Alcohol Awareness

Six Deaths a Day

Despite decades of effort to combat the disease of alcoholism and its negative consequences, alcoholism and alcohol-related problems remain one of the most elusive health crises in the United States.

Who is a “real” alcoholic? Mayo Clinic explains that alcoholism is a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. Someone who is an alcoholic cannot control their constant impulses to drink even as the drunkenness causes relationship problems, job or school problems, financial problems, and health problems. 

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous explains the phenomenon of craving as being so elusive that while the alcoholic admits it is injurious, it becomes impossible to differentiate the true from the false. “They are restless, irritable and discontent, unless they can once again experience the sense of ease and comfort that comes from taking a few drinks.”

Tragically, binge drinking is commonplace among alcoholics of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that six people die every day from alcohol poisoning, the effect of drinking too much alcohol too quickly. An estimated 1700 college students die each year from alcohol poisoning and related injuries. It’s important to know the signs and respond quickly.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

·       Nausea and Vomiting

·       Mental Confusion

·       Difficulties Breathing

·       Loss of Consciousness/ Seizures

·       Irregular Heart Rate

How do I know if I am an alcoholic or I just like to drink? 

In our culture, “social drinking” is an acceptable norm from campus parties to business meetings. The moderate or heavy drinker is more often able to practice a measure of self-control. The alcoholic is someone who cannot control their constant impulses to drink. They may start off as a moderate drinker and may or may not become a continuous hard drinker. However, at some stage in their drinking career, the real alcoholic crosses the line and loses total control of their liquor consumption once they take that first drink.

Alcoholism is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the United States, coming after tobacco and unhealthy diets and/or lack of exercise. The epidemic is such that as many as 17 percent of men in the general population and 8 percent of women will meet the criteria for alcoholism in their lifetime.

If you think you or someone you love has a drinking problem remember, you are not alone.  Start with TEAM for your confidential assessment.

Information contributed by Nancy T. Johnson, TEAM Triage Administrative Assistant

Alcohol use disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Alcohol Poisoning Deaths | VitalSigns | CDC