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Populations that have a particularly high risk for alcohol or drug problems include:
- Teenagers and young adults. Approximately one-half of all high school seniors in the United States admit to having used alcohol or an illegal drug. Substance abuse in this age group increases the risk of involvement in crime, high-risk sexual behavior, accidents, and injuries. Teens that use alcohol and drugs are more likely to have poor school performance and have higher dropout rates.
- Women.
- More than two-thirds of all tranquilizers are prescribed for women. Tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medications, and amphetamines are abused most often, sometimes unintentionally.
- Alcohol and drug abuse in women increases the risk of developing other health problems, such as osteoporosis or depression. Alcohol and drug use may be an unconscious attempt at self-treatment for depression.
- Women who abuse alcohol and drugs attempt suicide four times more frequently than nonabusers.
- Adults over age 65. Drug abuse in this age group is a problem because of the high number of prescription medications and lack of coordination between health professionals. Signs of alcohol or drug abuse may be mistaken for other disease problems or simply overlooked as a symptom of "aging." Many older adults "self-medicate" with alcohol to help relieve sleep problems, depression, and other problems.
- Low-income populations. Drug and alcohol abuse is a problem for many minorities, including disabled adults, the homeless, and minority populations (where it is more difficult to get quality treatment and community support to get well.)
- Babies. Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy can cause birth defects and increases the risk of infant mortality. Babies are more likely to have learning disabilities and social and behavioral problems when their mothers use alcohol or drugs during pregnancy.
Alcohol abuse causes over 100,000 deaths in the United States each year. It is the most commonly abused drug by children ages 12 to 17. Alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in teenagers. People who drink alcohol are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior, have poor grades or job performance, use tobacco products, and experiment with illegal drugs.
You have an alcohol problem if your use of alcohol interferes with your health or daily living. You develop alcoholism if you become physically or psychologically dependent on alcohol.
Long-term heavy drinking damages the liver, nervous system, heart, and brain. It also causes high blood pressure, stomach problems, medication interactions, sexual problems, osteoporosis, and cancer. Alcohol abuse can also lead to violence, accidents, social isolation, and difficulties at work and home.
Symptoms of an alcohol problem include personality changes, blackouts, drinking more and more for the same "high," and denial of the problem. A person with an alcohol problem may gulp or sneak drinks, drink alone or early in the morning, and suffer from the shakes. He or she may also have family, school, or work problems or get in trouble with the law because of drinking.
The use of alcohol with medications or illegal drugs may increase the intoxicating effects each has on the body.
Alcohol abuse patterns vary. Some people get drunk every day; others drink large amounts of alcohol at specific times, such as on the weekend. It is common for someone with an alcohol or drug problem to call in sick for work on Monday or Friday. He or she may complain of having a virus or the flu. Others may be sober for long periods and then go on a drinking binge that lasts for weeks or months.
Someone with alcohol dependency may suffer serious withdrawal symptoms, such as trembling, delusions, hallucinations, and sweating, if he or she stops drinking suddenly ("cold turkey"). Once alcohol dependency develops, it becomes very difficult to stop drinking without outside help. Medical detoxification may be needed.
Drug abuse includes the use of illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or other "street drugs"; and the abuse of legal prescription and nonprescription drugs. Some people turn to drugs as a way to get a "high" or to relieve stress and emotional problems.
In the United States, approximately 40% of adults will use an illegal drug at some time during their lives. This does not include the use of alcohol or prescription medications. Many people abuse more than one illegal substance at a time.
Drug dependence or addiction occurs when you develop a physical or psychological "need" for a drug. You are unable to control your use of a drug despite the negative effects it may have on your life. You may not be aware that you have become dependent on a drug until you try to stop taking it. Drug withdrawal can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms. The usual treatment is to gradually reduce the dose of the drug until it can be stopped completely.
Many people will deny that they have a problem with alcohol or other drugs. The questions in Is It a Problem? may help you or others recognize an alcohol or drug problem and help you discover if you need to seek help.
Reprinted from the Healthwise® Knowledgebase. Copyright 1995-2004, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, Idaho 83701. Copying of any portion of this material is not permitted without express written permission of HEALTHWISE, Incorporated.
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