Signs of risky alcohol use
When drinking casually with friends, we may not look for or recognize signs of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol consumption is so common that addiction and unhealthy use can be difficult to identify, especially in ourselves. However, a small percentage of the population drinks in heavy amounts: 80 percent of the alcohol sold in the US is consumed by approximately 20 percent of the population. While most people who drink alcohol do not develop an alcohol use disorder, any cravings, consequences, or loss of control over alcohol use is a concerning sign.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines safe levels of drinking for healthy adults as follows:
- For women: No more than 3 drinks in any given day or 7 total per week
- For men under age 65: No more than 4 drinks in any given day or 14 total per week
- For men over age 65: No more than 3 drinks in any given day or 7 total per week (i.e. same as for women)
A standard drink is defined as a 12 oz beer, 8-10 oz hard seltzer or other malt beverages, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz of spirits (40 percent ABV/80 proof liquor).
Of note, these guidelines do not apply to adults with chronic medical conditions, particularly conditions which may be exacerbated by alcohol. Many common chronic diseases, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes, are adversely affected by alcohol. The same is true for common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. People with these conditions should drink less than the NIAAA guidelines, and should seek guidance from their primary care provider as to the specific limit that is safe for them. The NIAAA advises that it is safest for people with certain medical conditions to abstain from alcohol altogether. They also advise abstinence-based recovery for people with a history of alcohol use disorder. During pregnancy, total abstinence is advised.
You may have developed an alcohol use disorder if you …
- Drink to forget something in your life or your past.
- Seek out alcohol when you’re feeling down or worried.
- Can’t sleep or wake up without a drink.
- Cope with emotions by drinking.
- Have a hard time managing stress without alcohol.
- Engage in “binge drinking,” or having five or more drinks on a single occasion.
- Have trouble maintaining relationships, hobbies, or activities because of your drinking habits.
- Consistently go over limits on drinking that you set for yourself.
- Find yourself in dangerous situations or experiencing thoughts of suicide because of drinking.
Using alcohol as a tool to manage emotions or moods may provide temporary relief. But over time, the coping mechanism can worsen your mood. Drinking can adversely affect the rest of your life, including your:
- Relationships
- Career
- Finances
- Physical health
- Mental health
And since our bodies are wired to seek pleasure and relief, you may find it hard to cut down on your own.
If you’re concerned about your drinking habits or you’d like to know more, a confidential self-assessment can help you figure out whether you could benefit from treatment and support.
