
Alcohol Abuse: Addictive Properties Diagnosis and Treatment
Alcohol stands as the most widely consumed substance in the United States. With extensive promotion of alcohol consumption across social media and entertainment platforms, the issue of alcohol abuse has spread nationwide. As an individual becomes increasingly dependent on alcohol, the severity of abuse escalates. Possible side effects range from slurred speech and confusion to coma, breathing difficulties, and even death. According to the CDC, alcohol-related issues account for 88,000 deaths annually in the United States.

Sun Coast Opioid Programs
In the United States, opioid overdose claims the lives of nearly 130 individuals each day. The Center for Disease Control designated opioid overdoses as an epidemic in 2011. Despite recent efforts by local and federal government bodies, opioid addiction continues to persist as a major concern.
Annually, 1 in 10 adult deaths in the U.S. are attributed to alcohol abuse. As the most prevalent addiction nationwide, various resources are available to assist you or a loved one in overcoming this challenge. Consult with The Sun Coast’s addiction experts to explore your options and gain valuable insights.

What is Alcohol?
A chemical compound present in beverages like beer, wine, and spirits, alcohol can also be found in certain medications, mouthwashes, household products, and essential oils (fragrant liquids extracted from specific plants). Alcohol is produced through a chemical process called fermentation, which involves sugars and yeast. Various types of alcohol exist, with ethyl alcohol (ethanol) being the one used in alcoholic beverages. Regular or excessive alcohol consumption may elevate the risk of developing specific cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, liver, colon, and rectum.

Alcohol, categorized as a central nervous system depressant, swiftly enters the bloodstream after being absorbed through the stomach and small intestine. Although the liver metabolizes this harmful substance, it can only process small quantities of alcohol at a time. Consequently, individuals encounter various physical and behavioral side effects, which differ significantly depending on the amount consumed, the alcohol content in each drink, and their overall body chemistry.
The Different Forms of Alcohol
When someone thinks of a glass of alcohol, they are actually thinking of a beverage containing ethyl alcohol, or ethanol. This type of alcohol is combined with various ingredients to create distinct flavors and alcohol concentrations in each drink. However, there are two other forms of alcohol commonly used in different contexts:
Isopropyl Alcohol:
Also known as rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol is widely used as a disinfectant and cleaning agent. It can be found in many household cleaning products, hand sanitizers, and medical supplies. Due to its toxic nature when ingested, isopropyl alcohol is not suitable for human consumption.
Methyl Alcohol:
Also referred to as methanol or wood alcohol, methyl alcohol is primarily used as a solvent, antifreeze, and fuel. It is toxic and can cause severe health issues or even death if ingested. Methanol is not intended for human consumption and should never be ingested.
Popular Alcohol Drinks

Beer
A 12-ounce serving of beer generally contains about 5% alcohol content

Wine
A 5-ounce serving of wine usually contains around 7% alcohol content.

Distilled Spirits
A 1.5-ounce serving of distilled spirits generally has an alcohol content of approximately 40%.

Malt Liquor
An 8-ounce serving of malt liquor typically comprises around 7% alcohol content.
Alcohol addiction manifests in various ways, making it difficult for some individuals to identify a problem in themselves or others. It’s crucial to understand that occasional binge drinking or developing a physical dependence on alcohol doesn’t necessarily qualify as alcohol addiction. Given the widespread normalization of alcohol consumption, there may be an increased prevalence of alcohol abuse in settings such as the workplace.

Medical Definitions
Why Alcohol is so Addictive?
Alcohol, like other drugs, has a powerful effect on the brain, producing pleasurable feelings and blunting negative feelings. These feelings can motivate some people to drink alcohol again and again, despite possible risks to their health and well-being. For example, research shows that over time, drinking to cope with stress—while it may provide temporary relief from emotional discomfort—tends to enhance negative emotional states between bouts of alcohol consumption. These changes can motivate further drinking and cause an individual to become stuck in an unhealthy cycle of alcohol consumption.1,2
Factors in Alcohol Addiction
Identifying Individuals at Higher Risk for Alcohol Misuse
Alcohol use and the risk for alcohol-related problems change over the lifespan. College students and young adults, who often drink large quantities of alcohol at one time, are more likely to experience problems such as alcohol poisoning, drunk-driving crashes, and assaults; whereas, older individuals who drink even moderately while taking certain medications run the risk of harmful drug interactions. Additionally, patterns of alcohol use may differ across the human lifespan—for example, adolescents who begin drinking prior to age 14 are more likely to develop a serious problem with alcohol later in life.
Alcoholism & Dual Diagnosis
As a significant number of our clients present with dual diagnoses, we have designed a specialized program to deliver the tailored care they need. Our approach includes employing multidisciplinary clinicians and providing holistic therapies. Our team remains dedicated to promoting the success and well-being of our clients.


Alcohol Demographics
Alcohol abuse can impact individuals of any race, gender, occupation, or age. Nonetheless, research reveals that certain demographic groups are more susceptible to alcohol addiction. A recent study showed that 6.4% of Native Americans struggle with alcohol abuse, while only 2.4% of Asian Americans are diagnosed with alcoholism.
Gender & Alcoholism Factors
Upon examining the data by gender, men seem to have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with alcoholism (5.4%). However, sociodemographic factors alone cannot predict an individual’s propensity for alcohol abuse. For instance, many Asian Americans metabolize alcohol differently than other ethnic groups, leading to adverse reactions to alcohol. This unique metabolism could be a contributing factor to their lower alcoholism rates.

What is AUD?
AUD, defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is a medical condition described as “a problematic pattern of alcohol use resulting in significant impairment or distress.” The severity of AUD can range from mild to moderate or severe, based on the number of symptoms a patient has experienced within the past 12 months (refer to the next section on AUD symptoms). As the severity of AUD increases, alcohol-induced alterations in brain function can make reducing or quitting alcohol consumption extremely challenging. However, with sustained abstinence, some of these changes may improve or even reverse, as other neural circuits compensate for the areas affected by alcohol. Evidence-based treatments can assist individuals in achieving abstinence and facilitating these brain changes. (See core articles on neuroscience and treatment for more information.)
3 Steps to Alcoholism Diagnosis
- Needing more alcohol for desired effects
- Spending significant time drinking
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms/li>
- Persisting in drinking despite alcohol-related issues
The admission process for Sun Coast Recovery Ranch involves our staff going through all three stages of a diagnostic process. This enables us to determine whether an individual requires detox, can be immediately admitted to our residential treatment center, or has any mental health needs that we need to cater to upon admission.


Thousands of People Lose their Lives
each year in the U.S. from alcohol related fatalities

10% of Children reside with a parent
who struggles with alcohol abuse

20% of Students in College
Meet the criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers Nearby
After receiving an AUD diagnosis, it’s important for individuals to undergo a treatment program to help address the issue and pursue lasting sobriety. Choosing the right treatment center can be challenging, but there are several key clinical services to consider when making your decision:

Personalized Care

Therapies Based on Evidence

Treatment Assisted by Medication

Support for Graduates

Treatment approaches will vary for each individual, depending on their readiness to engage with different levels of care. Nevertheless, alcohol abuse typically necessitates medical detoxification prior to addressing the underlying causes of addiction. Incorrectly conducted alcohol detox can be fatal, emphasizing the importance of proper medical diagnosis and detoxification.
Our team of experienced addiction professionals are available to collaborate with you in identifying the required level of care, ensuring that you or your loved one obtains the most effective treatment tailored to your needs.