We all know people who may be struggling from problems with alcohol or other substance abuse. In today’s world, alcohol is pervasive, which can make it extremely difficult to stop drinking if you have a problem.

The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated this by pushing most everyone into their homes and introducing a lot more free time. For many people, this changed drinking habits and increased the opportunity to drink alcohol.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines moderate drinking as limiting the intake of alcoholic beverages to two beverages or less in one day for men, and one drink or less in one day for women. Any consumption higher than this recommendation can develop into alcohol abuse and alcoholism and alcohol use disorder.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a reputable source of alcohol related facts, reported that in 2019, 25.8% of people ages 18 and older reported binge drinking (i.e., the excessive consumption of alcohol in a short period of time) in the past month. This statistic points to the fact that a lot of underage, college students are partaking in potentially dangerous alcohol consumption. This has the possibility of establishing dangerous long term drinking habits, which increases the risk of health related issues and withdrawal symptoms.

The NIAAA also outlines the many health risks of copious alcohol consumption. From neurological issues, such as changes in mood and behavior, heavy drinking in the short term can have long term consequences.

Drinking heavily can also affect cardiovascular efficiency and raise the chances of people developing cardiomyopathy (i.e., heart muscle disease), arrhythmias (i.e., irregular heart beats), strokes, and high blood pressure. Heavy drinking also stresses the digestive, urinary, and endocrine systems (i.e., liver, kidneys, and pancreas) while also weakening the immune system and increasing the probability of various cancers.

When it comes to determining whether or not you, or a loved one, has an alcohol problem, the University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services, outlines 11 warning signs of an alcohol abuse disorder.

1. Drinking alcohol more or longer than intended.
2. Having a history of trying to reduce or stop drinking but failed.
3. Spent a lot of time drinking or being sick from the aftereffects.
4. Wanted a drink so badly you could not think of anything else.
5. Found that drinking, or being sick from drinking, often interfered with work, family or school duties.
6. Continued to drink alcohol even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends.
7. Given up or cut back on activities that were important, interesting or pleasurable to you in order to drink.
8. More than once gotten into situations while or after consuming alcohol that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as swimming, driving, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area or having unsafe sex).
9. Continued to drink alcohol even though it was making you feel depressed, anxious or adding to another health problem.
10. Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want, or found that the usual number of drinks had much less effect.
11. Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, racing heart, or a seizure.

While this list is not exhaustive, it does provide a good baseline for beginning to understand a potential problems with alcohol. If you believe that you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of a problems with alcohol, then the services offered at DiRoma therapy can be of use.

At DiRoma therapy, we offer services in individual counseling, interventions, and speaking engagements. All of our services are crafted to fit the needs of those we strive to help. We offer an in-depth view of everything we offer online, or we can answer any questions you may have.

In individual counseling meetings, we ensure a safe, non-judgemental, and private spaces for our patients to disclose sensitive information. By using rational emotive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and long term dynamic therapy, we want to work with you through an approach that responds directly to your individual needs.

Through interventions, we employ both the Johnson and Systemic Intervention models to help your loved ones through tough times. At DiRoma therapy, we know how hard it is to see a loved one struggle, which is why we want to help the people who matter to you the most.

Speaking engagements can help educate large masses of people. We are available for classroom/conference presentations on addiction and mental health. This service is perfect for educating young children on the potential dangers of alcohol consumption, or a college assembly on the dangers of alcoholism.

At DiRoma therapy, we want to help people rethink drinking alcohol. We are committed to helping our patients and have their best interests in mind. Backed by years of experience, we are well suited to support your growth and healing process.

As we said before, COVID-19 has increased the average person’s problem drinking. This poor habit of drinking is defined by an abuse or dependency on alcohol, and can cause issues at home or in the workplace of those you love. When you and your family need help. DiRomaTherapy is here to provide expert care.

If you are interested in any of our services, please give us a call at 203-667-7526, by our email at, diromatherapy@gmail.com, or on our website. We cannot wait to form a relationship with you or a loved one to improve your lives.

problems with alcohol