Yes, alcohol is addictive as its consumption leads to the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD), characterized by an individual’s inability to control or stop drinking despite adverse consequences. Over time, this leads to physical dependence and alcohol addiction. Treatment for alcoholism also addresses the medical and psychological consequences of alcohol addiction.

Medical Professionals

Alcohol can be a fun way to celebrate or unwind, but it can also lead to serious problems when it’s misused. Many people struggle with alcohol abuse, and it can harm their health, relationships, and faith. The Bible offers guidance on how to handle alcohol responsibly and reminds us of the importance of living a sober life. It teaches us about self-control and the dangers of letting anything, including alcohol, take control over us. Moderate alcohol consumption does not generally cause any psychological or physical harm.

General Health

It decreases the alcoholic’s cravings for alcohol by blocking the body’s euphoric (“high”) response to it. That can result in people being less inhibited in their words and actions and more likely to engage in immediately pleasurable activities even if they are unsafe. Nationally, excessive alcohol use contributes to more than 178,000 deaths (approximately 120,000 male deaths and 59,000 female deaths), health complications and deaths annually. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 28.9 million people ages 12 and older (10.2% in this age group) of Americans struggle with alcohol use disorder in 2022.

• Even a tiny amount of alcohol alters brain chemistry and affects motor skills, coordination, and decision-making.
• Surgeon General’s warning about the impact of alcohol and cancer risk, it’s crucial to take a closer look at how alcohol affects our overall health.
• In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy.

What causes alcohol use disorder?

For women, “heavy” or “at risk” drinking means more than seven drinks per week or more than three in any day. For what is alcohol abuse men, it’s more than 14 drinks in a week or more than four in a day. If you are the one suffering from alcohol misuse, the first step is recognizing you need help.

Males, college students, and people going through serious life events or trauma are more likely to experience AUD. AUD refers to what is colloquially known as alcoholism, which is a term that the DSM-5 no longer uses. Mindfulness techniques such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and visualization may alcoholism symptoms be useful to some people for focusing their thoughts away from drinking.