This Alcohol Awareness Month, learn the signs of unhealthy alcohol use so that you may seek help for yourself or loved ones.

People with unhealthy alcohol use (also called alcohol use disorder or AUD) can't always predict how much they will drink, when they will stop or what they will do while drinking. And it can be common for people with alcohol use disorder to deny the negative effects of drinking or that they even have a problem.

Alcohol is considered a drug because it depresses the central nervous system and can disrupt mental and motor skills. It can also damage internal organs when used excessively. Unhealthy alcohol use can be harmful physically, emotionally and economically.

Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol can lessen tension, reduce inhibitions and ease social interactions. But drinking too much can:

• Be physically and psychologically addicting.
• Cause impaired memory, coordination and judgment.
• Damage the heart, liver and nervous system.
• Lead to birth defects.

People who abuse alcohol also put themselves and others at risk if they drive or operate machinery after drinking too much.

Unhealthy alcohol use can start at any age. There are no good predictors of when it may start. But a family history or current family alcohol or drug abuse problems may influence the start of personal drinking problems. Some people have been heavy drinkers for many years, but others develop a drinking problem later in life. Sometimes a drinking problem is triggered by major life changes that cause depression, isolation, boredom and loneliness.

Reduce the Risks of Drinking

If you drink alcohol, take these steps to reduce risks:

• Eat before drinking to help slow the alcohol's absorption and slow its effects.
• Don’t drink alcohol when you are thirsty. Drink something that does not contain alcohol first.
• Don't drink when you are under stress, emotionally upset or tired.
• Know when to stop. Think about why you want to drink. You shouldn't drink just to get drunk.
• Don't mix alcohol with drugs or medicines.
• Never drink and drive.

Signs of Problem Drinking

If you are concerned about your drinking or think someone you care about has a drinking problem, look for these signs:

• Frequent uncontrolled drinking episodes.
• Drinking until drunk.
• Going to work drunk or drinking on the job.
• Driving while drunk.
• Doing something under the influence of alcohol that you or someone you care about would not otherwise do.
• Getting in trouble with the law or being injured due to drinking.
• Having problems at work or school, with social relationships or with family members because of drinking.
• Using alcohol to decrease anxiety or sadness.
• Gulping drinks.
• Frequently having more than two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women or older adults (with a standard drink being one 12-ounce bottle or can of beer or a wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits).
• Lying about or trying to hide drinking habits.
• Needing more alcohol to feel its effects.
• Feeling grouchy, resentful or unreasonable when not drinking.
• Having health, social or financial problems caused by drinking.

If someone you love has signs of unhealthy alcohol use, treat alcoholism as a disease, not as a moral failure or lack of willpower. Be understanding, but don’t be an enabler by protecting or lying for a person with an alcohol use disorder or denying that the problem exists. Respect the recovered alcoholic’s choice to stay away from alcohol.

Encourage treatment if you suspect unhealthy alcohol use. Your healthcare provider can help find treatment resources. If you are looking for a primary care doctor, visit AultmanDocs.com for information on Aultman providers in your community.

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC