The vast majority of people usually consume alcohol at parties or gatherings, even occasionally without any celebration, however, it is considered a disorder when there is a dependence on alcohol, they lose control when drinking it and cannot stop, in addition to the need to continue ingesting and when the withdrawal syndrome occurs when they have not drunk from one to five days.

This disorder can appear in men and women equally and at any age, with adolescence being a stage of greater risk.

There is no single, defined cause for this disorder; it varies from person to person and can be related to social, personal, psychological, familial, biological, or genetic factors.

As for social factors, it could be due to a social circle surrounded by people who frequently invite them to drink at parties or gatherings. This also includes the need for acceptance or to fit in with a particular social group.

Personal causes could include trauma, stress, fear, low self-esteem, job loss, or the death of a family member. Furthermore, if a person is under high levels of stress, depression, or anxiety, they become more vulnerable to excessive alcohol consumption or addiction to other substances.

Among the biological causes is brain chemistry; it can function differently, causing alcohol to produce a feeling of pleasure.

Family circumstances are perhaps the most common factor, such as being surrounded by violence, having troubled relationships, or having parents with alcohol problems.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in heart rate
• Hallucinations
• Seizures or tremors
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Restlessness or agitation
• Depression
• Confusion
• Dilated pupils
• Loss of control (inability to stop drinking)
• Irritability
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Temporary memory loss after consumption
• Tolerance: the need to drink increasingly larger amounts to feel the same effect

There are behaviors that can help identify a problem, such as:

• Causing problems after drinking.
• Withdrawing from activities they previously enjoyed.
• Personal relationships deteriorating due to alcohol consumption.
• Spending excessively on alcohol.
• Making any effort to obtain alcohol.

Excessive drinking has serious consequences, ranging from respiratory, kidney, muscular, and neurological complications to, in extreme cases, death.

• Cirrhosis
• Sleep disorders
• Loss of concentration
• Pancreatitis
• Cancer of the esophagus, colon, stomach, etc.
• Delirium tremens
• Neuro-related damage
• Malnutrition
• Insomnia
• Fatty liver
• Depression
• Suicide
• Cardiovascular problems

In addition to these physiological problems, it can have serious consequences with family, school, work, in the social environment, or it can put your life and the lives of others at risk.

There is no single way to prevent alcohol abuse; however, it is necessary to be aware of warning signs and to stay informed about any alcohol-related situation.

Identifying one's family and social environment is crucial, as these can often be risk factors. Family problems and friends who frequently consume alcohol are early signs that a person may be at risk.

In the case of teenagers, parents can monitor their child's friendships, as well as the time and frequency of parties they attend.