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Understanding Alcohol Abuse Causes and Diagnosis

Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance in the United States. With constant exposure through social media and entertainment, it’s no surprise that alcohol abuse has become a serious concern nationwide.

When drinking escalates into alcohol abuse, the risks can be severe. Over time, a person may develop alcohol dependence, leading to dangerous side effects such as slurred speech, confusion, breathing difficulties, coma, and even death. The CDC estimates that excessive drinking leads to around 178,000 deaths in the United States every year—a stark reminder of how dangerous alcohol abuse can be when left unchecked.

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Alcohol Explained

In the United States, alcohol abuse is linked to the deaths of 1 in 10 adults aged 20 to 64 each year. As one of the nation’s most widespread addictions, it’s important to know that help is available. Arizona IOP offers compassionate specialists who can guide you or your loved one toward the right treatment options.

What is Alcohol?

There are three main types of alcohol: isopropyl, methyl, and ethyl, and all can be toxic to the human body. Of these, only ethyl alcohol is safe to consume. It’s commonly produced through the fermentation of starches, yeast, and sugar, and it’s the type found in alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down brain activity and bodily functions. Once consumed, it’s quickly absorbed through the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. The liver works to break it down, but it can only process small amounts at a time. When drinking exceeds what the body can handle, it often leads to a range of physical and behavioral side effects. These effects can differ widely depending on how much is consumed, the strength of the alcohol, and each person’s unique body chemistry.

Different Types of Alcohol

3 Forms of Alcohol

When most people picture a glass of alcohol, they’re thinking of ethyl alcohol—the type found in beer, wine, and spirits. Each drink blends ethyl alcohol with different ingredients, creating unique flavors and varying levels of alcohol content. Beyond what we drink, there are also two other types of alcohol commonly used in everyday products but not meant for consumption.

Bottle Of Liquid Symbolizing The Isopropyl Type Of Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is commonly diluted with water and used as rubbing alcohol for its antiseptic properties. You’ll often find it in products like aftershave, hand lotions, and various cosmetics.

Container With Some Liquid Symbolizing Methyl Alcohol

Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, is mainly used as a solvent in producing plastics, polyesters, and various industrial chemicals.

Group Of Bottles Symbolizing The Type Of Alcohol People Drink Ethyl Alcohol

Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, like isopropyl and methyl alcohol, is a clear, colorless liquid. Unlike the others, though, ethanol is the main type used in alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, and spirits.

Popular Alcoholic Beverages

and their typical serving size and alcohol content

Icon Displaying Of Beer

Beer

A standard 12-ounce serving of beer usually contains about 5% alcohol.

Icon Displaying 2 glasses of Wine

Wine

A standard 5-ounce glass of wine usually has around 7% alcohol.

Icon Displaying Distilled Spirits with a glass

Distilled Spirits

(gin, rum, vodka, etc)
A standard 1.5-ounce serving of distilled spirits typically contains about 40% alcohol.

Icon Displaying Of Malt Liquor

Malt Liquor

(lager, ale, etc)
An 8-ounce serving of malt liquor usually contains about 7% alcohol.

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?

The answer to “how long does alcohol stay in your system” depends on several factors, including how much you drink, your metabolism, and overall health. On average, alcohol can be detected in the blood for about 12 hours and in urine for up to 48 hours. However, heavy or frequent drinking can significantly extend these detection times.

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Alcohol Abuse Defined

Alcohol addiction can look different for everyone, and many people may not realize there’s a problem—whether it’s in themselves or someone they care about. It’s important to understand that occasional binge drinking or even developing a physical dependence on alcohol doesn’t always mean a person meets the official criteria for alcohol addiction. However, with drinking often seen as a normal part of social and work life, alcohol abuse in the workplace and other settings is becoming more common.

Icon Of Alcohol with a glass

Medical Definition of
Alcohol Abuse

According to the CDC, alcohol abuse refers to drinking in a way that increases the risk of harmful consequences. In many cases, this pattern of drinking can progress into alcoholism and is often considered a mild form of Alcohol Use Disorder. People showing signs of alcohol abuse should be carefully monitored, as it can sometimes lead to more severe alcohol addiction if left unaddressed.

Icon Of Alcohol For The Medical Definition Of Alcohol Dependence

Medical Definition of
Alcoholism

Alcohol dependence is considered a “severe” form of Alcohol Use Disorder and requires medical intervention to overcome.

Icon Of Alcohol For The Medical Definition Of Binge Drinking

Medical Definition of
Binge Drinking

The CDC defines binge drinking as drinking enough to raise a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 g/dl or higher.

While binge drinking is considered a form of alcohol abuse, most people who binge drink are not necessarily alcoholics. Still, it remains the most common—and deadliest—pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States.

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Causes of Alcohol Addiction

Why is Alcohol Addictive?

Alcohol can become addictive for many reasons, and the experience often differs from person to person. For many people, drinking triggers the release of “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine, creating a sense of pleasure and relaxation. Over time, repeated drinking can change the brain’s reward system, making it harder to feel the same effects without alcohol and increasing the risk of alcohol abuse or dependence.

Factors in Alcoholism

Icon For The Genetic Factors

Genetic
Factors

Research suggests that genetics accounts for roughly half of a person’s risk of developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). While there isn’t a single “alcoholic gene,” certain genetic traits can influence how the body responds to alcohol, sometimes increasing the likelihood of alcohol abuse. On the other hand, some genetic factors may actually make someone less prone to developing problematic drinking behaviors.

