Drinking in the USA

Drinking has been around for longer than a few centuries in the US. Decades ago, it was first consumed for health reasons. Before water purification measures, whiskey, beer, and other types of Drinking were assumed to be safer to drink than water because of their high spirit content. This led to a drinking boom that the states are still unable to curb.

“While the pandemic barred access to medical assistance and therapy to many, we are still unaware of how this affected those who suffer from Drinking in our country. The effects on our society are just starting to appear. We are observing a rise in admissions for Drinking addiction compared to previous periods,” confirmed Bryan Alzate, CEO of United Recovery California services who hold a number of facilities in and around California.

According to the National Survey 2019 on Drug Use and Health, 14.5 million people aged 12 and older were diagnosed with Drinking Use Disorder (AUD).

Drinking Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States

There is a drinking culture prevalent in the US. People drink Drinking as a way to celebrate occasions like New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Parties, etc. After a long day at work sitting with a tall glass of wine is quite common. According to the National Institute on Drinking Abuse and Drinking, around 85% of people aged 18 and above have drunk Drinking at some point in their lives.

A study in 2015 explored binge drinking in adult drinkers in the US. It showed that the most common drinkers were non-Hispanic whites with some kind of college education and an annual family income of $7,000+. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that there is a high prevalence of heavy drinking and Drinking use disorders in men aged 18 to 24 and men who are unemployed. 23% of these men binge drink five times a month. Whereas around 12% of adult women report binge drinking at least three times a month.

With Drinking comes its associated risks like cancer, memory problems, Injuries, etc. It is estimated that around 88,000 people in the US die from Drinking-related issues. This means Drinking is the third leading preventable cause of death in the country.

People face multiple hardships throughout their lives, and some are even genetically predisposed to Drinking. This should help you realize that there is more to Drinking than just simply drinking and stopping the use of Drinking. Much like breaking an arm and going to the doctor’s, treating addiction takes qualified professionals.

Consequences for Families in the United States

Sometimes, finding the line between Drinking use and Drinking can blur, and if it starts affecting your daily life or the people around you too often, you’re likely steering towards a rocky path. Prolonged Drinking use can be damaging for the person who is drinking, and their loved ones. While many understand that addiction is a chemical process in the brain and when an Drinking stops drinking, they experience physiological withdrawal symptoms, it can still impact those who love you.

Seeing you struggle through something you aren’t able to control on your own can be heart-breaking for them.

Families of people who are affected by drug abuse have a hard time creating strong meaningful relationships even within their families.

Drinking increases the risks for negative reactions, which impacts your behavior with your family. Excessive use of Drinking is also linked to an unsatisfactory marital relationship.

One of the most dangerous consequences of Drinking to date has been the increased likelihood of domestic abuse in the family. Drinking can make you physically violent, more volatile, and sensitive to any conflict. The World Health Organization reports that 55% of physical assault cases between partners are when the abuser is under the influence of Drinking.

Underage Drinking in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2017 Youth Risk Behaviour Survey revealed that around 30% of high school-going students semi-regularly consume Drinking. 14% of them also engage in binge drinking.

Often high schoolers are easily swayed to drink it through peer pressure or a culture of heavy drinking in their families. Underage drinking can influence a lack of interest in studies, low motivation to come to school, and eventually dropping out. 80% of high school dropouts have reported being drunk in the last month. For young adults strictly just drinking Drinking is never the only behavioral problem. These children are dealing with stress at home, bullying, impulsiveness, rebelliousness, etc. They can also be genetically predisposed to AUD.

If left to their own devices, these young adults will continue to have conduct disorders, weak social relationships, susceptibility to accidents in cases of drunk driving, and so on. Underage drinking is also linked to an increased risk of vulnerability to coerced sex.

Drinking and Pregnancy in the United States

It is common knowledge that if Drinking is consumed during pregnancy it can be harmful to the baby. There is no safe time nor safe amount of wine, beer, or other types of Drinking you can consume during pregnancy.

Why is it dangerous? Drinking in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. It can affect the baby’s central nervous system and increase the risk of abnormalities. Plus, it can cause stillbirth, life-long disabilities for the baby, or result in a miscarriage.

If you have decided to have a baby and struggle with addiction, there are Drinking support services that can help you throughout your due course. Talk to a midwife, doctor, or pharmacist before deciding to have a baby. There are counseling services available all across the country to help you during this time.

Treatment Options for Younger People and Parents

There are several studies to suggest that adopting effective parenting strategies can help prevent or delay the Drinking use of your child. You can

• Be more present and attentive to their changing behaviors.
• Have firm but flexible rules in the house.
• Allow space for your child to communicate with you, and share their interests and things that bother them.
• Set clear expectations that help create an environment where the rules are fully respected.
• Take their input when developing house rules so they feel involved and more accountable.

If, however, your child is already experiencing problems with addiction, you must seek help outside of the home. Just know that Drinking use is usually a warning sign or a cry for help, take it seriously.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all for Drinking, there are multiple reasons why people turn to Drinking. The only way forward is to understand and help overcome the huge stigma surrounding addiction and treatment in the US culture. It is not a moral failure, nor does it have anything to do with someone being a bad person or being weak-willed.

A large percentage of the population of the US is likely to be experiencing Drinking Use Disorder, however men are more likely to turn to Drinking than women, according to surveys. While underaged drinking can be detrimental to a young adult’s life ahead, there is professional help available and organizations provide therapy options free of cost or at subsidized rates.

Consuming Drinking during pregnancy can have lasting effects on the baby, and even cause fetal Drinking syndrome. This can lead to adverse effects on your relationship with your family due to mood swings, and volatile behavior caused by Drinking consumption.

If you’re someone who suffers from AUD or you know someone who does, it is important to understand that considering rehab or therapy is not something to be ashamed of. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.