We all know that alcohol is widely consumed socially and is part of many cultures and traditions. However, it is important to be informed about the facts related to alcohol so you can make healthy choices. As with many things, moderation is key when it comes to alcohol.

Key Facts About Alcohol
-Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and reaction time to stimuli.It is absorbed into the bloodstream and transmitted to all of the systems of the body.
-There are three main types of alcohol: beer, wine, and spirits. Beer typically contains 4-6% alcohol by volume (ABV based on 12oz), wine typically contains 9-16% ABV (per 5oz serving), and spirits/liquor has anywhere from 30-90% ABV (per 1.5oz serving).
-According to the CDC, excessive alcohol use led to approximately 95,000 deaths each year in the U.S. from 2006-2010 (through injuries, violence alcohol poisoning, liver disease, and cancer.
–Binge drinking is defined as consuming 4+ drinks for women and 5+ drinks for men on a single occasion. It increases the risk of health issues like alcohol poisoning, liver disease, and unintentional injuries/accidents.
–Underage drinking is especially dangerous as the developing brain is more susceptible to alcohol’s impairing effects on memory, learning, and judgment. It also increases the risk of addiction.

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Alcohol Abuse
As mentioned earlier, alcohol consumption is common socially and culturally, but abusing alcohol can significantly impact your mental health and psychological well-being.

Here are some key psychological effects of long-term alcohol abuse:        
–Anxiety and Depression: Heavy drinking disrupts neurotransmitter and hormone balance in the brain, which can increase feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability. This often persists even after stopping drinking.         
–Impaired Cognitive Function: Alcohol abuse has been shown to damage brain cells and neural connections over time, impairing memory, decision-making, and the ability to learn new tasks.          
–Low Self-Esteem and Shame: Abusing alcohol oftentimes is used as a self-medicating tool to mask unresolved issues such as low self-esteem or self-worth. Long-term it could worsen these feelings and lead to higher rates of stress, guilt, and shame around the drinking behavior.    
–Higher Suicide Risk: People who abuse alcohol long-term have a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and completion of suicide compared to the general public. Underlying mental health issues may exacerbate this.        
Relationship and Family Problems: Drinking too much often damages important relationships as it can cause abusive behavior, financial issues, broken commitments, and withdrawal from family life.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, it is important to seek help from a medical professional and/or a licensed alcohol counselor (LCADC). Support groups like A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) can also help address the psychological and societal issues associated with alcohol addiction.