Some alcohol users have hid their use and abuse of alcohol even from their family members. Sometimes family members and friends are enablers and complicit in this. Hiding alcohol use is very common. In fact, this could remain secret for quite some time. Because routine physical exam can not detect this, doctor visits will not reveal signs of alcohol addiction. Many would think of stereotypes when it comes to substance abuse, but the problem of abuse has permeated all social segments of society.
Studies have now demonstrated that 34% of women between 18 and 25 are binge drinkers. Also 10% in this age group are found to be heavy drinkers. In addition, among women who are 26 and older the incidence of binge drinkers is 12.8% while 2.4% are found to be heavy drinkers. This problem is insidious and destructive. Help is available through the National Institute on Drug abuse. Here is their website: drugabuse.gov/nidamed. Also treatment sites can be located through: findtreatment.samhsa.gov.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1) ACOG Committee opinion At-Risk Drinking and Illicit Drug Use: Ethical Issues in Obstetric and Gynecologic Practice (# 422, December 2008). 2) ACOG Committee Opinion, Motivational Interviewing: A Tool for Behavior Change (# 423, January 2009).