Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Most people struggling with alcohol use disorder are between the ages of 18 & 30.

40% of people struggling with alcohol use disorder have college degrees.

Student Health Service in the U.S. have reported cases of cirrhosis of the liver in students as young as 19 and 20.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder:

Blackouts:

Alcohol-induced amnesia. Blackouts are not passing out. The person is functioning, but does not remember all or parts of the evening. 

    High Tolerance:

 Takes more and more alcohol to feel the effects. An example of high tolerance is when you can drink   your peers “under the table”, and perhaps you have been doing this since the first time you drank   alcohol.

Withdrawal:

Withdrawal can be physical and/or psychological. Do you have even the mildest shakes following a night of drinking? (Physical) Do you get diarrhea (Physical) Do you sit in class and anticipate having a drink? (Psychological)

Loss of Control:

Not being able to predict how much you will drink each time you drink. This person usually drinks until he or she runs out of money or the party ends or the bar closes.

Signs of Unhealthy Alcohol Use:

• DUI
• Missing Class
• Poor Grades
• Fighting (Verbal or Physical)
• Relationship Issues (family, significant other, etc.)

Another question to ask yourself…
Do I have a family history of alcohol use disorder?

• An individual is four times as likely to develop a problem if their parent(s) struggles with alcohol use disorder.
• 10% of the U.S. population has an alcohol use disorder.