Introduction

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol abuse or dependence, can affect a person’s physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it includes four symptoms:

• Craving. A strong need, or urge, to drink.
  
  
• Loss of control. Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun.
  
  
• Physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking.
  
  
• Tolerance. The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to become intoxicated (“buzzed” or drunk).

The Bad

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can lead to a number of health problems.  Intoxication is the leading cause of deadly traffic accidents in the United States.  It can also cause men and women to take greater sexual risks, leading to HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Other alcohol-related problems include permanent scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, high blood pressure, an increased risk of certain cancers, problems sleeping, depression, and emotional problems.    

The Good      

In 1956, the American Medical Association (AMA) stated alcoholism was a disease, helping to remove the stigma associated with alcoholism.

Why it's LGBT

Are LGBTs more likely to suffer from alcohol abuse and alcoholism?  Studies have been conflicting, but there is some evidence that LGBT youth – and possibly LGBT adults – are at a higher risk for alcohol abuse and dependence that than their heterosexual peers. 

This possible difference may be related to a number of environmental factors. One factor is that alcohol serves as a method of coping with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and powerlessness. A second factor is that, for many LGBTs, socializing is often limited to bars or parties serving alcohol. A third factor involves the "coming out" process, in which individuals may struggle with the decision to "tell or not to tell."  This can be very stressful and alcohol may be appealing as a way to relieve such stress.

What to Do

Because alcohol abuse and dependence is a health issue, you should discuss these issues with your healthcare provider.

Many people are not able to stop drinking on their own.  There are a number of treatment options for alcohol dependence, including support groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, for example), medications, detoxification, and rehabilitation. 

If you enter a recovery program, such as a treatment center or a support group, make sure that they are supportive to LGBTs.  

Tools

Alcoholic Anonymous (Al-Anon or AA), is a organization that has helped millions of people manage their alcoholism since 1935. You can find a Monmouth or Ocean County chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous by contacting the Northern New Jersey Alcoholics Anonymous. You can speak with a hotline operator or search for LGBT Al-Anon/AA groups in New Jersey that are convenient for you.