A study published in The Lancet found that alcohol consumption contributes to over 2.8 million deaths annually worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of preventable health issues. Long-term heavy drinking is linked to liver cirrhosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and an increased likelihood of developing mental health disorders. Even short-term excessive alcohol intake results in alcohol poisoning, accidents, and risky behavior. The effects of drinking alcohol are euphoria, impaired judgment, liver damage, and increased risk of addiction. While some people consume alcohol to unwind or socialize, excessive or prolonged use poses significant risks to overall health and well-being. Alcohol has a high addiction potential, as it alters brain chemistry by stimulating dopamine release and reinforcing compulsive drinking behaviors.

How Families Can Offer Mental Health Support at Christmas

Alcohol use disorder affects the brain and behavior through its impact on the brain’s reward, motivation, and memory functions. Treatment often requires a comprehensive approach, including behavioral therapies, support groups, and sometimes medications to help manage detox symptoms and prevent relapse. Recognizing alcoholism as a mental illness helps in reducing stigma and encourages individuals affected by it to seek appropriate treatment and support. The majority of alcohol-specific deaths – around three quarters – are caused by alcohol-related liver disease, a condition that develops after years of heavy alcohol consumption.

• A high-functioning alcoholic may not acknowledge the severity of their alcohol use simply because they can continue functioning at work, home, or school despite alcohol use.
• According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 224.3 million individuals aged 12 and older (79.1% in this age group) reported having consumed alcohol at some point in their lifetime.
• Alcoholism is considered a disease because it meets the criteria for disease, including a predictable progression and response to treatment.
• Treatment often requires a comprehensive approach, including behavioral therapies, support groups, and sometimes medications to help manage detox symptoms and prevent relapse.

What Factors Influence Alcohol Metabolism?

Heavy smoking shortens life by roughly 8 years—alcoholism shortens it by 15 years. In the United States, active alcoholics account for as many as 25 percent of the patients in general hospitals. However, excessive drinking behaviors that lead to a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol are a sign of alcoholism. Alcoholism can lead to problems with self-control, drinking despite negative effects on one’s health and well-being, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when one tries to cut down or stop. It is very important to get treatment for such disorders if they are contributing to the problem.

Ready to get help for you or a loved one? Contact us

Yes, alcohol can cause mental illness by disrupting brain chemistry, increasing the risk of mood disorders, and exacerbating existing mental health conditions. Long-term alcohol abuse is linked to depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis due to its impact on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed substances in the United States. When a mental health problem is ignored, the drug or alcohol addiction can worsen. When alcohol or drug use increases, marijuana addiction the symptoms of mental illness can intensify.

What are the characteristics of a chronic disease?

According to the CDC, providing emotional support and encouraging engagement with treatment and support groups can make a significant difference in their recovery process. Drinking alcohol is a personal choice and not inherently wrong unless it leads to adverse effects on health, relationships, or legal status. Call your doctor whenever you or someone you love has an alcohol-related problem. A doctor may order additional tests to find out whether alcohol-related damage to the liver, stomach or other organs has occurred. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based method that can help people build motivation to reduce or abstain from alcohol.

• At Lifetime Recovery, we offer a range of services to help those who are suffering from AUD.
• Some regions also enforce additional restrictions, such as dry counties where alcohol sales are prohibited.
• It can be dangerous to attempt to stop drinking without medical support, as some alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be deadly.

Receiving an official diagnosis for your alcohol addiction can help you to receive the help and support that you need. There are many flaws in this argument, namely the fact that while alcohol addiction is preventable this does not necessarily mean that it is not a disease. This progression can refer to the physical growth and spread of the disease as in the case of cancer, or worsening in severity as in the case of alcoholism. Of course, no one needs to wait for new guidelines or warning labels to curb their drinking. Many are exploring ways to cut back, including the Dry January Challenge or alcohol-free drinks.

Are there any health benefits to drinking alcohol?

Many treatment professionals are integrated providers, having received training in both addiction and mental health treatment. A multidisciplinary team of clinicians and professionals can also provide a comprehensive approach to integrated treatment by collaborating on an individual’s treatment plan. Withdrawal and relapse are significant challenges in the treatment of alcoholism. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening, while relapse can lead to further drinking and feelings of guilt and shame. Treatment should focus on both preventing relapse and managing withdrawal symptoms to ensure a successful recovery. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a widespread problem that affects people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic statuses.

The motivations behind alcohol consumption are both positive, like nurturing connections, and negative, such as using it as an emotional escape. In the United States, alcohol consumption remains prevalent across various age groups. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 224.3 million individuals aged 12 and older (79.1% in this age group) reported having consumed alcohol at some point in their lifetime. The survey also indicated that nearly 61% of individuals aged 26 to 29 were current alcohol users, the highest rate among all age groups. Alcoholism is a disease that can progress and become fatal if left untreated. If not intervened and treated, it can lead to severe health complications such as liver disease, heart problems, cancer, and neurological complications, which can be life-threatening.

What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Benadryl?

As long as they can continue to “show up,” they live in denial, telling themselves they’re fine. Additionally, managers or coworkers can ignore some of the signs of impairment or alcohol use disorder as long as job performance why is alcoholism considered a chronic disease continues to meet satisfactory levels. Understanding the difference between a “moderate drinker” and a “problem drinker” can be difficult as it is often unclear what type of drinking behavior constitutes a problem in one’s life. While alcohol can be a source of comfort in the short-term, long-term effects can be devastating for individuals and their families.