Alcohol Use and Alcohol Dependence in Adults: What to Know

How can alcohol use and dependence affect me?

Using alcohol over time may lead to dependence. This means you feel like you need to drink to get through the day. Dependence may cause:

• More drinking. You may drink:

  • Before you go to work.

  • During the day.

  • As soon as you get home.

• Money problems.

• Problems at work, such as trouble doing your job. You may lose your job.

• Legal problems if you drive after drinking.

• Relationship problems.

Using alcohol over a long time can also cause health problems, such as:

• Liver damage or pancreas damage.

• Heart problems, high blood pressure, or stroke.

• Some types of cancer.

• Less ability to fight infections.

• Brain or nerve damage.

• Depression.

• Early death.

When binge drinking, it can be easy to drink more alcohol than your body can handle (overdose). This is a medical emergency and should be treated right away at a hospital.

What can increase my risk for alcohol use and dependence?

You may have a higher risk of alcohol dependence if:

• You have family members with alcohol use disorder.

• You have mental health problems, such as depression.

• You started drinking at a young age.

• You binge drink often.

• You grew up with stress, trauma, or an unstable home.

• You spend time with people who drink often.

What can I do to prevent problems with alcohol?

Alcohol use

• Do not drink alcohol if:

  • Your health care provider tells you not to drink.

  • You're pregnant, may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

• If you drink alcohol:

  • Limit how much you have to:* 0–1 drink a day if you're female.* 0–2 drinks a day if you're male.

  • Know how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink is one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 1½ oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL).

• When you're at social events or places where alcohol is served:

  • Choose drinks without alcohol.

  • Make a plan to help you when you feel tempted to drink.

Coping with stress

Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as:

• Exercise.

• Meditation.

• Spending time with your loved ones.

Asking for support

If you think you have problems with alcohol:

• Decide to stop drinking and ask for help.

• Ask family and friends for support. Ask them not to drink alcohol around you.

• Talk with your family, friends, or provider about your concerns.

• Work with a therapist or a counselor who specializes in substance use disorders.

Where to find support

To find support:

• Talk with your provider or a substance use specialist.

• Visit a local treatment center.

• Join a local support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): aa.orgopens in new tab/window.

• Go online to SMART Recovery: smartrecovery.orgopens in new tab/window.

Where to find more information

To learn more, go to:

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at samhsa.govopens in new tab/window. Then:

  1. Choose "Get Help" on the home page.

  2. Click on the topics you need.

• The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at niaaa.nih.govopens in new tab/window. Then:

  1. Type "Alcohol's Effects on Health" in the search field.

  2. Find the links you need.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Drinking is causing problems in your daily life.

• You have to drink more alcohol than usual to get the effects you want.

• You often throw up or pass out from drinking.

• You have withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, such as:

  • Feeling very sad, worried, or anxious.

  • Shaky hands.

  • Headache.

  • Feeling like you might throw up.

  • Trouble sleeping.

  • Feeling very tired.

Get help right away if:

• You have serious withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Feeling very confused.

  • Feeling or seeing things that aren't real (hallucinations).

  • Fever.

  • Fast heart rate.

  • High blood pressure.

  • Seizures.

• You feel like you may hurt yourself or others.

• You have thoughts about taking your own life.

• You have other thoughts or feelings that worry you.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Take one of these steps right away:

• Go to your nearest emergency room.

• Call 911.

• Contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free and confidential):

  • Chat online at chat.988lifeline.orgopens in new tab/window.

  • Call or text 988.

• For Veterans and their loved ones:

  • Call 988 and press 1.

  • Text the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255.

  • Chat online at veteranscrisisline.netopens in new tab/window.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

Document Revised: 04/03/2026 Document Reviewed: 04/03/2026

Elsevier Patient Education © 2026 Elsevier Inc.