What is Alcohol?
Alcohol is a psychoactive substance found in beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. It is produced through the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. Alcohol is a depressant that is quickly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. It affects the central nervous system and can lead to changes in mood, cognition, and behavior. (1)
Although alcohol consumption is often tied to widely accepted cultural social norms and behaviors, misuse can lead to dependence.
What Is Alcohol Misuse
Source: NIAAA
Although alcohol consumption is often tied to widely accepted cultural social norms and behaviors, misuse can lead to dependence. Alcohol misuse refers to the harmful use of alcohol, including excessive drinking, binge drinking, using alcohol as a form of self-medication, and alcohol dependence. It can lead to a range of negative consequences on physical health, mental well-being, as well as work, social, and family relationships.
According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally. Alcohol is the leading risk factor for premature death and disability among individuals 15 to 49 years and accounts for 10% of all deaths in this age group. Disadvantaged and vulnerable populations have higher rates of alcohol-related death and hospitalization. (2)
Adults that are of legal drinking age should limit their intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and no more than 1 drink per day for women. (3)
Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is defined as a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to 0.08% or more. This pattern of drinking usually corresponds to 5 or more drinks on a single occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on a single occasion for women. (4)
Heavy Drinking
Heavy drinking involves consuming more than 4 drinks in a day or more than 14 drinks per week for men and more than 3 drinks in a day or more than 7 drinks per week for women. This means that if you’re having a glass of wine or a couple of cocktails or beers with dinner every night, you may be considered a heavy drinker. (3)
If you need treatment for alcohol misuse, call 916-874.9754.
Alcohol intoxication or being “drunk” occurs when an individual consumes alcohol in quantities that exceed the body's ability to metabolize it.
Short-Term Effects
When alcohol is consumed, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and affects the brain. Short-term effects may include the following:
Relaxation
Lowered inhibitions
Increased sociability
Impaired judgment
Reduced reaction time
Poor coordination
Loss of balance and motor skills
Slurred speech
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Dilation of blood vessels – causing feelings of warmth, but a loss of body heat
Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication or being “drunk” occurs when an individual consumes alcohol in quantities that exceed the body's ability to metabolize it – when the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream reaches levels that impair normal functioning. The effects of alcohol intoxication can vary depending on factors such as the amount consumed, the individual's tolerance, body weight, and other physiological factors
Long-Term Effects
Prolonged alcohol misuse, both in the form of heavy drinking or binge drinking, can lead to numerous physical and health problems:
Liver damage (such as cirrhosis)
Cardiovascular problems
Increased risk of certain cancers such as liver, mouth, throat, larynx
High blood pressure
Pancreatitis
Weakened immune system
Cognitive impairment
Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety
Harm to a developing fetus if a woman drinks while pregnant, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Coma and death
In addition to the psychological and physical effects, excessive drinking can also lead to accidental injuries such as drowning, burns, firearm injuries, and those related to motor-vehicle crashes. Violence, such as domestic abuse, homicide, and suicide, is also a risk factor. (1)
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), previously known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism, is a chronic disease. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe and is considered a brain disorder.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe and is considered a brain disorder. Continued misuse causes changes in the brain that makes people more prone to relapse. Most heavy drinkers, about 90%, would likely not meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for having a severe alcohol use disorder. However, milder forms of drinking can escalate to dependency, so awareness of the signs and symptoms – for yourself and those you care about – is important. (5,6)
Alcohol use disorder, previously known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism, is a chronic disease characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
Impaired ability to limit drinking despite negative social, professional, or health consequences
Needing to drink more to experience the same effects
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms with a rapid decrease in drinking or a stoppage of drinking
A preoccupation with drinking
Feelings of generalized stress and interruption of daily life
Alcohol use during the teenage years can interfere with normal adolescent brain development and increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Underage drinking can also contribute to serious consequences
Teen Drinking
While youth drink less often than adults, when they do drink, they tend to drink more with more than 90% of all alcohol drinks consumed by youth consumed through binge drinking.
Research shows that children of actively involved parents are less likely to drink alcohol. Parents can help their children avoid alcohol problems by having open conversations about the dangers of drinking, modeling responsible alcohol consumption, getting to know their kids’ friends, and encouraging participation in healthy activities that do not involve alcohol. (7)
Alcohol use during the teenage years can interfere with normal adolescent brain development and increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Underage drinking can also contribute to serious consequences:
Risk of injuries
Increased risk of being a perpetrator or victim of sexual assault
Alcohol overdoses
Impaired judgment that puts teen at risk
Reduced inhibition
Trouble in school or with the law
Increased risk of alcohol problems later in life
Deaths – homicide, motor vehicle crashes, suicide, drowning, falls, burns
Altered brain development, which may lead to cognitive or learning problems
If you feel that you drink too much alcohol or that your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, there is help available!
Treatment
Often, a person who needs help for alcohol misuse does not see their drinking as a problem. Family and friends can seek support and guidance as well.5
In addition to your health care provider, another valuable resource is Shatterproof.org If you are seeking help for a teen, check out these recommended adolescent treatment resources. You can also contact Sacramento County Substance Use Prevention and Treatment at 916-874.9754. Find additional support here.
If you feel that you drink too much alcohol or that your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, there is help available! Talk with your healthcare provider. Treatment for alcohol misuse can take place in an outpatient or inpatient setting, depending on the level of care needed and/or the preferences of the patient.
Treatment for alcohol misuse typically involves a combination of medical interventions, therapy, and support. It may begin with detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, followed by behavioral therapies, counseling, support groups, and medications to address the underlying causes of alcohol misuse and to promote recovery.
(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 19). FAQs. Alcohol and Public Health. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
(2) World Health Organization. (2023). Health Topics. Alcohol. https://www.who.int/health-topics/alcohol#tab=tab_1
(3) U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-online-materials
(4) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Drinking Levels Defined. Alcohol's Effects on Health. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
(5) Mayo Clinic. (2023). Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol's Effects on Health. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243
(6) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Understanding Alcohol Abuse Disorder. Alcohol's Effects on Health. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
(7) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Underage Drinking. Alcohol's Effects on Health. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking