Can You Really Blame It on the Alcohol?
If you or a loved one is interested in seeking help for excessive alcohol use, you’ve come to the right place!
Excessive alcohol consumption means drinking more than what health guidelines consider low-risk or moderate. It can be broken down into a few categories, and it can be stopped with the right counseling, like the programs at New Horizons Counseling. Let’s look at each category and where you or your loved one may relate:
1. Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. Typically, a large amount of alcohol is consumed in a short period of time on a single occasion. Men are considered binge drinkers if they have 5 or more drinks on a single occasion within 2 hours, and women if they have 4 or more.
2. Heavy Drinking
Heavy drinking is consistent consumption over time that exceeds recommended weekly limits: more than 14 drinks per week for men and more than 7 drinks per week for women.
3. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medically recognized condition marked by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. Signs of AUD include strong cravings for alcohol, a tolerance that requires more drinks to feel the effects, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and continued use despite problems at work, in relationships or with health. Excessive alcohol use is linked to many short- and long-term health risks, including liver disease, certain cancers, mental health disorders and a higher risk of accidents and injuries.
A Free Assessment
From time to time, I get calls from people who want an assessment to see whether or not they are an alcoholic. Some formal substance abuse assessments can be very costly and take several hours. I tell them we can do the assessment right now, right here, on the phone, free of charge! This makes them happy, and so we begin:
Me: “Okay, are you ready?”
Caller: “Yes.”
Me: “Here is the first question: Do you drink?”
Caller: “Yes.”
Me: “Does your drinking cause you problems?”
Caller: “Yes.”
Me: “Okay, our assessment is over. You are a problem drinker. Let’s get started.”
There is often a chuckle on the other end of the line because they get my point. I tell them that I don’t care about labels. It doesn’t matter to me whether you are labeled or “diagnosed” an alcoholic. What matters is whether the behavior or substance is causing you problems or pain. If it is, then you are not getting what you really want and need: peace of mind, happiness, joy, meaningful relationships and good health. If your addiction is keeping you from any or all of these, it’s time to get some help!
If you’re considering help for yourself or someone else, call (808) 484-1000 to find out more about our non-12-step, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) counseling programs that can help you live a better tomorrow.