Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol Abuse

People who use alcohol to change how they feel about themselves or to alter their mood are likely to be alcohol abusers.

Alcohol abuse is indicated by intoxication and adverse consequences related to the use of alcohol. Individuals may demonstrate intoxication, possibly when they are expected to fulfill major role obligations. School and job performance may suffer either from the after-effects of drinking or from actual intoxication on the job or at school, and alcohol-related absences may occur. Child care or household responsibilities may be neglected. Alcohol abusers often receive complaints about their use of alcohol. The person may use alcohol in physically hazardous circumstances (e.g., driving a car, operating machinery, or engaging in risky recreational behavior such as swimming or rock climbing). Legal difficulties may arise because of alcohol use (e.g., arrests for intoxicated behavior or for driving under the influence). The consumption of alcohol greatly intensifies the effects of other drugs in the body and can create a medical crisis. Individuals may continue to consume alcohol despite the knowledge that continued consumption poses significant social or interpersonal problems for them (e.g., violent arguments with spouse while intoxicated, child abuse, etc.).

Alcohol abuse often leads to addiction, and regular use of even moderate amounts of alcohol can lead to psychological dependence. Alcohol addiction often has a familial pattern, and at least some of the transmission can be traced to genetic factors. The risk for alcohol addiction is three to four times higher in close relatives of people with alcohol addiction.*

Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse: