According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), about 24% of men in the United States engage in heavy drinking. Heavy alcohol use in men is defined as consuming more than 4 drinks on a single occasion or more than 3 drinks on a single occasion for women.
It’s important to note that while this statistic represents a significant portion of the population, it does not mean that all of these individuals have an alcohol use disorder or that they will necessarily experience negative consequences as a result of their drinking. However, heavy drinking can increase the risk of developing a range of negative health consequences, including alcohol use disorder and various types of cancer.
It’s also important to note that the risks associated with heavy drinking are not limited to men and can affect women as well. However, men are generally at a higher risk for negative consequences due to heavy alcohol use, due to differences in body size and metabolism.
There are a number of signs that may indicate that someone has a problem with drinking. These can include:
- Consuming large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis
- Struggling to control how much and how often you drink
- Continuing to drink despite experiencing negative consequences as a result, such as problems at work or in relationships
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as tremors or sweating
- Prioritizing drinking over other activities and responsibilities
- Feeling a strong craving or desire to drink
If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, it can be helpful to speak with a mental health professional or a healthcare provider. They can assess your drinking patterns and provide guidance on how to address any potential problems. It’s important to remember that it is possible to have a problem with alcohol even if you do not meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder, so it’s always a good idea to seek help if you are concerned about your drinking.
Counseling for alcohol use involves working with a mental health professional (such as a therapist or counselor) to address problematic alcohol use and related issues. Counseling can take many forms, but typically involves regular sessions in which the individual discusses their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to alcohol use. The goal of counseling is to help the individual better understand the causes of their alcohol use, identify and change any negative patterns of behavior, and develop coping strategies to prevent relapse.
For additional mental health resources, please visit our website at: wibehavioralhealth.com
For a directory of our services, please visit our services webpage at: https://wibehavioralhealth.com/counseling-services/
