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| Recognizing the Problem of Alcohol Abuse |
Risk Factors for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop alcoholism with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the
more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing alcoholism. If you have a
number of risk factors, ask your health care provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
The following factors can increase your risk of alcoholism:
Gender... Alcohol abuse is five times more frequent in men than in women. Men are more likely to
be binge drinkers and alcoholics than women. However, the incidence of alcoholism in women
has been on the rise in the past 30 years. Women tend to become alcoholics later in life than men.
Cultural Factors
Alcoholism is clearly more of a problem in some cultures than in others. For example, rates of
alcoholism are high in Europe and the United States where alcohol consumption is common and
socially acceptable. In American culture, alcohol is often used as a social lubricant and a means
of reducing tension. In groups such as Mormons, Muslims, and Orthodox Jews, whose religious
values prohibit drinking outside of religious services, the incidence of alcoholism is minimal.
Higher rates of
alcohol abuse and alcoholism are also related to peer pressure and easy access to alcohol.
Psychological Vulnerability
Researchers have found that certain psychological factors increase an individual’s risk for alcohol
abuse and alcoholism. These factors include having high self-expectations, having a low
frustration tolerance, feeling inadequate and unsure of one's roles, needing an inordinate amount
of praise and reassurance, and having a tendency to be impulsive and aggressive.
Psychiatric Disorders
Researchers have found high rates of alcohol abuse disorders among people with anxiety
disorders, depression, antisocial and other personality disorders, schizophrenia, and other
substance abuse disorders, such as smoking and illicit drug abuse.
Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Denial that an alcohol problem exists is common. Alcoholism is characterized by an extremely
strong craving for alcohol, a loss of control over drinking, or a physical dependence on alcohol. In
contrast, alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the
following situations within a 12-month period:
Repeated problems at work, school, or home due to drinking.
Risking physical safety by drinking in situations that are dangerous, such as driving or operating
machinery.
Recurring trouble with the law, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or
for physically hurting someone while drunk.
Continuing to drink despite alcohol-related difficulties.
Alcohol abuse often progresses to alcohol dependence or alcoholism.
Alcoholism involves a powerful “craving,” or uncontrollable need for alcohol.
This craving overrides the ability to stop drinking. This need can be as
strong as the need for food or water.
Symptoms of alcohol dependence include:
Craving a drink of alcohol
Inability to stop or limit drinking of alcohol
Needing greater amounts of alcohol to feel the same effect
Withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is stopped, including:
Nausea - Sweating - Shaking - Anxiety - Increased blood pressure and Seizures.
Giving up activities in order to drink or recover from the effects of alcohol.
Drinking that continues even when it causes or worsens health problems.
Being unable to stop or reduce drinking despite a desire to do so.
Sources: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop alcoholism with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the
more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing alcoholism. If you have a
number of risk factors, ask your health care provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
The following factors can increase your risk of alcoholism:
Gender... Alcohol abuse is five times more frequent in men than in women. Men are more likely to
be binge drinkers and alcoholics than women. However, the incidence of alcoholism in women
has been on the rise in the past 30 years. Women tend to become alcoholics later in life than men.
Cultural Factors
Alcoholism is clearly more of a problem in some cultures than in others. For example, rates of
alcoholism are high in Europe and the United States where alcohol consumption is common and
socially acceptable. In American culture, alcohol is often used as a social lubricant and a means
of reducing tension. In groups such as Mormons, Muslims, and Orthodox Jews, whose religious
values prohibit drinking outside of religious services, the incidence of alcoholism is minimal.
Higher rates of
alcohol abuse and alcoholism are also related to peer pressure and easy access to alcohol.
Psychological Vulnerability
Researchers have found that certain psychological factors increase an individual’s risk for alcohol
abuse and alcoholism. These factors include having high self-expectations, having a low
frustration tolerance, feeling inadequate and unsure of one's roles, needing an inordinate amount
of praise and reassurance, and having a tendency to be impulsive and aggressive.
Psychiatric Disorders
Researchers have found high rates of alcohol abuse disorders among people with anxiety
disorders, depression, antisocial and other personality disorders, schizophrenia, and other
substance abuse disorders, such as smoking and illicit drug abuse.
Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Denial that an alcohol problem exists is common. Alcoholism is characterized by an extremely
strong craving for alcohol, a loss of control over drinking, or a physical dependence on alcohol. In
contrast, alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the
following situations within a 12-month period:
Repeated problems at work, school, or home due to drinking.
Risking physical safety by drinking in situations that are dangerous, such as driving or operating
machinery.
Recurring trouble with the law, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or
for physically hurting someone while drunk.
Continuing to drink despite alcohol-related difficulties.
Alcohol abuse often progresses to alcohol dependence or alcoholism.
Alcoholism involves a powerful “craving,” or uncontrollable need for alcohol.
This craving overrides the ability to stop drinking. This need can be as
strong as the need for food or water.
Symptoms of alcohol dependence include:
Craving a drink of alcohol
Inability to stop or limit drinking of alcohol
Needing greater amounts of alcohol to feel the same effect
Withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is stopped, including:
Nausea - Sweating - Shaking - Anxiety - Increased blood pressure and Seizures.
Giving up activities in order to drink or recover from the effects of alcohol.
Drinking that continues even when it causes or worsens health problems.
Being unable to stop or reduce drinking despite a desire to do so.
Sources: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
| THE MOST COMMON MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DISORDERS |
| The information provided on these pages are intended as an educational public service vehicle only. New studies often change our understanding of how to diagnose and treat illnesses almost on an annual basis. In any case, it is always wise to seek the advise of an experienced mental health professional prior to diagnosing and/or treating any emotional or mental illness. |
| For a Consultation Toll Free: 866-350-0571 Telephone: 337-991-0571 |
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