Alcohol abuse happens when someone drinks alcoholic beverages, becomes intoxicated, and behaves in a way that could lead to physical, social, legal, or medical problems.
Alcohol (also known as ethanol) is a powerful depressant drug found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol use is divided into three categories — use, abuse, and addiction:
Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the United States. Common behaviors associated with alcohol abuse include failing in responsibilities at home, school, or work; drinking while driving or operating heavy machinery; having legal problems like being arrested for drinking and driving; and drinking despite alcohol use causing problems in relationships.
Long-term alcohol abuse can eventually lead to alcohol addiction. Over time, this can cause health problems like cirrhosis and cancer of the liver, memory loss, stomach ailments, serious vitamin deficiencies, and damage to the heart and nervous system.
Treatment for alcohol abuse includes counseling and therapy to change the pattern of abusive behavior.
Alcohol abuse can be dangerous and destructive, but it doesn't always lead to alcohol addiction. People who frequently abuse alcohol can only change their behavior if they want to. Some people are able to reduce their alcohol use on their own, but a positive outcome is more likely with treatment.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
