By Jennifer McDougall

Many individuals in the United States say they drink in moderation or for social reasons. While it may not have the same effects as heavy drinkers, there are still health hazards to be mindful of.

Between 2011 and 2015, excessive alcohol usage resulted in about 95,000 fatalities and 2.8 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) in the United States, cutting people’s lives by an average of 29 years. Furthermore, among working-age people aged 20 to 64 years, heavy drinking was responsible for one out of every ten fatalities.

Binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or individuals under 21 are examples of excessive drinking.

• Binge drinking, the most frequent kind of excessive drinking, is described as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short time.
• Four or more drinks on a single occasion for women; 5 or more drinks on a single occasion for males.
• Heavy drinking is defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short time.
• Eight or more drinks per week for women; 15 or more drinks per week for males.

A standard drink in the United States has 0.6 ounces (14.0 grams or 1.2 tablespoons) of pure alcohol. This quantity of pure alcohol is typically seen in

• A 12-ounce beer (5 percent alcohol content).
• Malt liquor (eight ounces) (7 percent alcohol content).
• A glass of wine (about 5 ounces) (12 percent alcohol content).
• 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (40 percent alcohol content) (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey).

Short-Term Health Risks in Daily Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol use has immediate consequences that raise the risk of various health problems. The following are some of the most common side effects of excessive drinking:

• Accidents, such as car accidents, falls, drownings, and burns.
  Homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate relationship violence are all examples of violence.
• Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that occurs when a person’s blood-alcohol level is too high.
• Dangerous sexual activities, such as sex without protection or sex with numerous partners. Unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted illnesses, such as HIV, can occur due to these behaviors.
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) or miscarriage and stillbirth among pregnant women.

Long-Term Effects of Daily Alcohol Consumption

Excessive or daily alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic illnesses and other significant issues, such as:

• Hypertension, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Breast, mouth, throat, lung, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum cancers are all examples.
• Immune system deterioration, increasing the risk of being ill.
• Learning and memory issues, such as dementia, as well as low academic achievement.
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
• Social issues, such as family issues, work-related issues, and unemployment.
• Alcohol addiction or dependency

Treatment for Alcohol Alcohol

One of the most widely misused drugs on the planet is alcohol. If left untreated, alcohol addiction may wreak havoc on one’s mental and physical health, career, and personal relationships. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol and needs help, Passages Malibu’s world-renowned addiction treatment center may well be the answer. We provide safe and effective individualized addiction treatment therapy to assist you in overcoming your addiction. Our world-class luxury treatment program is in high demand, and we would be honored to have the chance to welcome you to our facility.

Unique Alcohol Addiction Treatment Philosophy

At Passages Malibu, we believe your alcohol addiction is simply the symptom of an underlying condition which, when brought to light and resolved, will effectively end your cycle of chemical dependency. When you check into Passages Malibu, you will be assigned a 10-person team consisting of therapists and administrators. This team will work with you through the duration of your stay, evaluating and adjusting your program as you make progress. No two weeks will be alike. Instead, your program will constantly evolve as you advance toward complete success. We know that detox is a critical choice at our luxurious rehab center.

Reach Out For Help

Call Passages Malibu today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number (888) 397–0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Featured photo by Kelsey Chance