When alcohol becomes an addiction

Every ten seconds in the world a person dies from causes related toalcohol, and the highest consumption (36 percent) is recorded in the 18-24 age group. In Italy, according to the most recent data from theIstituto Superiore di Sanita (which collects and analyses national statistics), theAlcohol use disorder (international clinical diagnosis of drug abuse) alcohol), approximately 8,2 million people (over 11 years old) have a consumption defined as "risk for health", and among these approximately 730.000 - 780.000 have already developed physical or psychological damage related to thealcohol and would need clinical treatment. As for the phenomenon of binge drinking (drinking more alcohol to get drunk) is about 4–4,5 million people.

The border between the pleasure ofalcohol and addiction is becoming increasingly labile, and for this reason the only effective tool that can stop a sort of alcohol-related epidemic is prevention. To do this, we must start with an acronym: the DSM-5-TR it is the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published dall'American Psychiatric Association (APA). Here are the 11 criteria to define theAlcohol use disorder, ldiagnosis is made if they are present at least 2 criteria in the last 12 months.

Here they are clearly:

1) Consumption in greater quantities or for longer than expected

You drink more than you planned or for longer.

2) Failed attempts to reduce or control consumption

You try to drink less or quit, but you can't.

3) Lots of time dedicated toalcohol

Time spent drinking, recovering from the effects, or procuring alcohol.

4) Craving (intense desire)

Strong craving or impulse to drink.

5) Problems at school/work or with obligations

Difficulty maintaining responsibilities due to drinking.

6) Continue despite social or relational problems

Arguments, conflicts or breakups but you keep drinking.

7) Abandonment of important activities

You give up hobbies, sports or interests for thealcohol.

8) Use in risky situations

Drinking in dangerous situations (e.g. driving, operating machinery).

9) Continued use despite physical or psychological damage

We continue even knowing that it worsens our health or mood.

10) Tolerance

You need to drink more to get the same effect, or the same amount has less of an effect.

11) Abstinence

Symptoms when stops or decreases (tremors, anxiety, sweating, nausea, insomnia, etc.).

As for blood alcohol level (or blood alcohol level) does not depend directly on the “drink itself”, but on how many grams of alcohol pure contains a standard dose, plus factors such as weight, gender, speed of consumption and food in the stomach. To understand drinks, the concept of alcoholic unit: in Italy 1 unit = approximately 12 grams alcohol pure.

Beer

330 ml (a standard can/bottle, 4–5% vol)
≈ 1 alcohol unit
Typical effect: moderate increase in blood alcohol level

WINE

125 ml (a standard glass, 12% vol)
≈ 1 alcohol unit
150 ml → approximately 1,2 units

spirits

40 ml (shot of vodka, whiskey, gin ~40% vol)
≈ 1 alcohol unit
2 shots = approximately 2 units

Cocktail

Variables (often 1–3 units)
E.g. spritz, gin and tonic: ~1–1,5 units
Stronger cocktails (double long drinks): up to 2–3 units