Icon of a hand holding a plant for environmental causes

Environmental
Factors

Environmental factors also play a major role in shaping a person’s relationship with alcohol. Traumatic experiences, adverse life events, and early exposure to drinking can all increase the risk of developing problems later in life. One tool often used to measure this risk is the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) assessment, which evaluates childhood events that may contribute to alcohol abuse as an adult.

Icon of a Person With Exposed Brain

Psychological
Factors

Mental health challenges are a major risk factor for developing alcohol addiction. Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety often lead some people to turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication. When alcohol abuse and mental health disorders occur together, it’s known as a dual diagnosis—and treating both issues at the same time requires specialized care and treatment programs.

Who's Most Likely to Abuse Alcohol

Who Is Most Likely to Abuse Alcohol?

Although alcohol addiction can impact anyone, research shows certain factors can increase a person’s risk. Genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental influences all play a major role in the likelihood of alcohol abuse. Statistics also show that men and individuals of Native American descent have higher rates of alcohol addiction compared to other groups.

Mental Health & Alcoholism

Because so many of our clients face a dual diagnosis, we’ve created a specialized program designed to give them the personalized care they need. Our team includes clinicians with expertise in both mental health and addiction treatment, and we offer whole-person therapies to support every aspect of recovery. We’re dedicated to helping each client build a healthier, more balanced life.

Alcoholism by Race

Alcohol abuse can impact people of any age, gender, profession, or background. However, research shows that some groups are affected more than others. For example, a recent study found that 6.4% of Native Americans struggle with alcohol abuse, compared to just 2.4% of Asian Americans diagnosed with alcoholism.

Alcoholism by Gender

Looking at the same data by gender, men were more likely to be diagnosed with alcoholism, with a rate of 5.4%. Still, sociodemographic factors alone can’t fully explain a person’s likelihood of alcohol abuse. For instance, many Asian Americans metabolize alcohol differently, often experiencing unpleasant physical reactions. This may help explain why they have the lowest rates of alcoholism among all groups.

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Diagnosing Alcoholism

How Is Alcohol Abuse Diagnosed?

Alcohol addiction can look very different from person to person, and it’s not always easy to recognize—whether in yourself or someone you care about. Because drinking is so normalized in society, it’s not unusual to see alcohol abuse in the workplace or to encounter high-functioning individuals who manage to balance work and personal life despite struggling with alcohol. It’s also worth noting that occasional binge drinking or even physical dependence on alcohol doesn’t always meet the official criteria for an alcohol addiction diagnosis.

3 Steps to Diagnosing Alcoholism

Group Of Medical Professionals Performing An Alcohol Dependence Diagnosis

If you suspect that you or someone you love may be struggling with alcohol abuse, it’s important to seek professional guidance to understand the severity of the situation. You can start by talking to your primary care doctor, a mental health professional, or—most commonly—an addiction treatment specialist who can help assess the problem and recommend the right next steps.

Man Completing A Self Evaluation To Determine If They Have An Alcohol Use Disorder

When you meet with a medical professional, they’ll typically use an approved diagnostic method to determine whether alcohol abuse or addiction is present. The American Psychiatric Association has created diagnostic manuals to help clinicians assess the severity of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), ranging from mild to severe.

Some common criteria include:

  1. Needing to drink more alcohol to feel the same effects
  2. Spending a significant amount of time drinking or recovering from drinking
  3. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use stops
  4. Continuing to drink despite alcohol-related health, work, or relationship problems
Doctor Writing Down Notes About A Medical Examination Needed To Diagnose Alcohol Abuse

Although diagnostic methods can differ, many doctors use both psychological and physical evaluations to better understand a person’s symptoms. These assessments also help identify whether any co-occurring mental health conditions may be contributing to alcohol abuse or addiction.

Before someone begins treatment at Arizona IOP, our team walks them through all three stages of the diagnostic process. This allows us to determine whether they need medical detox first, can start residential treatment right away, or have mental health needs that require additional support during admission.

Schedule an assessment with our addiction specialists today.

Alcohol Abuse Statistics

thousand people die

from alcohol-related deaths in the U.S each year.

of children

live with a parent who struggles with alcohol abuse in the U.S.

of college students

qualify for a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

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Alcohol Rehab Near Me

Finding A Rehab Near Me

After a positive diagnosis for AUD, it’s important to begin a treatment plan designed to support long-term recovery and lasting sobriety. Choosing the right treatment center can feel overwhelming, but there are a few key clinical services to look for when making your decision:

Icon of a girl to offer Individualized Care

Individualized
Care

Icon of Evidence Based Treatment Methods

Evidence-Based
Therapies

Icon of a pill for medication treatment

Medication-Assisted
Treatment

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Alumni
Support

Treatment can vary for each person, depending on the level of care they need and are ready to commit to. In most cases, alcohol abuse requires medical detox before addressing the root causes of addiction. Detoxing without proper medical supervision can be dangerous—and in some cases, even life-threatening—which is why professional evaluation and support are so important.

At Arizona IOP, our addiction specialists are here to help you or your loved one understand the right level of care and guide you toward the most effective treatment options.

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