Alcohol is a legal drug that carries the risk of significant addiction. Alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and alcohol use disorder kill over 3 million people annually. Alcohol puts health and safety at risk. Some up-to-date statistics are 1 in 10 Americans over age 12 have Alcohol Use Disorder. Florida is one of 3 states that has the highest number of deaths from Alcohol. Over 1⁄2 of Americans increased their alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 lockdowns. 22.5% of acute alcohol-related deaths are due to suicide. 16.1% of acute alcohol-related deaths are due to car accidents. 32% of acute alcohol-related deaths are due to alcohol poisoning. Among kids living with substance-abusing parents, 86.2% live with a parent who abuses alcohol.

Some of the most common physical, psychological, and behavioral signs and symptoms of alcohol misuse: are poor coordination, slurred speech, impaired thinking, memory impairment, wanting to stop drinking but not managing to do so, diverting energy from work, family, and social life in order to drink, being secretive about the alcohol misuse, engaging in risky behavior such as drunk driving, being in denial about the extent of the alcohol misuse problem, and becoming distressed about the prospect of not having access to alcohol.

When you drink alcohol, you don’t digest it. It passes quickly into your bloodstream and travels to every part of your body. It will pass to your brain first, then your kidneys, lungs, and liver. The effect alcohol has on the body depends on several things, such as weight, age, gender, and type of alcohol. Many people use alcohol for added social confidence, self-medication for undiagnosed mental health or physical health issues, fun, celebrations, and holidays, but over time and when misused, alcohol can have tragic effects on people as well as their families.

The five most common causes of alcoholism are environment, age, mental health, family history, and combined substances. Some immediate health effects from alcohol are the following: injuries, violence, poisoning, unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to chronic diseases and other serious problems with learning, memory, and mental health. Some chronic health effects are high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and cancer.

There is an emerging trend in alcohol abuse called high-intensity drinking (HID). It is defined as the consumption of alcohol at levels that are two or more times the gender-specific binge drinking thresholds. HID is common among binge drinkers and typically associated with special occasions such as holidays, sporting events, and 21st birthdays. HID is associated with negative consequences such as aggression and injuries. People that are not regular drinkers but do binge drink still put themselves at risk of alcohol use disorder. Binge drinking can result in blackouts and memory lapses.

Alcohol affects everyone differently, and sobriety looks different for everyone too. There are several ways to get help if you or someone you know suffers from alcoholism. Some groups include Alcoholics Anonymous, Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation, Detox Centers, Individual and Group Counseling,  and even prescribed medications to help people not drink.

Get Support From A New Heights Mental Health Counselor

New Height counselors work with you to address your concerns about alcohol use and its impact on your life. We provide a safe place where you can talk openly about your feelings and experiences related to alcohol use. Our goal is to help you understand how to make positive changes in your life.  If you’re looking for support for yourself or someone else, we offer individual counseling sessions and couples counseling.

Our counseling services provide support and guidance to help you achieve your personal wellness goals. You may struggle with communication, conflict resolution, anxiety, depression, stress management, grief, loss, anger, trauma, abuse, self-esteem, or any other challenges affecting your daily life. If you need help overcoming these struggles, our therapists can assist you in developing coping skills and problem-solving strategies to improve your overall quality of life.

Appointment Schedule (Last appointment – 4 PM)

Sunday Closed

Monday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Evenings/Weekends by Appointment

Additional Resources:

• Alcohol Use and Your Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Alcohol, World Health Association
• Welcome Video New Heights Counseling Founder & Clinical Director Colleen Wenner

About the Author:

Becky graduated in 2016 from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW). She completed her Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) in 2020 at Florida State University. Becky is a National Association of Social Workers member and a Pre-Licensed Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern.

Becky is passionate about her desire to help people and wants them to know they are not alone. To overcome the pains, they’ve experienced from their previous trauma, addictions, and struggles to maintain healthy emotions. She finds fulfillment in helping others find the answers that will allow them to live their best lives. With more than ten years of helping individuals and families navigate difficult times, she is skilled in empathy and compassion while being solution-oriented and authentic in her communication.

Becky provides clients with a safe and comfortable place to explore their feelings and thoughts without judgment or blame. She comes alongside her clients as an ally and guide to help them heal their wounds and move on their journey. Becky believes everyone has a voice to be heard and a story to share and advocates for those who struggle with mental health concerns. Becky lives out her professional work life abiding by this quote, “I became a Social Worker because your life is worth my time.”