Key Things to Know About Alcohol Dependence Risks
Key Things to Know About Alcohol Dependence Risks
Alcohol dependence risks are often ignored when someone wants to drink heavily. Alcoholism is a highly common disorder. In fact, it is estimated that eight percent of women and 17 percent of men will develop alcoholism at some point in their life. Many people today are desensitized to the fact that alcohol is a dangerous drug that can wreak havoc on person’s life and health.
Causes of Alcohol Dependence Risks
- It is important to note that alcohol abuse is not the same as alcoholism. It is possible for a person to abuse alcohol and not have an addiction to it. However, alcohol abuse is a huge factor for alcohol dependence risks. Studies have shown that people who have more than 12 drinks per week are at a greater risk for developing alcoholism.
Young adults who experience peer pressure are at a greater risk for developing alcoholism. A young person may not want to drink, but he or she feels compelled to to fit in with the crowd. Other risk factors for alcoholism include low self-esteem, stress and mental illness.
Symptoms of Alcoholism
- Drinking alone
- Increasing one’s drinking habits
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Eating poorly
- Missing days at school or work
Physical symptoms of alcohol dependence include blackouts, tremors and intense craving for alcohol. People may also experience severe withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop drinking.
Health Effects of Alcohol Dependence
Alcoholism can have serious health consequences. The liver is the organ that filters out the alcohol. However, repeated alcohol abuse can cause serious damage to the liver. It can lead to a condition called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue develops in the liver. Alcoholism can also lead to liver failure.
There are many other health risks associated with alcoholism. Some of those health risks include high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. It is estimated that alcohol use disorder causes around 88,000 deaths per year.
Alcohol Rehab in the United States
It can be scary to look at all of the grim alcohol dependence risks and statistics. However, many people have been able to turn their life around thanks to inpatient rehab. Inpatient alcohol rehab gives people all of the resources they need to break free of their addiction. It also teaches people how they can remain sober for life.
