Alcohol abuse is a serious problem that affects millions of people all over the world. It's a widespread, often unreported disorder that causes a wide range of physical and psychological problems. If you or someone you know is dealing with this issue, take some time to learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of alcoholism.

Moderate drinking

Moderate drinking and alcohol abuse are two different things, but can be confusing to separate. Generally speaking, moderate drinking can be considered a harmless activity for most adults. However, it can also raise the risk of other health problems, including abusive behaviors. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding whether to drink.

A study published by the Harvard School of Public Health found that a moderate amount of alcohol can reduce the risk of heart disease. This is in part due to the fact that moderate alcohol consumption increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL), a good cholesterol whose presence is associated with better heart health.

The benefits of moderate drinking include protection against cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and gallstones. Additionally, alcohol can help improve your insulin sensitivity. Several studies have uncovered links between moderate alcohol consumption and improvements in blood clotting factors.

On the downside, heavy drinking has been linked to high blood pressure, liver disease, sudden cardiac death, and other negative health effects. Heavy drinking can even interfere with relationships. If you're concerned about your drinking, talk with a doctor.

Regardless of what your doctor recommends, it's a good idea to drink in moderation. For most adults, the benefits of drinking outweigh the risks.

Long-term effects

Excessive alcohol use has many negative effects on the body. This includes liver, brain, and heart problems. Alcohol has been found to increase the risk of a number of cancers.

Some of the long-term effects of alcohol abuse include poor memory, learning, and performance issues. In addition, chronic alcohol abuse has been linked to alcohol-related dementia.

Excessive alcohol use is also known to cause a variety of legal, financial, and social problems. Alcohol is also involved in sexual assault and domestic violence.

A small percentage of those who abuse alcohol will suffer from pregnancy problems. Women who consume alcohol while pregnant are more likely to have children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD is characterized by low body weight and cognitive problems.

Drinking alcohol can also damage the stomach and esophagus. The lining of the stomach can be eroded, causing more stomach acid and ulcers. Similarly, the esophagus can become inflamed, triggering pancreatitis.

Excessive drinking can lead to cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke. It can also be the source of a life-threatening condition called hypoglycemia. People with low blood sugar have difficulty concentrating and are at a higher risk of a stroke.

Long-term alcohol abuse also increases the risk of other chronic health problems. Some of these include diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver disease.

Treatment

Alcohol abuse can have a negative impact on a person's health and life. Getting help is the first step to recovery. Fortunately, there are many options available. Some of them include therapy, medications, and support groups. You should research your options before choosing a treatment program.

If you need to quit alcohol, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are generally a combination of physical and mental effects. Medications such as disulfiram and naltrexone can help you ease these symptoms.

Behavioral therapies are also used to treat alcohol abuse. They are designed to help you develop strategies for coping with triggers and preventing relapse. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is one type of therapy that can help. This method helps you replace maladaptive thought patterns with more positive ones.

During therapy, you will learn about your drinking habits and why they are unproductive. The therapist will also provide information about the risks associated with drinking and recommend ways to change these behaviors.

Inpatient therapy is one of the most intensive forms of treatment. Patients are monitored around the clock and attend counseling sessions. It can be beneficial for those with severe alcoholism. However, it may not be ideal for those who are more stable.

Outpatient programs are less intense than the inpatient variety, but they still provide plenty of benefits. Many outpatient rehab patients choose to live in a sober living house during their recovery.