Alcohol

Stimulants can be used safely for conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy when taken as prescribed and working closely with a doctor.

In fact, the most recent study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) indicates that 29.5 million people ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in the past year. 

Alcohol use disorder occurs when drinking habits disrupt or affect daily life, and use continues despite causing problems. Long-term alcohol misuse can lead to serious health complications or even death.

Knowing the facts, signs, and treatment options for alcohol use disorder can help protect you and the people you care about.

Facts & Risk Factors

Drinking alcohol can be safe when it is consumed responsibly. Knowing the facts and risks associated with alcohol use can help you avoid over-consumption and reduce alcohol misuse. Alcohol misuse can lead to alcohol poisoning, car accidents, and more.

Anyone who consumes alcohol—even occasionally—should know the facts and risks.

  • Excessive alcohol use is responsible for approximately 140,000 deaths in the United States each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • 17.5% of Arizonan adults report drinking excessively.
  • In Arizona, 22% of people seeking treatment for substance use disorder treatment through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) in 2021 wanted help for alcohol use.

Not sure if drinking is a problem?
Low-risk drinking is defined as no more than four drinks daily and 14 drinks per week for men, and no more than three drinks daily and seven drinks per week for women according to the NIAAA. Anyone drinking above this amount could be at risk of alcohol misuse.

The CDC defines binge drinking as consuming 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women. One in six U.S. adults binge drink, with 25% doing so at least weekly. Binge drinking, which is more prevalent among men than women, is most common among people 18-34 years

Binge drinking

Binge drinking affects 40 million Americans (about one in six adults). It is the most common, costly, and deadly type of alcohol misuse in the United States. Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, car accidents, violence, sexually transmitted disease, unintended pregnancy, and more.

Underage drinking

Alcohol is the substance young people most commonly misuse in the United States according to the CDC. Although illegal for people under the age of 21, 11% of all alcohol consumed in the U.S. is by people aged 12 to 20. The 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found 23% of high school students drank alcohol in a 30-day period, and female students were more likely than male students to drink alcohol.

Chronic alcohol use and withdrawal

When a person suddenly stops drinking after chronic and heavy alcohol use, it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. The most dangerous type, delirium tremens, affects about 1 in 20 people and could be deadly without immediate medical management.


Signs & symptoms

There are a range of side effects associated with excessive drinking. Signs of misuse or addiction will vary depending on a person’s physiology, how much alcohol they consume, and for how long. Behaviors may also indicate problematic drinking.


Some common signs and symptoms are:

Short-term side effects

  • Slurred speech
  • Vision impairment
  • Lack of coordination
  • Extreme shifts in mood
  • Memory lapses or temporary blackouts
  • Slowed breathing
  • Needing increasing amounts of alcohol to feel intoxicated
  • Physical and emotional discomfort when not drinking

Long-term side effects

  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Stroke
  • Liver damage
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Respiratory infections
  • Nerve damage
  • Ulcers
  • A weakened immune system

Behavioral signs

  • Drinking secretly or alone
  • Choosing drinking over other activities and responsibilities
  • Turning to alcohol when sad or stressed
  • Feeling disconnected from friends and family
  • Change in appearance or social group
  • Trying unsuccessfully to reduce or stop drinking
  • Feeling guilt or shame after drinking

How to help someone you know

It can be hard to approach a conversation about alcohol misuse with someone you know and love. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has steps to get started, which include talking when the person is sober, avoiding labels like “alcoholic,” and pointing the person toward helpful resources.

Free substance use resource center

A free, nationwide substance use resource center is available to all Arizonans. The Substance Use Resource Center (SURC) was created by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
How to Utilize the Service