can occur in people with as little as 0.02% BAC (blood
alcohol level). Alcohol poses a more serious risk for younger drivers (below age 25) because they have less experience with
alcohol (tolerance) and with driving. Alcohol should be avoided when participating in ANY recreational activities and
when operating any kind of machinery.
Problems of alcohol abuse among the elderly (age 65 and older) is becoming a growing problem and is likely to become
even more serious as the “baby boom” generation ages. More and more elderly people are found in hospitals or long-term
care facilities with evidence of alcohol-related health problems.
Older people (65 and older) have a lower tolerance to alcohol. In addition, as a person ages, some mental and physical
functions tend to decline, including hearing, vision, and reaction time. These combined factors make older people more
likely to have alcohol-related falls, auto accidents, and other kinds of accidents. Alcohol abuse can also lead to major
depression in the elderly. In addition, older people tend to take many medications and there is a danger of adverse, even
fatal reactions when alcohol is combined with drug use.
Alcoholism is a treatable disease but a cure is not yet available. Acknowledging that help is needed for an alcoholic
problem is the first step toward a successful recovery. The nature of treatment is dependent on the severity of the
problem and the community resources available. Treatment may include detoxification, medication, and counseling. Most
alcohol treatment programs include AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) support group meetings. AA works best in combination
with counseling and medical care. Ongoing support from family and friends are important for the recovery process. New
medications have been developed to reduce the craving for alcohol, while research on more effective treatment methods is
on-going.
Moderate drinking is defined as drinking that does not cause problems for the drinker or for society. Guidelines of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture
and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services define moderate drinking as no more than one drink a day for
most women, and no more than 2 drinks a day for most men. A standard drink is considered to be 12 ounces of beer, 5
ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. These guidelines exclude pregnant women, recovering
alcoholics, people on medications, people with certain medical conditions such as peptic ulcers, and under-age youths.
Moderate drinking has been found to have both benefits and risks. The benefits of low level consumption include
decreased stress, tension, and anxiety. Some recent research indicates that alcohol in small amounts may decrease the risk
of cardiovascular disease in both men and women.
Alcohol, page 3
Risks associated with moderate drinking include stroke, motor vehicle accidents, cancer, birth defects, a potential increase
to heavier drinking, and dangerous interactions with medications. More than 100 medications interact with alcohol, leading
to increased risk of illness, injury, and even death. It is important to discuss alcohol consumption with your physician if
you are taking any prescribed and/or over-the-counter medications.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for sound medical judgment. If you
have any questions or concerns, you should discuss them with your physician.
Resources:
Related Healthy Living Links:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
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