Substance Abuse Risk Factors & Impact

Substance abuse is a significant public health concern, deeply intertwined with mental health issues. While some may see social drinking as a normal part of life, for others, it becomes a pathway to addiction and a catalyst for mental health disorders. In this post, we will explore the relationship between alcohol abuse and mental health, risk factors, the difference between social drinking and abuse, and how age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status play crucial roles in these issues.

The Impact of Substance Abuse on Mental Health

Alcohol, one of the most commonly abused substances, can lead to severe mental health issues. The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) is one way to assess alcohol dependence. This 25-item questionnaire asks individuals to self-report their alcohol use, looking for patterns of behavior that signal dependence (Gordon et al., 2005). While useful, the MAST has limitations, as it does not take into account past or current use. Questions like "Do you ever feel guilty about your drinking?" or "Do you drink before noon fairly often?" help gauge the impact of alcohol on a person’s life, but they don’t necessarily capture the whole picture.

Substance abuse is linked to various risk factors, including tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, impaired control, and neglect of daily activities. Over time, alcohol misuse can lead to strained relationships, job loss, and deteriorating health, including mental health disorders like depression and anxiety (US DHHS, n.d.).

In my experience working with “The Center” in Hollywood, a nonprofit organization assisting people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse is a vicious cycle. Many individuals use alcohol and other depressants to cope with mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, this only worsens their condition, making recovery even more difficult.

Social Drinking vs. Alcohol Abuse

So, how do we differentiate social drinking from alcohol abuse? According to the CDC, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one drink per day for women and two for men (Alcohol Questions and Answers | CDC, n.d.). Social drinking occurs in casual settings and involves the ability to stop at any point without regularly becoming intoxicated.

However, binge drinking and alcoholism go beyond casual consumption. Alcoholism involves a physical addiction that manifests through withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and confusion. Those struggling with alcoholism often exhibit erratic behaviors, obsessive thoughts about drinking, and denial about their condition (Spielman et al., 2022).

The Role of Pre-Existing Mental Conditions

Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions are more vulnerable to substance abuse. For instance, a person suffering from anxiety may turn to alcohol as a quick fix to calm their nerves or as a sleep aid. Dr. Nicole Labor, an addiction specialist, explains that chronic stress plays a major role in addiction by altering brain chemistry. When a person experiences stress, their brain reduces dopamine receptors, which can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety (OhioWalksUniversity, 2018). Alcohol provides temporary relief by increasing dopamine levels, but over time, it can exacerbate mental health problems.

How Age, Gender, and Ethnicity Influence Alcohol Abuse

It’s important to consider how demographic factors influence substance abuse. Globally, around 2 billion people consume alcohol, and over half of the U.S. population drinks regularly (Comer & Comer, 2018). However, not everyone is equally at risk. Research shows that American Indians have the highest rates of substance abuse, followed by African Americans and the Hispanic community (SAMHSA, 2017). Men are statistically more likely to abuse alcohol, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at greater risk.

Responding to Alcohol Abuse

If someone scores high on the MAST, it’s essential to understand the broader context of their life and the factors contributing to their alcohol use. Family history, stressors, and life circumstances all play a role. When confronting someone about alcohol abuse, it’s important to approach them with empathy and without triggering defensiveness. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or client, offering professional resources and support is crucial for their recovery.

Final Thought

Substance abuse, particularly alcohol, is a complex issue closely tied to mental health. Recognizing the risk factors and understanding the difference between social drinking and addiction can help prevent the worsening of mental health issues. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe that addressing both substance abuse and underlying mental health conditions is key to helping individuals regain control of their lives.

By staying informed and recognizing the signs, we can make a difference in preventing substance abuse and supporting mental wellness.

References

Alcohol Questions Answered. Alcohol Questions and Answers | CDC,
(n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.html
Comer, R. J., & Comer, J. S. (2021). Abnormal Psychology. Worth Publishers.
Gordon, A., Conigliaro, J., & Fiellin, D. (2005). Selective methods used in alcohol research: Screening in primary care – strategies and approaches. Comprehensive Handbook of Alcohol Related Pathology, 1327–1345.
OhioWalshUniversity. (2018, October 8). Keynote with Dr. Nicole Labor [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYvZTH746yg
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Assessing alcohol problems-second edition. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AssessingAlcohol/index.htm