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Overall, alcohol abuse in the United States is a growing problem. The ability to obtain alcohol easily as well as the lifestyle portrayed by the media are just two of many factors impacting this growing epidemic.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, binge and heavy drinking are more prevalent among men than women. Additionally, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2013, 10.8 million men displayed some form of alcohol use disorders. Women also suffer from alcohol abuse and in growing numbers. However, currently men continue to outnumber women in recent studies.

When is Alcohol Use a Problem?

There are many people that enjoy the occasional beer or wine at a “happy hour” or on special occasions. However, it’s crucial to recognize when your consumption of alcohol is becoming an issue. According to the Medline Plus, a service of the US National Libraries of Medicine and the National Institutes of Mental Health, at-risk drinking behavior for men can be described as the following:

• 3 or more drinks per day
• 15 or more drinks per week, OR
• Having 5 or more drinks per occasion

Additionally, if you feel that you need the assistance of alcohol in order to face or manage your daily life,, you may have a problem with alcohol abuse.

Detrimental Health Effects of Alcohol Abuse

It’s not a secret that alcohol abuse can have major effects on your health. There are many areas of your body that can be negatively affected by alcohol abuse:

• Brain cell damage
• Dementia and memory loss
• Heart damage
• Liver disease
• Erectile dysfunction
• Cancer (of the esophagus, liver, colon, or other areas)

Alcohol abuse may also have a major impact on your mental health, including anger, depression, outbursts, and more.

Finding Help for Alcohol Abuse

The first step in alcohol abuse recovery is admitting the presence of a problem. If you feel that you are having problems with controlling your alcohol consumption, you may need to seek professional help for your alcohol use.

The Crossroads program at the David Lawrence Centers is a substance use treatment center located in Naples, Florida that is able to help men with alcohol abuse problems. We provide a full continuum of substance use services for adults, including inpatient detoxification, residential, and intensive outpatient treatment, as well as aftercare services to ensure a full recovery.

It’s important to remember that if you feel you are suffering from alcohol abuse, you are not alone. If you’d like to learn more about our treatment programs or seek professional help, call Crossroads 24/7 at (239) 354-1428 or click here.