In the U.S., do you know what the most abused substance is? The answer may come as a surprise- alcohol. Alcohol comes in many forms. So what are the most common types of alcohol abused? From beer to wine, these alcoholic beverages can significantly change to the brain’s chemical balance. As a result, it may aggravate your mental illness and cause you to develop an alcohol abuse disorder.
Alcoholism and the Common Types of Alcohol Abused
Drinking alcohol is widely accepted throughout the world. While it is not initially a dangerous drug, it can lead to alcohol addiction.
Alcohol use disorder or alcoholism affects millions of Americans. It is a serious medical issue that can lead to deadly consequences if not mitigated. When consumed, its effects range from lowering inhibitions to vomiting. Among the most common types of alcohol abused include:
- Gin
- Tequila
- Vodka
- Whiskey
- Rum
- Brandy
These are among the distilled spirits consumed by many people. Alcohol manufacturers produce each type of liquor using fruit or starch, grains, and water. It undergoes the fermentation process, which is distilled and forms alcohol.
Understanding Alcohol Abuse
As you know, drinking alcohol is a favorite pastime of many people in the world, not only in the U.S. So, how do you know if you have crossed the line beyond simply drinking in “moderation”? How do you know if you have an alcohol abuse disorder?
First, know what moderation means. In terms of alcohol consumption, it means not having more than one drink if you are a woman. For a man, not drinking more than two is moderate. Of course, one drink also differs depending on the type of alcohol.
You can also get a good grasp of your drinking habit if you determine how much you drink a week. If you are a woman and have over seven drinks a week, you are “at-risk” or may be considered a heavy drinker. If you are a man, heavy drinking equals 14 drinks or more in a week.
Do you drink heavily?
Excessive and risky drinking is one of the signs of substance abuse disorder. Among other signs that you have been abusing alcohol include:
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Blacking out
- Violent behavior
- Confusion
- Emotional instability
You are also more likely to have alcohol abuse disorder if you:
- Need to drink to be social
- Cannot fall asleep or relax without drinking
- Mix alcohol with other medications
- Drink liquor to escape from your feelings
- Need alcohol to get going in the morning
- Cannot stop drinking even after trying
Heavy drinking has adverse effects on your life. Drinking may eliminate your desire to do activities that you used to enjoy. You are likely to firmly deny or don’t accept that you have a drinking problem. Even when the signs are apparent, you cannot see them. So seeking treatment can be a difficult task.
Alcohol Rehab and Treatment
Knowing the most common types of alcohol abused is only a small part of getting better. But don’t worry because you can recover. Rehab centers offer a wide array of alcohol addiction treatment programs that can help you get sober. Some of these programs include:
- Psychotherapy program
- Group therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Family therapy program
Detox and Withdrawal Treatment
First, you will undergo detox to purge the toxins out of your body. It will most likely result in severe withdrawal symptoms, which will also be treated. Getting help from a reliable rehab treatment center is a must to overcome these symptoms.
Inpatient or Outpatient Care
You can choose the type of care your receive. It can be 24-hour, seven days supervised inpatient care. Or, you may want to be able to go back home. The latter is mostly recommended for mild alcohol abuse disorders. If yours is a serious case, inpatient treatment may be preferable.
Ongoing Support
The last and enduring part of the treatment is the continuing support that your rehab center provides. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and you need solid help to overcome that. If you choose the right facility, you can receive the right treatment for the common types of alcohol abused. So contact the professionals at Promises at 1.713.528.3709 for information on how we can help!
