Alcohol Use Disorder: What It Is, Risks & Treatment

If someone in your family has struggled with addiction – even if it was not related to drinking – you may be more likely to develop an addiction yourself. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 14 million Americans (1 in every 13 adults) abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. The costs to society in terms of lost productivity, health care costs, traffic accidents, and personal tragedies are staggering. Numerous studies and reports have been issued on the workplace costs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse, and they report costs that range from $33 billion to $68 billion per year.

Five stages of alcohol and substance abuse disorders have been identified. The first stage is described as having access to alcohol rather than use of alcohol. In that stage, minimizing the risk factors that make a person more vulnerable to using alcohol are an issue. The second stage of alcohol use ranges from experimentation or occasional use to regular weekly use of alcohol. This or any of the more severe stages of alcoholism may involve binge drinking.

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The codependent person has a pattern of putting their own needs below those of others, likely has low self-esteem, and tends to engage in denial, excessive compliance, and control. The side effects of regular alcohol use can impact your mind, body, and social wellbeing. Because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous – and even kill you – make sure you have medical advice from your doctor or a rehab facility when you decide to stop drinking. When they know other people are going to be around, high-functioning alcoholics may sneak a drink early, drink before going out to the bar or club, or drink alone. This hidden drinking and secretive lifestyle is a huge red flag when it comes to alcoholism and shouldn’t be ignored.

During the period of time that the employee is away from work receiving treatment, he or she will usually be carried in some type of approved leave status. In most cases, it would be appropriate for the employee to be carried on any available sick leave. Normally, the employee would not be charged as absent without approved leave (AWOL) unless the employee’s absence had not been approved.

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Symptoms of alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal may take a few hours or days to show and get worse over time. Alcohol and other drug use have been found to occur most often between the hours of 3 p.m. And 6 p.m., immediately after school, and prior to parents’ arrival at home from work. Teen participation in extracurricular activities has therefore been revealed to be an important prevention measure for the use of alcohol in this age group. Parents can also help educate teens about appropriate coping and stress-management strategies. For example, 15- to 16-year-olds who use religion to cope with stress tend to use drugs significantly less often and have fewer problems as a result of drinking than their peers who do not use religion to cope.

When consumed in large amounts, alcohol acts as a depressant – slowing brain activity and even “turning off” critical sections of the brain. Decision making and self-control occurs in the cerebral cortex of the brain (the frontal lobe). This portion of the brain is severely impacted by excessive alcohol sober house consumption. The liver is the most affected organ in the body as it is responsible for breaking down alcohol. Typically, younger/newer drinkers will not experience liver issues as the body can compensate for a time. However, ongoing alcohol abuse is likely to lead to Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD).