Alcohol: What To Do If It’s a Problem for You

What causes alcoholism?

The causes of alcoholism are not fully known. A history of alcoholism in your family increases your chances of having an addiction problem. Men seem to be more at risk than women. Some drinkers use alcohol to try to relieve anxiety, depression, tension, loneliness, self-doubt or unhappiness.

Why should I quit?

I recommend quitting for at least 6 months to a year, you can always resume if you want.   It may not be easy to quit. It may not be safe to immediately quit, you need to check with your physician to see if you would need a medical detox. 

During this time you can assess underlying problems that might be attributing to your alcohol use. Alcohol will solve nothing so when you clear it away you may find other concerns that can be better addressed with different interventions.

Relationships usually suffer with excessive drinking. Get to the underlying problems which may become more solvable once the alcohol has been put aside.

Your work may be affected by your alcohol use. Once the alcohol has been removed as a variable you can better assess the problems that might be there.  

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

In 2019, of the 85,688 liver disease deaths among individuals ages 12 and older, 43.1 percent involved alcohol. Among males, 53,486 liver disease deaths occurred, and 45.6 percent involved alcohol. Among females, 32,202 liver disease deaths occurred, and 39.0 percent involved alcohol.

Among all cirrhosis deaths in 2015, 49.5 percent were alcohol related. The proportion of alcohol- related cirrhosis deaths was highest (76.8 percent) among persons ages 25 to 34, followed by persons ages 35 to 44 at 72.7 percent.

From 2010 to 2016, alcohol-related liver disease was the primary cause of almost 1 in 3 liver transplants in the United States, replacing hepatitis C virus infection as the leading cause of liver transplantation due to chronic liver disease.

Research has shown that people who misuse alcohol have a greater risk of liver disease, heart disease, depression, stroke, and stomach bleeding, as well as cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, liver, colon, and rectum. These individuals may also have problems managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, and sleep disorders. They may increase their likelihood of unsafe sexual behavior.

Alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of drowning and injuries from violence, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. Alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of female breast cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer (especially in individuals who inherit a deficiency in an enzyme involved in alcohol metabolism), and harmful medication interactions. Alcohol consumption has been linked to risk for FASD in the offspring of women who consume alcohol during pregnancy.