2013 studies from the NIH (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) show that 1 in 4 children grow up in a home where someone “drinks too much”. What’s too much though? Popular studies show that a glass of red wine here and there is good for you. My own gynecologist told me that having a glass of red wine when pregnant won’t hurt anything. “Happy Hour”? Are people really happy during “Happy Hour”?
So I ask again, how much is too much? Well again, according to the NIH, about 1 in 4 people who drink heavily may have an alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse problem. There are about 5% of men who were studied that have a drink or more at least once a day.
So taking a step back in the day, when the drinking age was 18, would you think your child had a drinking problem if they HAD to have an alcoholic drink every day? Would that be too much in your opinion?
There was a large research base of 20,000 married couples over a 15 year period, that showed that the more alcohol that is consumed leads to the more likelihood that a divorce is looming. Divorce rates in comparison are huge if one member of the marriage is a heavier drinker than the other (as opposed to both parties being light drinkers).
Hmmm....so alcohol, if not controlled safely, can take a big part in marriages, family and work. Know someone that has shown up to work completely hungover and unproductive? I do! We can also talk about how it can effect your professional relationships and don’t forget the long term effects of alcoholism on health. Well, this is a blog, let’s not make it an encyclopedia set.
But here are some basic symptoms to look out for (for your sake and your family’s sake):
1. Temporary blackouts or memory loss. Eg. “Yo, I had such a good time last night. I got so wasted, I don’t even remember how I got home from the bar.”
2. Repeated arguments with family or friends. Eg. “Ma, I am going out and that’s that. I need to go catch a drink with the guys from work. I will help you out later.”
3. Alcohol for relaxation. Eg. “Dude, my girl cheated on me, let’s go out drinking.”
4. Not feeling good when drinking has ceased. Eg. “Oh man, I’ve been away at meetings for work all week, I really need a drink to set me straight.”
5. Skin that just looks off or erratic behavior. Eg. “Holy moly, Sue! Did you see Lisa’s nose? Why is it purple? And why is she so jittery?”
Granted, these are just some examples, for the full information on the studies, symptoms, how to get help and support, please check out:
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov
