Life is full of trials and tribulations. Many obstacles can be overcome through determination and hard work, but these moments take a toll on the body. This toll will often manifest physically or psychologically, straining a person’s ability to cope appropriately with such an event. That is why it is essential to have effective coping mechanisms and support systems that can be used in times of crisis.
Unfortunately, it can feel like these support systems aren’t enough to cope with the ups and downs of everyday life, leading people to try new, less healthy methods for dealing with stress. In many cases, alcohol and substance abuse are the default method. However, using drugs and alcohol to cope with stress and trauma dramatically increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder, which may require a substance abuse treatment program to overcome.
What Is Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse can take many forms and is greatly influenced by many physical, psychological, and environmental factors. Such factors include height, gender, weight, metabolism, consumption rate, frequency of consumption, and a person’s social relationship to alcohol.
The risk of developing an alcohol or substance abuse disorder exists in everyone. Whether concerns surrounding alcohol abuse pertain to the self, a loved one, or a close friend, it is always important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse, some of which include:
- Inability to control the quantity of consumption
- Inability to control the frequency of consumption
- Experiencing an intense craving for alcohol
- Gradual decline in one’s ability to meet social, family, and work-related obligations
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol
- Unsuccessful attempts at limiting one’s alcohol consumption
- Frequently experiencing consequences from drinking
- Continuing to drink excessively despite frequently experiencing consequences from drinking
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Although alcohol abuse can look different depending on who it affects, experiencing or witnessing these symptoms is a good indicator that something isn’t right. That is why it is of the utmost importance to know how to identify these symptoms early on, and to practice alcohol abuse prevention, so that one may avoid future consequences from alcohol abuse.
The Prevention of Alcohol Abuse
There are many ways that a person can reduce their risk of developing an alcohol abuse disorder. Most important out of all of these is to mindful of how much one drinks and how often they are drinking. The medical industry has a few alcohol abuse prevention standards that can be used as helpful guides.
One such standard is the 4-5 rule, which states that one should not consume more than four to five alcoholic beverages per occasion, nor should they exceed 14 drinks per week. Another tip for limiting alcohol consumption is to set aside designated days of the week when one does not drink. Other tips include:
- Counting drinks — it is imperative for everyone to count their drinks when consuming alcohol, regardless of addiction-related concerns, to avoid alcohol poisoning.
- Drink slowly — an individual’s drinking pace is often determined by a social situation or how much someone’s friends drink. Drinking slowly can help reduce the overall number of drinks consumed in an evening and lower the risk of developing a tolerance to alcohol.
- Order non-alcoholic beverages — having a non-alcoholic drink in between alcoholic beverages is a great way to space out one drinking. Pacing can help limit the consumption rate and keep the body hydrated, reducing the risk of hangovers.
- Eat before drinking — drinking on an empty stomach is like stepping on the gas peddle when a car’s out of gas in that no one is likely to get very far. Drinking on an empty stomach puts an incredible strain on the body as it lacks the fuel to digest and metabolize it properly.
- Practice saying no — even for non-alcoholics, it can be challenging to say no to a drink, especially when influenced by peer pressure and friends. However, saying no becomes easier over time and can significantly limit the number of drinks consumed by the end of the day.
Finding Substance Abuse Treatment at Sante Center for Healing
Although it can be life-saving, coming to terms with an alcohol abuse disorder is challenging, but it does not have to be undertaken alone. At Sante Center for Healing, we offer a wide variety of substance abuse treatment programs to make our client’s recovery as fulfilling a process as possible. For more information on alcohol abuse prevention or to schedule an appointment, contact our facility today at 866.238.3154.
