Here are the Straight Facts About Alcohol
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of problem drinking that results in health consequences, social, problems, or both. However, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, refers to a disease that is characterized by abnormal alcohol-seeking behavior that leads to impaired control over drinking.
Short-term effects of alcohol use include :
- Distorted vision, hearing, and coordination.
- Altered perceptions and emotions.
- Impaired judgment.
- Bad breath.
- Hangovers.
Long-term effects of heavy alcohol use include :
- Loss of appetite.
- Vitamin deficiencies.
- Stomach ailments.
- Skin problems.
- Sexual impotence.
- Liver damage.
- Heart and central nervous system damage.
- Memory loss.
How do I know if I, or someone close to me, has a drinking problem? :
- Inability to control drinking - it seems that regardless of what you decide beforehand, you frequently wind up drunk.
- Using alcohol to escape problems.
- A change in personality - turning from Dr. Jekyl to Mr. Hyde.
- A high tolerance level - drinking just about everybody under the table.
- Blackouts - sometimes not remembering what happened while drinking.
- Problems at work or in school as a result of drinking.
- Concern shown by family and friends about drinking.
If you have a drinking problem, or if you suspect you have a drinking problem, there are many others out there like you, and there is help available. Talk to school counselor, a friend, or a parent.
How Can I Tell If a Friend or a Loved One Has a Problem With Alcohol, Marijuana, or Other Illicit Drugs?
Sometimes it is tough to tell. Most people won't walk up to someone they're close to and ask for help. In fact, they will probably do everything possible to deny or hide the problem. But, there are certain warning signs that may indicate that a family member or friend is using drugs and drinking too much alcohol.
If your friend or loved one has one or more of the following signs, he or she may have a problem with drugs or alcohol :
- Getting high on drugs or getting drunk on a regular basis.
- Lying about things, or the amount of drugs or alcohol they are using.
- Avoiding you and others in order to get high or drunk.
- Giving up activities they used to do (i.e. sports, homework, or hanging out with friends who don't use drugs or drink).
- Having to use more marijuana or other illicit drugs to get the same effects.
- Constantly talking about using drugs or drinking.
- Believing that in order to have fun they need to drink or use marijuana or other drugs.
- Pressuring others to use drugs or drink.
- Getting into trouble with the law.
- Taking risks, including sexual risks and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Feeling run-down, hopeless, depressed, or even suicidal.
- Suspension from school for an alcohol- or drug-related incident.
- Missing work or poor work performance because of drinking or drug use.
Many of the signs, such as sudden changes in mood, difficulty in getting along with others, poor job or school performance, irritability, and depression, might be explained by other causes. Unless you observe drug use or excessive drinking, it can be hard to determine the cause of these problems. Your first step is to contact a qualified alcohol and drug professional in your area who can give you further advice.