An alcohol problem can affect anyone at any age. Many factors, including job stress, genetics or depression, may contribute to the start of disordered drinking.
Drinking alcohol exists on a continuum. For example, if someone feels down in the dumps for some time, it doesn’t mean they are clinically depressed. So if someone goes through a period with above-normal alcohol consumption, it doesn’t necessarily mean they abuse alcohol.
Although “alcoholic” and “alcoholism” are common, they are not clinical descriptions. Alcohol use disorder is the preferred term. Symptoms are often mild but can be the start of a more significant problem. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 16 million adults live with alcohol use disorder.
Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Do you recognize any of the following symptoms in yourself or someone you know?
Drinking more or longer than intended
Trying to cut down or stop drinking but not able to
Having to drink more than you once did to get the same feeling
Being annoyed when family members discuss your drinking
Regretting your behavior while you were drinking
Renown Behavioral Health
Expert care from psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors at the Stacie MathewsonBehavioral Health & Addiction Institute.
Studies show there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, as the negative effects outweigh any health benefits. Harmful drinking can cause the following health problems:
Depression
Social problems
Alcohol-related accidents
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Various types of cancer
Sleep loss
Liver disease
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism there is a difference between heavy drinking and binge drinking.
Heavy drinking: Having more than seven drinks per week
Binge drinking: Having over four drinks within two hours
If you're worried about alcohol overuse, consult a doctor or addiction service. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has 24/7 helpline available for treatment referrals: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
New Inpatient Addiction Medicine Consultations for Substance Use Disorders
Renown Health has established a new inpatient consultation-liaison service with board-certified physicians to address the needs of community members facing substance use disorders (SUD). This initiative aims to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to patients in a supportive environment while also collaborating with hospitalists to strengthen best practices in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders.
Mission in Motion: Advancements in Behavioral Health Crisis Care
When the Renown Crisis Care Center (RCCC) reopened in November, it marked a significant milestone for behavioral health services in our community. At the heart of that success was the leadership and dedication of Jimmy Lao, MSN, CCRN, CNE, Director of Nursing, Emergency Services at Renown Health.
The holiday season is right around the corner, and the promise of the new year follows closely behind. It is often seen as a time of joy, celebration and connection—but for many teens, it can also be a period of emotional strain. Laura Dykins, APRN, a nurse practitioner with Renown Children’s Primary Care, emphasizes how important it is to understand what hardships teens may experience during the holiday months and how we can offer meaningful support to teenagers and their families.
