Alcohol FAQ, Part 2

by CDC

(Page 3 of 3)

What do you mean by heavy drinking?

For men, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming an average of more than 2 drinks per day. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming an average of more than 1 drink per day.

What is binge drinking?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism binge drinking is defined as a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to 0.08% or above. This pattern of drinking usually corresponds to more than 4 drinks on a single occasion for men or more than 3 drinks on a single occasion for women, generally within about 2 hours.

What is the difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse?

Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a diagnosable disease characterized by several factors including a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite harm or personal injury, the inability to limit drinking, physical illness when drinking stops, and the need to increase the amount drunk in order to feel the effects.

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work. Certain manifestations of alcohol abuse include failure to fulfill responsibilities at work, school or home; drinking in dangerous situations such as while driving; legal problems associated with alcohol use and continued drinking despite problems that are caused or worsened by drinking. Alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol dependence.

What does it mean to get drunk?

"Getting drunk" or intoxicated is the result of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Binge drinking typically results in acute intoxication.

Alcohol intoxication can be detrimental to health for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to

• Impaired brain function resulting in poor judgment, reduced reaction time, loss of balance and motor skills, and/or slurred speech.

• Dilation of blood vessels causing a feeling of warmth, but resulting in rapid loss of body heat.

• Increased risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver diseases such as, cirrhosis particularly when excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed over extended periods of time.

• Damage to a developing fetus if consumed by pregnant women.

• Increased risk of motor-vehicle traffic crashes, violence and other injuries.

Coma and death can occur if alcohol is consumed rapidly and in large amounts due to depression of the central nervous system.

How do I know if I have a drinking problem?

Drinking is a problem if it causes trouble in your relationships, in school, in social activities, or in how you think and feel. If you are concerned that either you or someone in your family might have a drinking problem, consult your personal physician.

What can I do if I or someone I know has a drinking problem?

Consult your personal physician if you feel you or someone you know has a drinking problem. Other resources include the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service available at 1-800-662-HELP. This service can provide you with information about treatment programs in your local community and allow you to speak with someone about alcohol problems.

What health problems are associated with excessive alcohol use?

Excessive drinking both in the form of heavy drinking or binge drinking, is associated with numerous health problems, including but not limited to

• Chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis (damage to liver cells), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), various cancers, including liver, mouth, throat, larynx (the voice box), and esophagus, high blood pressure, and psychological disorders.

• Unintentional injuries such as motor-vehicle traffic crashes, falls, drowning, burns and firearm injuries.

• Violence such as child maltreatment, homicide and suicide increase.

• Harm to a developing fetus if a woman drinks while pregnant.

• Alcohol abuse or dependence.

I'm young, is drinking bad for my health?

Yes, studies have shown that alcohol use by youth and young adults increases the risk of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. Research has also shown that youth who use alcohol before age 15 are four times more likely to become alcohol dependent than adults who begin drinking at age 21. Other consequences of youth alcohol use include increased risky sexual behaviors, poor school performance, and increased risk of suicide and homicide.

Is it okay to drink when pregnant?

No, there is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant should refrain from drinking alcohol. Several conditions including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have been linked to alcohol use during pregnancy. Women of child bearing age should also avoid binge drinking to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and potential exposure of a developing fetus to alcohol.

About the Author

www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves.