The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System says that more than half of adults in the United States have drunk alcohol in the past 30 days. In line with those numbers, about 17 percent of adults binge drink, and about six percent have been drinking heavily. Nearly all those who drink heavily also binge drink. In addition, about 140,000 deaths are attributed to excessive alcohol use from 2015 to 2019. Worldwide, there have been 3 million deaths every year because of alcohol abuse. If you want to learn more about the numbers, read on.
Excessive Drinking
Binge drinking is a form of excessive alcohol use. For men, that usually means going beyond five drinks, and for women, it’s drinking more than four drinks. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is characterized by going over 15 drinks or more every week for men. For women, heavy drinking is going beyond eight drinks per week. If you feel that you are showing signs of excessive drinking, look at yourself objectively. Don’t try to sugarcoat the truth. If you drink more than you should, it may be time to acknowledge your drinking problem. The sooner you do, the sooner you can receive professional help. Start looking for an alcohol treatment center in Arizona to guide you through the recovery process.
Associated Risks
Excessively drinking alcohol leads to a higher risk of injuries. You’re more likely to hurt yourself when you drink to the point that you suffer from blackouts. When you wake up the next day, you won’t be fully aware of what happened, and that can be terrifying. You may also engage in risky behavior, such as drinking and getting behind the wheel of your car. Aside from drinking and driving, drinking too much alcohol can have you engaging in indiscriminate, unprotected sex after you lose your inhibitions. That can lead to AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Health Concerns
When you’re a habitual heavy drinker, you can also develop chronic conditions, such as heart and liver disease. You will also be at a greater risk of developing several types of cancer. Those who struggle with alcohol abuse also suffer from poor sexual performance and low pregnancy outcomes. Too much drinking negatively affects one’s mental health, too.
Economic Costs
Excessive consumption of alcohol has, at one point, cost the United States about $249 billion. That is about $2.05 for every drink or about $807 for every person. The losses incurred by excessive alcohol drinking result from losses in workplace productivity and health care expenses. It includes criminal justice costs, property damage, and vehicle crash expenses, too. Excessive drinking can lead to these problems. That’s because, in many cases, the economic costs of excessive drinking is covered by the local, state, and federal governments.
Finding Help
If you suffer from excessive drinking, it’s time to stop. With help from a reputable treatment program, you can move past the denial and find a way to manage your addiction. The sooner you stop, the better your chances of achieving lasting sobriety.