Alcohol Abuse is a pattern of drinking that causes harm. This pattern can affect your work, relationships and health. There are many treatment options available. Some treatments include counseling (individual or group), medication and self-help support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. The type of treatment you choose depends on your specific needs and situation. Some of the long-term side effects of Alcohol Abuse include damage to your heart, liver and bones; decreased energy; memory problems; and a lack of interest in hobbies or other activities. You may also develop an increased risk of infections and illnesses.
How much you drink and the length of time you've been drinking affects the severity of the side effects. For example, heavy drinking increases your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease, especially if you've been drinking for a long time or drink heavily every day. It can also increase your chance of having a stroke or a head injury. It can also cause birth defects if you drink during pregnancy, or mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
When you have an Alcohol Abuse problem, you often spend most of your time and energy thinking about or drinking alcohol. You may have few or no other interests, and you spend a lot of time hanging out with friends and family who drink. You might have trouble keeping your job or maintaining your relationships with family and friends. You may also get into trouble with the law for driving under the influence (DUI) or for committing other crimes while drunk. You might have blackouts or forget things that happened while you were drunk. Your personality can change and you might become more aggressive and violent while under the influence.
Your physical health can be affected by Alcohol Abuse, too. For example, excessive drinking can make your skin break out or get scaly. It can also irritate the lining of your stomach, and it can make your breath smell bad. Heavy drinking can cause a fatty liver (alcoholic hepatitis) or lead to cirrhosis, which is when your liver becomes scarred and can't function well.
If you think someone you know has an Alcohol Abuse problem, it's important to talk with them. But don't try to force them to quit drinking or punish them. This can backfire and make them feel guilty or angry. Instead, try to be supportive and listen to them. You might offer to go with them to a doctor or a counselor for help, or you might suggest they join Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar self-help group. Treatment for Alcohol Abuse can be successful if you are committed to it. Recovery isn't always easy, but it can improve your quality of life and your relationships. If you're having trouble stopping your drinking, talk to your GP. They can refer you to specialist services or give you medicines to help with withdrawal symptoms, such as the antidepressant chlordiazapoxide (Librium). Try to avoid people and places that trigger your urge to drink. If you can't stop completely, distract yourself with other healthy activities like exercising, taking a bath or listening to music.
