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| Alcohol abuse is a pattern of problem drinking that results in health consequences, social problems, or both. However, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, refers to a disease that is characterized by abnormal alcohol-seeking behavior that leads to impaired control over drinking. |
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Short-term effects of alcohol use include:
- Distorted vision, hearing, and coordination
- Altered perceptions and emotions
- Impaired judgment
- Bad breath; hangovers
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Long-term effects of heavy alcohol use include:
- loss of appetite
- vitamin deficiencies
- stomach ailments
- skin problems
- sexual impotence
- liver damage
- heart and central nervous system damage
- memory loss .
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How do I know if I, or someone close, has a drinking problem? Here are some quick clues:
- Inability to control drinking-it seems that regardless of what you decide beforehand, you frequently wind up drunk
- Using alcohol to escape problems
- A change in personality-turning from Dr. Jekyl to Mr. Hyde
- A high tolerance level-drinking just about everybody under the table
- Blackouts-sometimes not remembering what happened while drinking
- Problems at work or in school as a result of drinking
- Concern shown by family and friends about drinking
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| If you have a drinking problem, or if you suspect you have a drinking problem, there are many others out there like you, and there is help available. Talk to school counselor, a friend, or a parent. |
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