Health Guide » 
Topic Overview
Alcohol use problems can increase your risk of serious health problems (both physical and behavioral) and accidents or injuries. Although alcohol is a culturally accepted drug, if abused it can be very problematic to you and those around you. A majority of people in Western cultures drink alcohol at some point in their lives, and around one-third of those develop alcohol-related problems.
Alcohol use problems occur when you continue to drink alcohol even though drinking causes difficulties in your life. These problems can involve impairment of your relationships and the way you perform at work, school, or home. Alcohol use problems include both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.
- Alcohol abuse occurs when you suffer consequences from drinking too much ( alcohol intoxication ) during a specific episode. An example is driving while intoxicated and causing an accident or being arrested. Alcohol abuse may lead to alcohol dependence.
- Alcohol dependence is a lifelong disease that involves a compulsion to drink that can dominate your life. Alcohol dependence may cause withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to quit drinking. You may have periods of time when you do not drink but eventually experience a relapse . You will probably find it very difficult to stop drinking on your own.
Alcohol use is often an emotional issue before it becomes a dependency or abuse problem. It is common for a person who has alcohol use problems to also have other conditions or use other substances along with alcohol, such as cigarettes or illegal drugs.
Drinking alcohol may cause unique problems for teens, older adults, pregnant women, and people with other health conditions. Everyone who has alcohol use problems needs to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol. If you have not developed an alcohol dependence, you may be able to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol on your own. However, if you have developed alcohol dependence, you need treatment to stop drinking.
There are many successful treatments for people with alcohol use problems. Acknowledging you have a drinking problem is the first step to recovery. Your treatment will depend on whether you have alcohol abuse or dependency. Sometimes a brief stay in a treatment facility or hospital may be needed if you have withdrawal symptoms from dependency. You may seek treatment from your doctor or a supportive organization such as Alcoholics Anonymous. You and your family may choose to participate in professional therapy during your recovery, as everyone around you is affected by your alcohol use problems. New medications are also now available to help you stay sober.
There are many myths about alcohol and alcohol use problems. Believing these myths may prevent some people and their families from getting help.
