DangerXs of Drinking Alcohol
While drinking can be a fun activity, there are definitely risk factors you should take into account. This page lays out statistics, a definition for Alcohol Use Disorder, short-term and long-term health risks, explanations and symptoms of diseases and disorders related to drinking, and links to several resources!
Alcohol and Drinking Statistics
Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- Prevalence of Drinking:
- 85.6% of people ages 18 and older in the US reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their life time
- 69.5% in the past year
- 54.9% in the past month
- Prevalence of Binge Drinking:
- 25.8% of people ages 18 and older in the US reported that they engaged in binge drinking in the past month
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States:
- 14.5 million people ages 12 and older have AUD
- An estimated 414,000 of which were adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17
- Alcohol Related Deaths in the United States:
- An estimated 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually
- This makes alcohol the third-leading preventable cause of death in the US
- Alcohol Related Car Deaths:
- In 2015, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 10,265 deaths (29.0 percent of overall driving fatalities)
- Consequences of Underage Alcohol Use:
- Alcohol is a factor in the deaths of thousands of people under the age of 21 in the US every year
- A recent CDC report estimated that this includes:
- 1,072 deaths from motor vehicle crashes
- 1,000 deaths from homicides
- 208 deaths from alcohol overdoses, falls, burns and drownings
- 596 deaths from suicides
- Consequences of College Student Alcohol Use:
- The most recent NIAAA statistics estimate that each year:
- 1,519 college students ages 18 to 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes
- 696,000 students ages 18 to 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking
- 97,000 students ages 18 to 24 report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape
- According to the 2019 NSDUH:
- 8.7 percent of full-time college students ages 18 to 22 meet the criteria for AUD
- The most recent NIAAA statistics estimate that each year:
Source:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
"Alcohol Facts and Statistics"
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
More commonly referred to as alcoholism, this disorder is manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
- Alcohol is regularly taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use it and recover from its effects.
- Cravings, strong desires or urges to use alcohol.
- Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major responsibilities at home, school or work.
- Continued alcohol use despite consistent social and interpersonal problems caused or worsened by the effects of alcohol.
- Important social, occupational or recreational actives are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
- Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having consistent physical or psychological problems that are likely caused or worsened by alcohol.
- Tolerance. Either in a need for increased amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect or a considerable diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
Health Risks
Short-Term Health Risks
Besides what is listed on Page 2 of the CDC PDF
Short-Term Health Risks Include:
- Lowered Inhibitions
- Interpersonal Conflict
- Falls and Accidents
- Altered Behavior (risky or violent)
- Hangover
- Alcohol Poisoning
Long-Term Health Risks
Long-Term Health Risks Include:
- Cognitive Impairment
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Over Seven Types of Cancer
- Nutrition Related Conditions
- Self-Harm and Suicide
Diseases and Disorders Related to Alcohol Use
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
ARLD is caused by damage to the liver from years of excessive drinking. Years of alcohol abuse can cause the liver to become inflamed and swollen.
The first stage of ARLD is Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Fat is starting to accumulate around the liver. This can be cured if you stop drinking.
The second stage of ARLD is Acute Alcohol Hepatitis. Alcohol abuse is causing inflammation and swelling of the liver. If the damage isn't too severe, treatment can reverse the damage. If the damage is severe it can lead to the third stage.
The third and final stage of ARLD is known as Cirrhosis. It is the scarring of the liver and the damage is not reversible. It can lead to liver failure.
ARLD Symptoms
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Symptoms of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bleeding gums
- Confusion
- Dark bowel movements
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Increased Thirst
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eye and skin)
- Loss of appetite
- Mood swings and unusual agitation
- Nausea
- Red hands or feet
- Swelling in the legs and abdomen
- Weight loss
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FAS is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy. FAS causes brain damage and growth problems. The problems caused by FAS vary from child to child, but defects caused by FAS are not reversible.
There is no amount of alcohol that's known to be safe to consume during pregnancy. If you drink during pregnancy, you place your baby at risk of FAS.
If you suspect your child has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis may help to reduce problems such as learning difficulties and behavioral issues.
Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Alcohol Poisoning is when there’s too much alcohol in your blood, and it causes parts of your brain to shut down. It is sometimes referred to as alcohol overdose.
Alcohol is a drug and it is a depressant. Being a depressant means alcohol can affect your brain and nervous system which in turn can slow your breathing, heart rate, and other important tasks that your body does.
Your liver usually does a good job of keeping alcohol's toxins from getting into your bloodstream. However, if you drink a lot in a short time, your liver may not be able to keep up.
Alcohol poisoning can lead to brain damage or death.
If you’re with someone who might have drunk too much, call 911 ASAP.
Even if the person is under 21 or you're under 21, still call 911 right away. In those kinds of moment, the life of another person is in your hands. Do what's right.
Something worth noting is that many colleges (ex. University of Notre Dame) have policies in place that grant underage students immunity from drinking violations if they go to Hall Staff or call 911 to aid another student.
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
Mild Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning include:
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Damp or clammy skin
- Poor coordination or stumbling
- Smelling like alcohol
Severe Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning include:
- Bluish or pale skin
- Long pauses between breaths (10 seconds or more)
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
- Severe confusion
- Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
- Slow responses (such as gag reflex)
- Throwing up
- Trouble staying awake
- Very slow heartbeat
Alcohol Poisoning Complications:
- Brain Damage
- Breathing Problems
- Coma
- Death
- Extreme dehydration
- Heart Attack
- Seizures
FAS Symptoms
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
Symptoms of FAS include:
Physical Symptoms
- Brain, heart, kidney and bone defects
- Deformed joints, limbs and fingers
- Distinctive facial features
- Slow growth before and after birth
- Vision and hearing problems
Brain and Nervous System Symptoms
- Difficulty with judgment, reasoning and identifying consequences of choices
- Learning disorders
- Poor balance and coordination
- Poor memory
- Troubles with attention, hyperactivity, information processing and mood swings
Social and Behavioral Symptoms
- Difficulties in school
- Poor concept of time
- Poor impulse control
- Poor social skills
- Trouble adapting to change
Korsakoff Syndrome
Korsakoff Syndrome
Korsakoff Syndrome
Korsakoff Syndrome is a chronic memory disorder caused by severe deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B-1). It is most commonly caused by alcohol misuse. It causes problems with learning new information, an inability to remember recent events and long-term memory gaps.
Korsakoff Syndrome is not the only mechanism through which heavy drinking may contribute to chronic thinking changes and cognitive decline.
Alcohol misuse may also lead to brain damage through:
- Alcohol-related cerebrovascular disease
- Head injuries sustained when inebriated
- The biological stress of repeated intoxication and withdrawal
- The direct toxic effects of alcohol on brain cells
Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
American Addiction Centers
American Addiction Centers
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international mutual aid fellowship with the stated purpose of enabling its members to "stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety." AA is nonprofessional, self-supporting, and apolitical. Its only membership requirement is a desire to stop drinking.
American Addiction Centers
American Addiction Centers
American Addiction Centers
American Addiction Centers provides addiction and mental health care at various locations nationwide – with programs in California, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
It's a great resource if you’re in search of a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center near you.
AAA "Tow to Go"
American Addiction Centers
AAA "Tow to Go"
AAA's "Tow to Go" program helps to prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel and endangering themselves and others on the roadway. The program operates on most major holidays and offers a free, safe ride to any driver who is alcohol or drug-impaired – AAA member or not.
(855) 286-9246
Therapies
AAA "Tow to Go" continued
AAA "Tow to Go"
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was first developed as a clinical approach to managing mood disorders, but was later adapted to treat Alcohol Use Disorder and other forms of addiction. CBT is based on the theory that certain patterns of thought can contribute to maladaptive behaviors (such as continued substance use), but a decrease in such behaviors can be achieved through identifying and changing these negative thoughts and emotions. Many studies have shown that CBT has benefits that continue even after treatment has concluded.
Medications
AAA "Tow to Go" continued
AAA "Tow to Go" continued
Few people know that there are medications available to help treat Alcohol Use Disorder.
While some of these medications have been around for decades, fewer than 10% of the people who could benefit from them use them.
Three drugs have FDA approval for alcohol use disorder, and each works differently.
Basic explanations of these three medications and how they work are listed in the row below.
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/features/fighting-alcoholism-with-medications#1
AAA "Tow to Go" continued
AAA "Tow to Go" continued
AAA "Tow to Go" continued
Over the past two decades, the "Tow to Go" program has been instrumental in preventing more than 25,000 impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.
The program offers:
- Free confidential rides available to AAA members and non-members.
- Transport of the vehicle and driver home or somewhere safe within 10 miles.
It is provided in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Indiana (Fort Wayne and South Bend only).
Medication 1: Disulfiram
Medication 3: Acamprosate
Medication 1: Disulfiram
In 1951, Disulfiram (Antabuse) became the first drug that the FDA approved for alcohol use disorder. Disulfiram changes the way your body breaks down alcohol. If you drink while taking it, you get sick. And because you do, you're probably not going to drink as much. Disulfiram isn't for everyone, though. Many people have a hard time sticking to it. But it can work well for people who are very motivated to stop drinking. This drug may be a good choice when someone has gotten an ultimatum from their family, an employer, or the legal system about their alcohol misuse.
Medication 2: Naltrexone
Medication 3: Acamprosate
Medication 1: Disulfiram
When you drink alcohol while taking Naltrexone, you can feel drunk, but you won't feel the pleasure that usually comes with it. It's like making your relationship with alcohol have no rewards. This also helps ward off cravings. Research shows that Naltrexone works best for people who have already stopped drinking for at least 4 days when they begin treatment. You take it daily as a pill or get a monthly injection at your health care professional's office. The medication can help you have fewer days when you drink heavily as well as help you drink less overall.
Medication 3: Acamprosate
Medication 3: Acamprosate
Medication 3: Acamprosate
One of the hardest things about quitting alcohol is that withdrawal symptoms can last for months after you stop drinking. Acamprosate (Campral) eases alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and feeling blue. Acamprosate works by interacting with two neurotransmitters in the brain: GABA (short for gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate. The balance of these systems in the brain of a person who has been drinking heavily for a long time gets thrown off and Acamprosate is designed to provide stability.
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