According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, almost 18 million Americans abuse alcohol (roughly 15% of the population). Each year more than 100,000 Americans die of alcohol-related causes. Alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all U.S. traffic deaths. In addition to these incredible statistics, alcohol abuse causes strained relationships, financial difficulties and numerous medical and mental health problems.
In the LGBT community, research suggests that alcohol abuse and dependence occurs at even higher rates than in the mainstream population. Independent studies collectively support the estimate that alcohol abuse occurs in the LGBT community as rates up to three times that in the mainstream population. Said another way, alcohol abuse is estimated to occur in up to 45% of those in the LGBT community.
Alcohol abuse can result from the stress and difficulty of dealing with the heterosexism and discrimination that is faced by many within the LGBT community. A tradition of socializing in bars and nightclubs among many LGBT people may exacerbate the risk of developing problematic drinking behavior.
Symptoms of alcohol abuse or dependence include:
- Development of a tolerance to alcohol that results in the need to drink more to achieve intoxication or the desired effect. Tolerance also results in a reduced effect when drinking the same amount of alcohol.
- More alcohol is consumed, in large quantities, and over a longer time period than was intended.
- There is a desire to reduce the amount of drinking, and/or efforts to reduce or quit drinking are unsuccessful.
- More and more time is spent drinking, thinking about drinking, or nursing hangovers.
- Continuing to drink, in spite of knowing the link between alcohol use and the problems it may be causing (e.g., continuing to drink despite having stomach problems that are made worse by alcohol).
- Arrests or legal problems related to driving while drinking.
- Important work, social, or family activities are given up or reduced as the result of drinking.
Alcohol abuse issues can be addressed clinically in a variety of ways. Medical intervention, education, individual / group therapy, and social support are factors shown to be most effective in addressing alcohol issues. PRIDE Institute has been helping LGBT people recover from alcohol abuse and dependence since 1986.
For More Information:
- Complete the Alcohol Use Self-Assessment
- Call PRIDE Institute Information & Admissions: 800-54-PRIDE
Self-Assessment
Alcohol abuse and dependence is a chronic disease that gradually damages the lives and health of many LGBT people. It is common for the progress of the disease to be unnoticed by the person with the problem. Family and friends are often the first to sense that a loved one has a problem with alcohol.
Do you wonder whether you have a problem with alcohol? Here are five questions that may help you look at your drinking behavior.
Note: This self assessment is for information purposes only. It does not replace a formal evaluation by a medical or mental health professional.
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
- Do you continue to drink in spite of suffering significant consequences (legal, medical, social, etc.)?
If you can answer “Yes” to any of these questions, you may benefit from taking a closer look at your alcohol use. We can help.
Call PRIDE Institute Information and Admissions at 800-54-PRIDE.
How PRIDE Can Help
Alcohol abuse is a serious, chronic disease that gradually gets in the way of regular healthy life functioning. As relationships become strained, finances and other important resources for living are depleted and health / physical well-being declines.
PRIDE Institute can help you recover from dependence on alcohol and move forward again … to become the person you were always meant to be. It all begins by picking up the phone and asking for help.
Call PRIDE Institute Information & Admissions: 800-54-PRIDE
Resources
The following links provide useful information on alcohol abuse and dependence:*
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism FAQ
- Article: Alcohol Abuse & Brain Damage in Adolescents & Young Adults
- Baldwin Research Institute
- Entry: “Alcoholism” from Wikipedia.org
Call 800-54-PRIDE for a free assessment and for further information.
*Information on these sites is deemed reliable, but is outside the control of PRIDE Institute.
