Alcohol is not healthy, especially not in excess. Dr. Akhil Anand from the Cleveland Clinic in the USA explains how you can tell when someone is drinking too much alcohol and the negative consequences this has on their health.
Excessive alcohol consumption is a common and preventable cause of death. “Alcohol causes and is linked to over 200 diseases in the body,” reports the doctor in a current press release.
Alcohol is addictive
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) also expressly points out that alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can be addictive and that excessive alcohol consumption is considered a contributory cause of numerous diseases.
In addition to the health consequences, alcohol consumption also has social consequences. These include direct costs in the healthcare system and reduced productivity, but also intangible costs such as reduced quality of life, reports the RKI.
Experts from the Cleveland Clinic report in another article that damage to health can occur even with small amounts of alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol are harmful to your health because they increase blood pressure and thus the risk of a stroke.
Signs of excessive alcohol consumption
But how can you tell whether alcohol consumption is too high and whether an addiction already exists? As a typical sign of alcohol abuse, Dr. Anand the general craving for alcohol.
Compulsive drinking can also be a sign that an alcohol problem has already developed. Such compulsion manifests itself in the fact that those affected simply cannot stop drinking alcohol once they have started, explains Dr. Anand.
Other signs of alcohol abuse include drinking large amounts of alcohol whenever there is an opportunity to drink and developing problems related to alcohol consumption.
What to do if you suspect alcohol abuse?
If there is a suspicion that friends or family members frequently consume large amounts of alcohol or that alcohol abuse is taking place, it is definitely appropriate to speak to those affected about it. The doctor advises that it is also important to ensure that the affected person is offered support.
Since some people who have problems with their alcohol consumption do not react insightfully or favorably when they are asked about their problem, Dr. Anand, in such a conversation, express your own concerns in the most constructive way possible.
Seek help if you have alcohol problems
Taken together, the statements make it clear that alcohol consumption should not be taken lightly, especially when drinking regularly or in large quantities. If you have problems reducing consumption on your own, there is no shame in seeking medical advice and professional help. (as)
