Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that can lead to devastating physical and mental health consequences, even becoming life-threatening for those affected. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2022, 29.5 million people struggled with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Unlike social drinking, alcohol addiction takes over a person’s life, making alcohol the priority over personal relationships, work, and well-being.

As the addiction progresses, it becomes harder to maintain control. Alcohol misuse can lead to job difficulties, legal issues, and even life-threatening situations like driving under the influence. At Las Cruces Recovery Center, we recognize the dangers of alcohol addiction and provide compassionate, personalized treatment in a non-judgmental environment for those seeking help.

What Counts as a Drink?

An alcoholic drink is typically defined as:

• 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine
• 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer
• 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of distilled spirits or hard liquor

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking occurs when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol over a short period. For women, binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks in two hours, while for men, it’s five or more drinks in the same time frame. Although not everyone who binge drinks develops alcohol addiction, frequent binge drinking increases the risk of AUD.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, or AUD, is a chronic brain disease that worsens over time. Continued misuse of alcohol leads to changes in the brain’s structure, making it difficult for someone to stop drinking even when it negatively affects their health, relationships, career, or social life. Those struggling with alcohol addiction often experience strong cravings and may feel anxious or irritable when not drinking. Withdrawal symptoms can become intense if they attempt to cut back or stop altogether.

How Much Alcohol is Too Much?

Experts recommend drinking alcohol in moderation. The Mayo Clinic defines moderate drinking as no more than one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

Here are common signs of AUD:

• Difficulty cutting back or quitting alcohol despite wanting to
• Drinking more than intended or losing control over the amount consumed
• Continuing to drink despite knowing it’s causing harm
• Giving up activities once enjoyed due to alcohol use
• Avoiding family and friends to drink
• Prioritizing drinking over social or family events that don’t involve alcohol
• Spending excessive time drinking, recovering from it, or thinking about it
• Hiding alcohol in various locations (home, car, etc.)
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drinking
• Drinking in risky situations, such as before driving, or mixing alcohol with other substances

The more “yes” answers to these signs, the higher the likelihood of AUD, indicating the need for professional treatment.

What is a “High-Functioning Alcoholic”?

A high-functioning alcoholic can maintain their job, family, and social responsibilities while secretly battling alcohol addiction. They may appear healthy and well-adjusted, but over time, the addiction will become more apparent, affecting their ability to function. Often in denial, high-functioning alcoholics tend to hide their addiction and cravings.

Five Ways Alcohol Negatively Impacts the Body

Alcohol use affects almost every organ, and long-term addiction can lead to severe health problems:

1. Heart: Binge drinking and chronic alcohol use can cause high blood pressure, strokes, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy (heart muscle damage).
2. Central Nervous System: Alcohol impairs coordination, memory, and cognitive function, leading to blurred speech, delayed reactions, and impaired judgment.
3. Brain: Alcohol slows communication between brain cells, affecting mood, behavior, and cognitive abilities, and may lead to depression or anxiety.
4. Liver: Prolonged alcohol use damages the liver, resulting in conditions like cirrhosis, liver inflammation, and scarring.
5. Immune System: Alcohol weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections like pneumonia and impairing the body’s ability to fight off illness.

Seeking Help for Alcohol Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, you’re not alone. Las Cruces Recovery Center provides caring, non-judgmental treatment designed to meet each client’s unique needs.

For those still actively drinking, the first step is our medically supervised detox program, where we offer emotional support and medication, if needed, to manage withdrawal symptoms comfortably. Following detox, clients move into the appropriate recovery program based on their needs, which could include our residential treatment program.

Our programs also offer support for those dealing with co-occurring mental health issues, providing comprehensive care. If you’re concerned about alcohol use, contact us today to begin the journey toward recovery.