Signs Of Alcohol Abuse In Young Adults

Alcohol is often considered one of the most dangerous substances. Not only because of its availability but also because of its social acceptance. People throughout the world use alcohol for everything from celebrations to a way to relax after a long day at work.

The downside of this popularity is that for some individuals, including young adults, drinking alcohol can become a problem to a point where professional care is needed to stop.

The Definition And Dangers Of Alcoholism

Alcohol is a clear and odorless substance. Alcoholic beverages are made through a process of fermentation; food items such as fruits and grains are fermented and processed in order to produce these beverages. 

Some examples of alcoholic beverages include:

• Wine
• Beer
• Cider
• Vodka
• Whiskey
• Rum

Although some individuals do not drink much, they can legally consume alcohol and have had a drink or two. Alcohol is commonly present at social gatherings, including parties, weddings, and more. So, it’s not difficult to understand how alcohol’s accessibility can sometimes lead to major problems in the lives of many individuals.

After using alcohol regularly for a while, it’s likely that those who do so will become dependent. As a result, they may begin to abuse the substance, using it more often than they should or using it at inappropriate times, like while they are working or before driving. 

Health Conditions From Alcohol Abuse In Young Adults: 

• Heart problems
• Nerve damage
• Liver damage
• High blood pressure
• Cognitive impairment

Those who depend on and are addicted to alcohol may experience depression, increased anxiety, sleep disturbance, and more. Mental health disorders will commonly follow when someone starts to abuse alcohol at such a young age.

Teenage and young adult alcohol abuse often leads to long-term alcohol abuse. Over time alcohol creates major disruptions in the body’s normal functions. This is what causes long-term illnesses like heart disease and liver damage. 

How Common Is Alcohol Abuse Among Young Adults?

Many alcohol-related issues might affect people of all ages. But, one issue that is, unfortunately, common among young people in the United States is binge drinking. Teens and young adults throughout the country have found themselves drinking excessive and dangerous amounts of alcohol. As a result, many people have developed addictions to alcohol in their late teens and early adulthood.

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the percentage of people who were past engaged in binge drinking in the past month was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 (31.4%) compared with 22.9% of adults aged 26 or older.

Signs Of Alcoholism In Young Adults

While alcoholism is popular in people of all different ages, it is becoming increasingly common in young adults who develop alcoholic behaviors in their late teens and early twenties. In many cases, their alcoholism develops through experimentation in high school and/or college, or as a result of peer pressure. Some of the most common signs of alcoholism in young adults can include the following:

• Managing pressure – Everybody faces different pressures in life; however, young adults have their own set of pressures that can make their young lives more difficult. These often include getting good grades in school, making enough money to pay rent, coping with living away from home, the pressure at work, and much more. 
• Preoccupation with drinking – One of the most common signs of alcoholism in young adults is a preoccupation with drinking. This includes always wanting to drink (even outside of parties and at social gatherings) and not being able to have fun without doing so. This sign of alcoholism in young adults can be misconstrued to look as though they are just trying to have fun when, in reality, they are struggling.
• Changes in behavior when drinking – One of the biggest signs of alcoholism in young adults is a change in behavior when under the influence. Consistent drinking with behavioral changes that cause disruption is often a major sign of alcohol abuse.

More Signs of Alcoholism In Young Adults

Another common sign of alcoholism in young adults in the development of relationship troubles with others.

This can include fighting with loved ones, the inability to hold down an intimate relationship, and experiencing communication breakdowns on a regular basis. When signs of alcohol abuse in young adults become obvious, it is crucial that they seek treatment for their issues.

Through treatment, young adults can address the underlying issues that fuel their alcoholism, as well as talk more about their signs of alcoholism that impacted both themselves and those around them. By doing this, they can work towards sobriety and end their alcoholism before it is too late.

Getting Help To End Alcohol Abuse

If you know a young adult who is struggling with alcoholism, it’s time to take action. Your friend or family member may not truly understand the dangers and negative effects of his or her problem. But, you can work with your loved one to get the help he or she needs. Through your patience and love, you can help the individual in your life to find freedom from alcoholism.

Here at Little Creek Recovery, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve sobriety and have a successful recovery. To learn more about our services and how we can help individuals who are suffering from alcohol abuse, just contact us today.

References:

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use-disorders 

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/2021-10/2020_NSDUH_Highlights.pdf