Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is a depressant, a drug that slows the body’s functions. It is prevalent in social settings because of its reputation as a self confidence booster and a relaxant. Slang terms for the substance include booze, brew, fire water, hooch, juice, sauce, and truth serum. 

Signs and Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Individuals who abuse alcohol may experience short-term memory loss or “blacking out,” slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, stumbling, and dilated pupils. An individual with alcoholism lacks control over the compulsion to drink, craving the substance in the same manner as someone starving from lack of food or water. He or she also lacks control over how many drinks he or she consumes in a single sitting. Increased alcohol use results in an increased tolerance of the substance, resulting in a need to drink greater amounts in order to achieve the same effects. 

An individual with an alcohol problem may hide the fact that he is drinking alcohol, drink at inappropriate times (such as first thing in the morning), or drink alone excessively.

Long-term health risks associated with alcohol abuse include liver damage/disease (such as Cirrhosis), cancer (notably of the esophagus, pharynx, and mouth), memory loss, impaired brain function, impaired motor function, coma, and possible death. 

In addition to its physical consequences, alcoholism can lead to social consequences such as the deterioration of personal relationships, divorce or separation from one’s spouse, financial difficulty, loss of employment, DUI or DWI, domestic violence, and assault.  In children, alcoholism can lead to difficulty learning and poor academic performance.

If you have any questions about alcohol, or if you need help or advice about a drug or alcohol problem, you can call our free Addiction Helpline, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-884-1727. You can also reach our Helpline by using Live Chat or through our Contact Us form.