Alcohol Abuse Health Center

Medical Reference Related to Alcohol Abuse

11. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - Symptoms
    

    You might not realize that you have a drinking problem. You might not drink every day, or you might not drink large amounts when you do drink. You might go for days or weeks between drinking episodes. Many people say they are "social drinkers" because they do not drink every day. But even if you don't drink very often, it is still possible to be abusing alcohol and to be at risk for becoming ...

12. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - Health Tools
    

    Health tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition. Helping a person get treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence How to stop drinking alcohol ...

13. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - Recovery
    

    If your family or friends are concerned about your alcohol use, you might have a problem that you haven't admitted yet. One of the earliest signs of an alcohol use problem is blackouts-not being able to recall events during the time you were drinking, even though you remained awake. If you have blackouts, you might have a serious problem. If this is the case, you need immediate treatment for ...

14. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - Frequently Asked Questions
    

    Learning about alcohol abuse and dependence: What is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence? What is the cause? What are the symptoms? What should I know about alcohol? Do older adults have problems with alcohol? What about alcohol abuse and the military? What happens if someone has a mental health problem and an alcohol problem? Being diagnosed: Do I have a drinking problem? ...

15. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - When to Call a Doctor
    

    Call or other emergency services for a person who has consumed alcohol and is:Experiencing alcohol poisoning symptoms-such as unconsciousness, seizures, or difficulty breathing-after binge drinking.Having serious withdrawal symptoms, such as confusion and severe trembling. Severe withdrawal symptoms, such as delirium tremens (DTs), can in rare cases lead to death.Thinking or talking about suicide

16. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - Medications
    

    Medicines can be used to help treat alcohol abuse and dependence. Some medicines reduce withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. Other medicines help you remain sober during lifelong recovery.Medication ChoicesMedicines most often used to treat withdrawal symptoms during detoxification include:Antianxiety medicines (such as diazepam), which treat withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens ...

17. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - Exams and Tests
    

    Your doctor can diagnose alcohol use problems by asking about your medical history and doing a physical exam. Your doctor might do other tests to detect the amount of alcohol in your blood and any damage to your body caused by alcohol.You might be given a mental health assessment to determine whether you have other conditions (such as depression or social anxiety disorder) that commonly occur ...

18. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - Cause
    

    It is not clear why some people develop alcohol abuse or dependence problems and others do not, although experts know that alcoholism often runs in families. People with depression or other mental health conditions also tend to be more likely to abuse alcohol.Over time, if you regularly drink too much alcohol, you might become dependent on it. ...

19. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - For Family and Friends
    

    There are different types of support programs available to help you stay sober after you recover from alcohol abuse and dependence.Treatment programs, support groups, and counselingYou can receive ongoing support through aftercare programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). You might want to discuss your need for a particular type of ongoing treatment or support program with your doctor or ...

20. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - What Increases Your Risk
    

    You are more at risk for developing alcohol abuse and dependence if you:2, 3Have a family history-this includes a genetic link-of alcohol abuse and were exposed to alcohol in your home as you grew up.Use alcohol at an early age. The younger you are when you first drink alcohol, the higher your risk of developing alcohol use problems later as an adult.Are male. For every woman who develops alcohol