Alcohol is still the number one addictive substance that kills young people compared to any other substance. Knowing this, we must continue to understand the facts about alcohol consumption in order to keep young adults safe. Alcohol Awareness month takes place throughout the month of April, informing people of all ages about the deadliness of alcoholism in America. This year's theme "For the Health of It: Early Education on Alcoholism and Addiction,” will explore the ways we understand the risks of drinking at a young age through community events and resources that help provide education and more awareness.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a condition where a person consumes alcohol in excessive amounts for any given amount of time and is dependent on their addiction despite the negative effects on the body. Consuming alcohol at a young age can lead to a higher tolerance when older which can result in alcohol addiction. Almost one-third of the US population falls into the category of Alcohol Use Disorder at some point in their lifetime.

The Effects of Alcohol

The most startling effect of alcoholism is that once a person has formed an addiction, that usually means their brain is physiologically dependent. Constant alcohol consumption disrupts your brain's natural functioning abilities and with time can force a person’s brain to maladapt permanently. The more consistently someone uses alcohol, the higher likelihood of withdrawal symptoms and organ damage. Not only does the use of alcohol have a negative effect on a person’s brain and body but it also often negatively impacts the user's relationships and social abilities. As a person continues to age within their disease, they often prioritize their addiction over their relationships with family and friends, which can cause strained and unhealthy connections.

Alcohol Use Disorder is shown to shrink the brain's hippocampus region, which impairs a person's memory and learning functions. There is also a risk of a thiamine deficiency because of an unhealthy diet and digestive system which causes health concerns like a faster heart rate and body swelling.

Short term effects of Alcohol Use Disorder can look like:

Cognitive and physical impairment
Confusion
Inability to make decisions
Impaired motor functions
Potential for alcohol poisoning as the disorder worsens

Alcohol poisoning is when there is an extremely high level of alcohol in a person’s system that causes extreme bodily reactions such as vomiting, dizziness, confusion, seizures, slowed heart rate, respiratory issues, and more.

Long term effects of Alcohol Use Disorder on the body:

Liver damage
Heart damage
Digestion problems
Cancer
Immune system dysfunction
Sleep disturbance
Depression
Anxiety

Long term effects of Alcohol Use Disorder on social life:

Driving while impaired
Not listening to loved ones and drinking despite their objections
High tolerance, meaning more is needed for the desired effect
Spending a lot of time and money to find alcohol
Inability to fulfill work, family, or social obligations
Withdrawal symptoms

Mental Health and Alcohol Use

People with anxiety and depression find that alcohol is a tool for self-medication because it often makes them feel as if it eases their mental health conditions. Even though for a short time, alcohol may make things seem sunnier overall, once it wears off it can worsen a mental health condition. Post-alcohol anxiety or depression is the term used when a person has returned to a sober frame of mind and now may have more intense anxiety or depression symptoms because the alcohol effects have worn off. Alcohol can worsen your mental health in any state, making it easier to make regrettable decisions in addition to giving you a hangover or less energy to do your day-to-day tasks once it wears off. If you are concerned that drinking may be worsening your mental health, consider your daily intake, and the conditions in which you feel like drinking. See if it is hard for you to cut out drinking, and talk to a licensed physician if you need further assistance and experience difficulty.

Mental Illness in Young Adults

Many young adults go undiagnosed with a mental illness because they don’t have the knowledge or resources to understand what they are experiencing. Out of the 8.9 million young individuals who reported having a mental health condition in 2018, 2 out of 5 went untreated and 5.1 million of these young people also reported struggling with a substance abuse disorder.

The Role of Occupational Therapy for Alcohol Abuse

Occupation Therapy is beneficial for those suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder because it can provide care in myriad ways. Occupational Therapists can connect with an individual’s larger community and support network to help them take the steps needed to change their course of action. Therapists will be able to help them make appointments with the appropriate channels, help them find individualized coping mechanisms, and give them the knowledge and tools to have healthier relationships with others, with themselves, and with the meaningful occupations in their life.

Occupational therapists can assist with:

Teaching and supporting all ages with this disorder through the implementation of healthy coping mechanisms
Creating wellness recovery plans for each individual
Helping to establish healthy daily routines to redirect focus away from the disorder
Developing strategies to monitor and prevent future health concerns
Helping each individual identify their personal goals and take steps to implement these goals

Resources for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder is extremely prevalent in the United States. Because of this, many resources have been developed so both loved ones of individuals seeking treatment and the individuals themselves can find help and support.

Some of these resources are:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): 12 step accountability program for sobriety
Al-Anon and Alateen: for those looking for support around a loved one AUD
Smart Recovery: support group
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) meetings
Centerstone.org: education for those seeking to understand alcoholism further
Women for sobriety: 13 statement program for women’s sobriety
Your Primary care physician: they have your health background and can better help assist you with the help you will need physically

AUD Research Organizations:

Tilton’s Therapy offers Occupational Therapy services that provide Behavioral and Mental Health support. Trained and experienced professionals can help individuals who need assistance with their Alcohol Use Disorder begin their process toward achieving wellness. Tilton’s Therapy Occupational Therapists can assist with self-care tasks, sensory integration, motor function, vocational skills, cognition, mental health, and so much more. It is important to take the steps forward away from alcohol addiction and let those experienced with these practices help you at Tilton’s Therapy.