Alcohol and your health: Risks, benefits, and controversies

And not so long ago there was general consensus that drinking in moderation also came with health advantages, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In many cases, even moderate drinking (defined below) appears to increase risk. Despite this, less than half of the US public is aware of any alcohol-cancer connection. Changing the labels as suggested by the Surgeon General will require congressional action that may never happen. Whether alcohol use disorder is mild, moderate, or severe is based on the number of questions answered with a yes. If you said yes to 2-3 questions, it is likely mild AUD, 4-5 questions answered yes is moderate AUD, and 6 or more questions answered yes is severe AUD.

How Does AUD Interact with Other Mental Health Issues?

• As mentioned above, substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder are mental disorders, and therefore alcoholism is among some of the most common chronic conditions in the US.
• Those in the placebo group drank on average 57 grams over two hours, and people in the semaglutide group drank on average 34 grams of alcohol.
• What might have begun as social drinking with friends or coworkers has now started to become an issue.

A mental health problem becomes a mental illness when it affects a person’s ability to function in society. No matter what stage of alcoholism you are in, the good news is there are options available to you to get the help that you need. The first step in the process of getting help for alcoholism is to enter into a detox program.

Obsessive Alcohol Misuse

Stigma surrounding alcoholism prevents individuals from seeking help and understanding the long-term effects of untreated alcoholism on mental health. Rather than thinking in terms of cause-and-effect, it’s helpful to view the co-occurring nature of these conditions. Mental illnesses can contribute to substance use disorders, and substance use disorders can contribute to the development of mental illnesses.

Mounting evidence links alcohol with cancer. Defining a “safe” amount of drinking is tricky — and controversial.

Currently, the DSM-5 refers to alcoholism as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or Substance Use Disorder and classifies it as a mental disorder presenting physical and mental symptoms. The co-occurring mental health issues can lead to a cycle in which the user is drinking to alleviate symptoms of a disorder (for example, depression). At the same time, excessive alcohol use and abuse are likely making the symptoms of depression worse for the alcoholic.

• If you’re asking about the effects of alcohol on mental health, the answers to the following questions provide additional information.
• In fact, around 37% of people who have an alcohol use disorder at some point during their lives will also be diagnosed with major depression.
• Many of the same treatment methods and therapies are used to treat SUDs and mental health disorders.
• It’s a brain problem and it is about the underlying nervous system, not outward actions.
• People with mental illness may also experiment early because of peer pressure.

Detox is designed to rid the body of any and all harmful substances, including alcohol. Due to the way the body reacts to detoxing, it is important to do so under the care and supervision of trained medical professionals. This can be done at either a local medical facility, a dedicated detox center, or a treatment center that also offers detox.

What Increases the Risk for Addiction?

• Expert guidelines recommend that men consume no more than 2 drinks per day and that women limit their alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day.
• If you’re experiencing physical and mental impairment resulting from the use of alcohol, Confidant Health is here to help.
• While alcoholism and mental illness are often stigmatized, it’s important to challenge these misconceptions and promote understanding and compassion.
• The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) notes that “addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.

Of course, no one needs to wait for new guidelines or warning labels to curb their drinking. Many are exploring ways to cut back, including the Dry January Challenge or alcohol-free drinks. It’s worth noting that current guidelines advise against drinking alcohol as a way to improve health. Alcoholism is widely recognized as a disease due to its chronic nature, identifiable signs and symptoms, and its ability to be treated and managed. However, among people being treated for schizophrenia, the prevalence of AUD is about 11%.

If you’re experiencing physical and mental impairment resulting from the use of alcohol, Confidant Health is here to help. We offer online medication assisted treatment for alcohol use, so you can receive the services you need to stop drinking and reduce negative consequences, such as the mental effect of alcohol. In the case of an alcohol use disorder, alcohol will take precedence over other areas of life, including important relationships. A person may choose to drink, even if their spouse expressed concern over their alcohol consumption. A person who lives with an alcohol use disorder may develop health problems related to alcohol misuse, such as high blood pressure.

Understanding Addiction

If you suspect that someone you know may be struggling with alcoholism and a mental illness, it’s crucial to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Encourage open and honest communication, and let them know that you’re there to support them. It’s important to avoid judgment or blame, as this can further isolate the individual and hinder their willingness to seek help. Offer to help them find resources, such as addiction specialists or support groups, that can provide the necessary assistance for managing both their alcoholism and mental health. Since alcohol use disorder is not necessarily a mental illness, perhaps there is a better way to classify it.

Outpatient treatment allows individuals to receive therapy, medication, and support while living at home or in a sober living. This type of treatment is ideal for those who have commitments such as work or family and prefer a less restrictive environment than inpatient treatment. Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment.

A moderate alcohol use disorder is diagnosed when a person shows 4 or 5 symptoms, and a severe alcohol use disorder involves 6 or more symptoms. You can absolutely lead a productive and fulfilling life while managing alcoholism as a mental illness. It’s like navigating a stormy sea, but with the right support and treatment, you can find calm waters and chart your own course. Alcoholism, even if temporary or situational, can still be considered a mental illness. It is important to recognize that the impact on mental health can be significant, regardless of the duration or circumstances.

Once an alcohol use disorder takes hold, the person will continue to drink, even if they know that it is making their blood pressure problem worse. A person with an alcohol use disorder may appear as if they are isolating themselves from friends, family, and their usual activities. It may seem as if a person Sober living home with an alcohol use disorder is no longer interacting socially, or they may only socialize when an activity involves alcohol consumption.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain?

It’s important to recognize and address these co-occurring disorders alongside the treatment of alcoholism. By evaluating these criteria, healthcare professionals can determine the severity of an individual’s alcohol use disorder and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The term alcohol use disorder (AUD) includes the colloquial term alcoholism and other terms like alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and alcohol addiction.