Alcoholism remains America’s number one addiction problem. An estimated 15.1 million people aged 12 or older had an alcohol use disorder the previous year; that’s more than 5% of the nation’s population.
Teenagers and adolescents are among some of the country’s most prevalent drinkers. Some psychologists state that the reason behind the rapid growth of alcohol addiction among the younger population is due to alcohol being a forbidden substance for those under the age of 18. Along with this, alcohol is by the most widely used psychoactive drug in the United States because it is readily and largely available. People have access to alcohol nearly everywhere; we also drink to socialize, celebrate, and relax.
How to Know if You Have a Drinking Problem
Drinking problems occur as a result of long term alcohol abuse, which evolves as dependence but eventually leads to addiction. However, what does it mean to have a drinking problem? Alcohol limits are characterized differently by gender due to the different ways male and female bodies typically respond to and process alcohol
- For men, a drinking problem is defined as consuming more than 4 drinks on any day, or 14 per week.
- For women, a drinking problem is defined as consuming more than 3 drinks on any day, or 7 per week.
Long-Term Consequences of Alcoholism
Excessive alcohol consumption, including underage drinking and binge drinking, can increase an individual’s risk of developing serious health issues, including but not limited to:
- Brain damage
- Fetal damage in pregnant women
- Heart disease
- Liver damage
- Hypertension
Alcohol use is the cause of 88,000 deaths each year! As alcohol use and abuse continue to increase annually across the country, studies show that addiction can affect the lives of anyone, despite age, gender, race or religion. An Alcohol Use Disorder, also known as alcoholism, a drinking problem, or alcohol addiction, is a severe and progressive condition, but it is treatable! Alcoholism is a disorder like other substance abuse disorders, and it shares the same physical and mental characteristics. Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse can include :
- Behaving in a secretive manner, hiding, and lying
- Changes in physical appearance (such as lack of personal hygiene)
- Continued drinking despite apparent and obvious negative consequences
- Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms during every attempt to stop
- Loss of control over the amount of drinking
- Low performance at work
- Neglecting important activities such as spending time with friends and family, pursuing hobbies, or other interests all because of alcohol
- Relationship issues with family, friends and loved ones because of negative and rapid changes in behavior
Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Tennessee
At Discovery Place, we understand that it isn’t easy recovering from these addictions, because of the rigor of our daily work helping those who struggle most from this disease. Though some may believe they can make it alone, we believe that rehabilitation programs are essential when fighting to break the dependency. The journey ahead is not always the easiest, but you can conquer it if supported by the right team.
Our 30-day residential treatment and Family Matters Programs in Tennessee are offered in an inspiring and supportive environment. We will see you through to a life long recovery, and guide you on the path to a happier and healthier future. Call us at 1-800-725-0922 to learn more about our alcohol and drug addiction treatment in Tennessee today.
