6 Things You Didn’t Know About Alcohol Abuse

By Teen Rehab

Alcohol is a common presence in our society and teens may encounter it frequently. As such, it’s important to be well-educated on its effects in order to notice the signs of alcohol abuse. Here are a few things you may not know.

• 1. Intention Matters

  By Teen Rehab

  Alcohol is often consumed socially, making it difficult to notice warning signs and symptoms of overuse. Pay attention to a person’s intention when they are drinking, as this may be one way to proactively address alcohol abuse before it develops into alcoholism. For example, take note if alcohol is being used consistently as a means to cope with negative feelings.

• 2. Genetics Can Play a Role

  By Teen Rehab

  Genetics and the environment an individual was raised in can sometimes be a factor in alcohol abuse. The location of their work or home, as well as the habits of others close them, can all influence the likelihood of using and abusing alcohol.

• 3. Alcohol Abuse is Not Alcoholism

  By Teen Rehab

  It’s important to note that there is a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Put simply, alcoholism is an addiction, whereas alcohol abusers may have some ability to set drinking limits. That being said, alcohol abusers are still drinking in a negative and self-destructive way and their struggles need to be addressed.

• 4. Symptoms of Impairment

  By Teen Rehab

  Alcohol consumption causes impairment and can have negative side effects, especially when consumed in large quantities. Some negative physical effects of alcohol abuse include slurred speech, motor impairment, confusion, difficulties concentrating, forgetfulness and breathing problems.

• 5. Looks Can Be Deceiving

  By Teen Rehab

  Even if an individual doesn’t appear to be drunk, they may still be affected by the alcohol. Particularly if someone abuses alcohol, their body may have grown tolerant to some of its effects. Their judgement and response systems are still impaired, and extreme caution around what activities they are participating in (ie: driving) should be exercised.

• 6. Gender is Significant

  By Teen Rehab

  Physically speaking, men and women are built very differently and, as a result, alcohol affects them in unique ways. For example, a man’s body contains more water than a woman’s. This results in alcohol being diluted in men, making the effects less noticeable than a female of the same body weight and type who drank the same amount of alcohol.

Feature image Arup Malakar