Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder: A Global Health Concern
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Chapter 1: The Impact of Alcohol Misuse
Alcohol misuse is a pressing issue, resulting in nearly 100,000 deaths in the United States each year. Globally, this figure reaches approximately 3 million fatalities annually. In fact, statistics suggest that about one in 12 adults in the U.S. grapples with alcohol misuse or addiction, totaling around 18 million individuals. Are you among them?
Drinking alcohol is linked to over 200 diseases, injuries, and health complications, including mental health disorders and dependence, as reported by the World Health Organization. It ranks as the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States, trailing only behind tobacco use and poor dietary and exercise habits. Alarmingly, only 7% of those affected by alcohol use disorder pursue treatment.
The term 'alcoholism' has evolved into 'alcohol use disorder,' which implies a possibility of recovery. This disorder can be life-threatening, as alcohol acts as a toxin when consumed excessively; despite being legal, it is still classified as a drug.
The following are potential risks associated with alcohol misuse:
- Depression
- Pancreatitis
- High blood pressure
- Chronic gastritis
- Heart failure
- Infections (pneumonia and tuberculosis)
- Brain alterations
- Potential impotence in men
- Fetal harm during pregnancy
- Tingling and numbness in extremities
- Various cancers (larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, stomach, pancreas, and upper gastrointestinal tract)
- Impaired liver function and cirrhosis
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
In addition to these physical health issues, alcohol misuse contributes to more than half of the homicides, suicides, and traffic incidents in the U.S. Social, domestic issues, and workplace absenteeism are also significantly impacted, along with instances of spousal and child abuse.
My Personal Journey
I made the difficult decision to leave a decade-long relationship because my partner was unwilling to stop drinking. In the beginning, we enjoyed a vibrant life filled with travel and social gatherings. I maintained controlled drinking, as my career demanded focus and alertness, while Kurt, being retired, viewed every day as a holiday.
Unfortunately, he became increasingly combative and aggressive in his final year, prompting my departure. Tragically, less than two years later, he passed away from cancer that typically has a favorable prognosis. His doctor attributed the severity of the illness to his alcohol use, which compromised his immune system and allowed the cancer to spread uncontrollably.
After my own retirement, my drinking escalated, leading to concerns about my liver health. I was aware of the risks of cirrhosis and various cancers, yet these fears didn’t compel me to quit. I often rationalized my drinking habits, convincing myself that they were moderate. However, a desire to rekindle my passion for art and pursue a more active lifestyle ultimately motivated me to reconsider my choices.
Will You Take Action?
Armed with this knowledge, will you consider cutting back on alcohol? Are you unsettled by the extensive list of serious health risks associated with misuse? If not, it might be time to reassess your perspective. Many people harbor a deep fear of cancer, yet alcohol has the potential to devastate careers, families, and lives.
There is still an opportunity for change—seek help if you need it. If you have successfully overcome alcohol use disorder, congratulations! Stay resilient and continue to lead a fulfilling life.
For those in need of assistance, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It's a call that can lead to meaningful change.
Chapter 2: Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
This video titled "Alcohol Use Disorder: Facts and Misconceptions You Should Know" delves into the myths surrounding alcohol use disorder and emphasizes the importance of understanding this condition.
The second video, "What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health," explores the various effects of alcohol on physical and mental health, providing insights into the consequences of misuse.