Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in the world. 84.9% of adults have reported drinking at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. For many, alcohol is associated with social events, celebrations, or relaxation. But when does casual drinking cross the line into something more serious? Understanding the signs, risks, and support options surrounding alcohol use is an important step in prioritizing your health or helping someone you love.

What Is Substance Use?

A "substance" is any chemical that can alter a person's mood, perception, or cognition. Substances range from everyday stimulants like caffeine to legal substances like alcohol to illicit drugs such as cocaine or heroin. While many people use substances recreationally, use can sometimes escalate into misuse, abuse, or addiction, which can have serious consequences for mental and physical health.

Misuse, Abuse, and Addiction: What's the Difference?

• Misuse usually refers to taking prescription medications in a way that wasn't intended, such as using someone else's prescription or taking more than prescribed.

• Abuse involves the intentional use of substances, including alcohol, to get high or cope with emotional pain. This behavior can lead to harmful health, legal, or social consequences.

• Addiction, or severe Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is a chronic brain disease. It results in compulsive substance use despite negative outcomes. People struggling with addiction may experience intense cravings or withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a specific form of SUD that makes it difficult to control or stop drinking. Repeated exposure to alcohol can alter the brain's pleasure and reward system, leading to a loss of control and continued use despite the consequences.

When Does Drinking Become a Problem?

Not everyone who drinks has a problem. However, there are red flags to watch for, including:

• Frequent arguments or conflicts after drinking
• Avoidance or defensiveness around conversations about alcohol
• Feelings of disconnection or lack of support

Excessive drinking can also increase the risk of injury, violence, liver disease, heart problems, and certain types of cancer. If you're unsure about your relationship with alcohol, taking a self-assessment can be a helpful first step.CredibleMind is a free, confidential online platform that offers expert-vetted resources to help you explore your mental well-being and make informed decisions about your health. Take the CredibleMind alcohol self-assessment here.

Tips for Cutting Back or Quitting

If you're concerned about your alcohol use, here are some strategies that may help:

• Limit drinking to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men
• Keep track of how much you drink each week
• Choose one or more alcohol-free days each week
• Avoid drinking when you are upset or under stress
• Reduce the amount of alcohol you keep at home
• Avoid settings where heavy drinking is common
• Make a list of personal reasons to drink less or quit

When Cutting Back Feels Impossible

Addiction is a complex condition that can involve genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and changes in brain chemistry. Repeated exposure to alcohol can alter the brain's pleasure and reward system, leading to a loss of control and continued use despite the consequences.

Some substances, like nicotine or opioids, are especially potent and may lead to addiction more quickly. However, no matter the substance, the first step toward recovery is recognizing the need for help.

Supporting a Loved One

If someone close to you is struggling with alcohol use, it's natural to want to help. But it's also important to set boundaries and take care of your mental health. Remember: people are not defined by their diagnosis. Just as we wouldn't refer to someone as "being cancer," we shouldn't reduce people to labels like "alcoholic." Supportive, nonjudgmental language matters.

Therapy can help you understand how best to support a loved one while maintaining your own well-being. Self-help groups for families, such as Al-Anon, can also offer community, education, and encouragement.

Ready to Make a Change?

Recovery is possible, and support is always available. Start by reaching out to one of these trusted resources:

• Door County Department of Human Services: 920-746-7155

• Your Primary Health Care Provider or Therapist

• Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline: dial 211 or 833-944-4673, text your ZIP code to 898211, or chat addictionhelpwi.org

• National Veterans Support Line: 800-273-8255 or text 838255

• Local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Groups

• 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 920-746-2588

For ongoing care and guidance, contact DCMC Behavioral Health at 920-746-3571.