Shedding The Light on Alcohol Use

Alcohol Use Among Us
In 2022 84.1% Americans reported that they had used alcohol at some point in their lives.  Alcohol use is part of life in our society. Many drink to socialize and during social activities. Alcohol can be part of cultural and religious ceremonies and practices. Alcohol is a personal preference, some individuals choose not to drink, and not all alcohol use is problematic. However, research has revealed that any amount of alcohol consumed can be risky. While the risk is low, it becomes greater as the consumption increases. So, when does the use of alcohol become an issue?
Alcohol use and Alcohol use disorder impacted approximately 29.5 million people in the United States in 2022, and an estimated 178,00 individuals lose their lives to this condition yearly.  
Alcohol Awareness
To increase our awareness and knowledge related to alcohol use, it is important to understand some of the terminology.  Alcohol use varies in individuals based on how long it has been used and how much is being used. Some terminology related to this includes.

• Moderate drinking
• Binge drinking
• Excessive drinking
• Alcohol intoxication or alcohol poisoning
• Alcohol use disorder

Moderate drinking: This is defined as limiting the intake of alcohol. The recommendation is limiting intake to two drinks or less in a day for men, and one drink or less a day for women.
Binge drinking: This is considered to be a very serious problem and is the most common form of excessive alcohol use. It is described as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks for men, and four or more alcoholic drinks for women on one occasion. Binge drinking is not considered alcohol dependence; however, it can be harmful. It is linked to disease, injuries and can lead to alcohol use disorder. It is estimated that one in six adult Americans binge drink weekly.
Excessive drinking: Includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by people under the age of 21 or pregnant women.
Alcohol intoxication and Alcohol poisoning: Alcohol intoxication can happen very fast in a short amount of time, and varies based on sex, weight, health status, percentage of alcohol in drink, combining alcohol and medications/drugs, the rate and amount of alcohol consumption, and level of alcohol tolerance. There are seven stages to alcohol intoxication.

1. Sobriety or low-level intoxication
2. Euphoria
3. Excitement
4. Confusion
5. Stupor
6. Coma
7. Death

Alcohol poisoning occurs when the amount of alcohol consumed starts to shut down the life-supporting areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate, and temperature. Alcohol poisoning is a result of consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time and is considered life threatening. It is important to recognize the symptoms of alcohol poisoning which are.

• Slowed responses
• Confusion
• Having a hard time staying conscious
• Lack of coordination
• Difficulty walking
• Vomiting
• Lack of gag reflex
• Slow breathing
• Slow heart rate
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Bluish colored skin
• Cold and clammy skin
• Seizures
• Strong smell of alcohol

If these symptoms are observed it is extremely important to seek help or call 911.               
Alcohol use disorder: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is also referred to as alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, or alcohol dependence, and is a common medical condition. It is defined as the impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use. AUD is classified as a brain disorder and can be mild, moderate, or severe. There are risk factors associated with AUD that includes binge drinking and heavy alcohol use. Other factors include.

• Drinking at an early age.
• Genetics and family history.
• Mental health conditions.
• A history of trauma.

Mind, Body, and Alcohol
Alcohol use can be the root of many problems related to relationships, family, employment, and finances. But, perhaps most concerning is the impact it has on the mind and body.
While alcohol can make us feel better, help with our stress, and help us to relax, it is important to remember this is only a temporary coping mechanism. As the alcohol leaves our system, we often feel worse. These feelings are a result of how the alcohol withdrawal is affecting our brain and body.
Alcohol is a depressant and can disrupt the functioning of the neurotransmitters in the brain. This can affect feelings, behavior, and thinking. While you may feel relaxed and less anxious while drinking, once the alcohol wears off the chemical changes in your brain can result in anger, anxiety, or depression.
Currently, research links the use of alcohol to an increase in mental health issues, and regular heavy drinking has been linked to depression.  If used long-term alcohol can decrease the number of neurotransmitters in our brain which are needed to defend against anxiety and depression.
The effects alcohol has on the body is concerning. Short-term effects include sleep problems, stomach distress, migraines, and reckless behavior. The effects from long -term alcohol use include serious health and social conditions including.

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Elevated blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Stroke
• Relationship difficulties
• Unemployment
• Financial difficulties
• Homelessness

No One Is Alone
As the number of those suffering from the effects of alcohol and alcohol use disorder grows, so do efforts to increase awareness about the condition. This month is National Alcohol Awareness Month, with a focus on increasing awareness about alcohol abuse and dependency before it becomes fatal.  We are all encouraged to increase our awareness about the causes of alcoholism, the risks of alcohol, and to discuss this serious disease openly.
All those who are experiencing the negative effects of alcohol should know they are not alone. There is a plethora of resources and sites providing help and support. The following provide information and resources related to alcohol use.
https://ncadd.us/ (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence).
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/niaaa-middle-school/helpful-resources (National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism).
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002199.htm (Medline Plus).
Burn Away Your Burdens also provides helpful resources related to mental health and alcohol use. Check out their link at: https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/treatment/.
Even if you do not struggle with alcohol use, or alcohol abuse, it is important to have this knowledge in order to make smart decisions for yourself and maybe help others to do the same.
                                                                                                      Peggy Fossen, DNP, RN, CNE

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References
 
Alcohol and Mental Health. Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/alcohol-and-mental-health#:~:text=Alcohol%20affects%20the%20part%20of,anxiety%2C%20regardless%20of%20your%20mood
Alcohol poisoning. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16640-alcohol-poisoning
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024a, February 29). Binge drinking.. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024b, February 29). Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. learn the facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 29). Deaths from excessive alcohol use in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/features/excessive-alcohol-deaths.html
Cirino, E. (2018, June 29). Alcohol intoxication: Acute, symptoms, treatments, signs, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol-intoxication
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, January 20). Alcohol in moderation: How many drinks is that?. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551
National Alcohol Awareness Month. National Today. (2021, August 4). https://nationaltoday.com/national-alcohol-awareness-month/
Symptoms and signs of alcohol addiction: Am I addicted to alcohol?. American Addiction Centers. (2024a, March 8). https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/signs-symptoms
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Alcohol use in the United States: Age groups and demographic characteristics. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-a). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age groups and demographic characteristics. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-c). Understanding alcohol use disorder. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder