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Alcohol Addiction Vs. Alcohol Dependence | What's the Difference?

The first step toward sobriety is acknowledging and accepting that you have an alcohol problem – but how do you define a “problem?” According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), you may have an alcohol addiction when drinking alcohol repeatedly causes you distress or harm. And depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also have an alcohol dependence.

The terms “alcohol addiction” and “alcohol dependence” are often used interchangeably, but there are clear differences between the two conditions. Understanding those differences can help you overcome your alcohol problem and begin to live a happy, sober life.

What is alcohol addiction?

Drinking alcohol has become part of the fabric of our society. But all too often, what starts out as moderate, recreational drinking changes rapidly into alcohol abuse and addiction. Alcohol addiction is characterized by the compulsive need to drink despite the negative consequences it has brought on your life. Addicts experience cravings for alcohol, and often have no control over limiting how much they drink.

Over time, people with an alcohol addiction will develop an increased tolerance for alcohol, meaning they’ll have to drink more and more to achieve the same state of inebriation. As that tolerance builds, your brain chemistry can change, creating a debilitating alcohol dependence.

Alcohol addiction can lead to alcohol dependence

While addiction describes the psychological compulsion to drink, dependence describes the physical reliance on alcohol. When you have an alcohol dependence, it can feel nearly impossible to quit because your body needs it to function properly. Without it, your central nervous system is thrown into an overexcited state and your body goes into serious withdrawal, with painful and potentially dangerous physical symptoms, such as:

Headache

Nausea

Anxiety

Tremors

Sweating

Insomnia

In severe cases, you may experience high blood pressure, hallucinations, or seizures.

A fine line between addiction and dependence

Though the two conditions are often linked, alcohol addiction can exist without alcohol dependence. Some people who are addicted to alcohol may not think they need treatment for their problem because they don’t need to drink to function physically, and their lives appear to be in reasonable order. For example, high-functioning alcoholics are usually able to keep up appearances, hold down a job, maintain relationships, and pay all their bills on time. Their ability to “keep it together” often causes them to be in denial about their situation, even when they’re falling apart behind the scenes.

The consequences of untreated alcohol addiction

With or without an alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse is always dangerous, and long-term addiction will eventually catch up with you. The consequences of letting your alcohol addiction go untreated include:

Risky behavior

The choices you make while you’re under the influence of alcohol can put your life at risk. These include drunk driving, unsafe sexual encounters, and careless actions that result in accidental injuries.

Severe health problems

There are many diseases that result from prolonged heavy drinking, including heart disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, and several types of cancer.

Depression

Chronic drinking can lead to changes in your brain chemistry that cause serious bouts with depression, although it’s important to note that many people with depression often turn to alcohol to self-medicate as well.

Dementia

Studies have shown that long-term drinking can cause nutritional deficiencies and brain damage that lead to dementia as you age.

Stop drinking with help from the Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research

At the Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research, we know how hard it can be to admit you have a problem. If you’ve been struggling with alcohol abuse, our treatment study can be your first step toward sobriety. Using cutting-edge research from some of the top scientists in California, our study complements and reinforces traditional treatment by focusing on the physiological changes within in the brain. Our research is designed to help people with alcohol addiction to stop drinking and start leading healthier, more productive lives.

To find out more about our alcohol treatment study in San Diego, call us at [phone].

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Why You Shouldn't Mix Prescription Drugs With Alcohol

Prescription drug abuse is a severe and growing epidemic in the United States. According to a survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, almost half of American adults take prescription painkillers, tranquilizers, sedatives, or stimulants. Many of these medications are highly addictive, and when not taken as directed, they can often lead to drug abuse and dependency. Misusing prescription drugs is extremely risky, both for your short-term health and your long-term happiness – but mixing them with alcohol can be deadly.

What prescription drugs and alcohol do to your body

Many prescription drugs come with a warning label on the bottle that says, “Do not drink alcoholic beverages when taking this medication.” For some medications, this could mean that alcohol worsens existing side effects, such as nausea, headaches, or drowsiness, or reduces the efficacy of the treatment. But for other drugs, particularly those that work to alter brain function, such as opioids, alcohol can put your entire central nervous system in serious danger.

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your brain activity, impairing your judgment and reducing inhibitions. Combining it with another nervous system depressant, such as Xanax, Valium, or OxyContin, can compound the effects. This can suppress vital brain functions that control breathing or heart rate, leaving you vulnerable to oxygen deprivation or brain damage.

On the other hand, drinking alcohol while taking a nervous system stimulant, such as Adderall or Ritalin, gives your brain mixed signals, making it hard for you to control your emotions or make smart choices. Additionally, the stimulating effects of the drugs reduce the feelings of alcohol intoxication, making it more likely that you’ll drink more than your body can safely handle.

The risks of mixing prescription drugs with alcohol

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are over 300,000 emergency room visits per year due to mixing prescription drugs with alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking prescription drugs increases your risks of serious accidents, injuries, or overdose.

Aside from immediate dangers, chronic mixing of prescription drugs and alcohol over a long period of time can cause lasting changes to your body, including:

Liver and kidney damage

Heart problems

Gastrointestinal diseases

Increased risk of infections

Breathing difficulties

Psychosis

Depression

This risk is greater for women, who generally have a lower tolerance for alcohol and are therefore more susceptible to complications.

How to prevent alcohol and drug interactions

Even if you’re taking prescription drugs as prescribed by your doctor, you should always read the warning labels, and avoid drinking alcohol if there is a known interaction. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of your medication, so you know what to expect while you’re taking it – and be honest about your alcohol consumption before your doctor writes you a prescription.

If you’re abusing prescription drugs by taking medication that isn’t prescribed for you, or taking a larger dosage than you’ve been prescribed, it’s crucial to avoid alcohol consumption – but it’s even more important for you to stop abusing drugs. Seek help for your addiction so you can eliminate your dependence on prescription drugs and go on to live a healthy, satisfying life.

Overcome problem drinking at The Pearson Center for Alcoholism & Addiction Research

For those struggling with alcoholism, getting your alcohol consumption under control is a tremendous challenge. If you’re finding it difficult to stop drinking, The Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research may be able to help. Our treatment research study focuses on finding solutions to control alcohol cravings while helping you get sober.

To find out if you qualify to participate in our alcohol treatment study, call us at [phone] today.

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The 3 Different Types of Addiction

Addiction is all around us. Some addictions are easier to spot, such as the destructive aftermath of a drug addiction. Other addictions can be hiding in plain sight, a secret burden that must be carried. In general there are three different categories that are used to classify the litany of different addictions, but first, it is important to understand the definition of addiction.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a brain disease that creates a compulsive need to use substances or participate in activities that can have harmful and dangerous consequences. The needs of an addiction can take over every other facet of an individual's life, as they are utterly consumed in the pursuit of their addiction.

The 3 Different Types of Addiction

While there are thousands of different kinds of addiction, most of them fit neatly into one of three categories. The categories are substance addictions, impulse control disorders, and behavioral addictions. There is some overlap between the three categories, but they are still a useful way to classify types of addiction.

Substance Addictions

Substance addiction is the type that immediately comes to mind when most people think of addiction. This is classified by individuals building a dependence on a substance in order to live their everyday life. Substance abuse is incredibly dangerous to an individual's mental and physical health, and if not attended to can eventually result in death. Some of the most prominent examples of substance addiction include:

Alcohol

Cocaine

Amphetamines such as methamphetamines

Tobacco

Prescription drugs, including sedatives, hypnotics, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers

Cannabis

Hallucinogens

Opioids such as heroin

Inhalants

Phencyclidine (aka PCP)

Other unspecified substances

Impulse Control Disorders

An impulse control disorder is when an individual is frequently overwhelmed by strong impulses they cannot ignore. These impulses usually have negative consequences on their loved ones, career, and health. However, the impulse and addiction is so powerful that even though they know the results will be bad they continue succumbing to the impulse. Examples of impulse control disorders include:

Kleptomania, which is the compulsive need to steal

Pyromania, which is the compulsive need to start fires

Gambling addiction

Intermittent explosive disorder, which is the compulsive need to constantly be aggressive and perform aggressive acts

Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addiction is a severe mental health condition in which an individual will repeatedly perform a behavior that directly inflicts harm upon themselves. However, they simply cannot resist the behaviors for some ingrained psychological reason. Examples of behavioral addictions include:

Eating

Sex

Pornography

Playing video games

Using the internet

Working

Cutting yourself

Pain

Shopping

Exercising

Alcohol Addiction Help in San Diego at The Pearson Center

If you are an addict, the most important thing is to find help. If your vice is alcohol, The Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research can help. We offer alcohol addiction clinical trials that can help you stop drinking and get sober. If you are eager to overcome alcohol addiction and get your life back on track, contact The Pearson Center in San Diego today. Give us a call at [phone].

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Can I Get Paid to Participate in a Clinical Trial?

Times can be tough, and every dollar counts. It is never a bad idea to find ways to supplement your income, discovering new ways to make money to improve your quality of life. One possible unturned stone is a clinical research study, which often offers compensation to those who participate in a clinical trial.

Will I Be Paid For Taking Part in a Clinical Trial?

Whether or not you get paid for participating in a clinical trial is up to the research institute. However, must studies will offer cash compensation for participating, especially if the clinical trial requires travel and frequent participation. Make sure to check if the clinical research institute offers cash compensation before enrolling in the study.

What Will I Receive Cash Compensation For?

Most clinical trials do not pay you directly for simply signing up for the study. Instead, a clinical research institute will offer cash compensation for inconveniences and appearances. Here are some of the situations in which you will be offered cash compensation for participating in a clinical research trial.

Compensation for Travel

Depending on your proximity to the research center, you will be compensated for your travel. This includes compensation for gas and time spent traveling.

Compensation for Time

Some studies can take some time to complete. This can mean you coming into the clinical research center regularly for weeks or even months. Most clinical research centers will aim to compensate participants for their time.

Compensation for Risk

Some clinical trials will ask patients to try drugs, procedures, or treatments that may have adverse side effects. To compensate for the possibility of complications, many clinical research institutes will offer payment for the risk you are taking as a participant.

How Much Do Clinical Trials Pay?

Exactly how much money you will receive for participating in a study depends on the type of study you enroll in. Some studies offer a small amount of cash compensation, while others can pay thousands of dollars, depending on the stress and strain the study puts upon its participants. If you are curious how much cash compensation you will receive, make sure to ask the study coordinator before you commit to participating in the clinical trial.

Does the Pearson Center Offer Cash Compensation for Participation?

The Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research in San Diego offers alcohol clinical research trials for those who regularly drink alcohol. If you qualify for a study and choose to participate, you will get cash compensation for completing the study. For more information on compensation for participating in a clinical trial at The Pearson Center, give us a call at [phone].

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Scripps Research Gets $10 million Grant on Alcohol Abuse

A recent article in the San Diego Union-Tribune details an exciting announcement for The Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research. Recently The Pearson Center received a $10 million grant to continue to research on how to help individuals successful beat alcohol addiction. Led by the director of TSRI’s Alcohol Research Center Barbara Mason, The Pearson Center will use the grant to further research.

If you are interested in participating in an alcohol research study, contact The Pearson Center today. Call [phone].

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Is Alcoholism a Disease?

Alcoholism is a toxic ailment that afflicts millions of people worldwide. While there has been confirmation that people have some sort of genetic predisposition to alcoholism, some take things a step further and pronounce alcoholism a disease of the brain. While alcoholism is widely identified as an illness, determining whether alcoholism qualifies as a disease is a whole different story. Let's examine the theory around calling alcoholism a disease, and the merits of the theory.

What is a Disease?

Before we determine if alcoholism is a disease, it is important to identify the qualifications for a disease. A disease is the presence of an abnormal condition that is not the result of an outside force, as this would be an injury. A disease also features a disorder in the structure or function of an individual's bodily functions.

The Disease Theory of Alcoholism

The disease theory of alcoholism compares the treatment and response to treatment of alcoholics with those suffering from other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. They found that when it came to variables such as genetic predisposition, personality, and environmental factors the reaction was comparable between the illnesses and alcoholism. This caused those who adhere to this theory to conclude that alcoholism is a medical illness and disease.

Genetics and Alcoholism

While there is evidence of a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, proponents of the disease theory of alcoholism believe genetics is one of the strongest factors when it comes to alcoholism. They point to a variety of studies that show a correlation between genetics and alcoholism, as well as studies with twins and adoption studies. The adoption study is of particular interest.

In the studies, children who were separated from their biological parents and were adopted were surveyed on their alcohol use. The study found that sons of alcoholic biological fathers were more likely to develop issues with alcohol, even if the adopted parents are not alcoholics.  These studies are the basis for the theory that alcoholism is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

The Counterargument to Alcoholism as a Disease

The main counterargument to alcoholism as a disease is the fact that alcoholics can recover and then drink in moderation. If alcohol was indeed a genetic disease, how would alcoholics be able to have a few drinks and stop? This led some to conclude alcohol consumption is a bad habit, not a disease. Also, many critics of alcoholism as a disease feels this takes a lot of responsibility off of the person with alcohol issues, as it is their choice to begin and continue drinking. They argue that unlike other diseases, alcoholism can be resolved by force of will and determination.

Alcoholism Treatment in San Diego at The Pearson Center

Regardless of whether alcoholism is a disease or not, the battle with alcohol is not one that should be conducted alone. The Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research in San Diego specializes in developing treatments to help alcoholics find sobriety through clinical research studies. We are currently running research studies for those with drinking problems and wish to quit and for regular drinkers with no intention to quit. If you are interested in either of these studies, contact us today by giving us a call at [phone].

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4 Alternative Treatments for Alcohol Addiction & Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a deadly and dangerous disease, and those who suffer from it only begin to recover when they stop drinking.  But in many cases, the cessation of drinking is not enough because the alcohol itself is not the main culprit.  Often, alcohol abuse and drug addiction begin with imbalances in the brain that cause anxiety, insomnia, and feelings of discomfort that individuals seek to soothe through the use of alcohol and drugs. Unless these imbalances are addressed through healthier means, it is difficult for most addicts and alcoholics to maintain a sober lifestyle—even if they do stop drinking for some time. Many alcohol rehab centers have begun to incorporate alternative treatments for alcohol addiction and alcoholism into their programs because they provide positive impacts on the brain and decrease the likelihood of relapse. Here are four:  

Neurotherapy for alcohol addiction

Also known as neurofeedback or EEG biofeedback, neurotherapy uses digital technology to measure brain waves and present real-time information to the individual in order to enable conscious control of brain activity. Many alcohol addicts drink to self-medicate and calm the fast brain waves causing anxiety, insomnia, worry, self-consciousness, and other negative feelings. Some alcohol rehab centers include neurotherapy in their programs because it helps retrain the brain to be calm, focused, and relaxed without the use of alcohol. Research studies show that integrating neurofeedback therapy into alcohol treatment lowers rates of relapse.  

Mindfulness meditation to treat alcoholism

Negative emotions, stress, and cravings are among the top causes of addiction relapse. One reason for this is that addicts and alcoholics use drugs and alcohol to seek escape from uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness meditation involves the “non-judgmental awareness of the present moment,” which has proven useful in alcoholism treatment by providing a soothing relaxation response, increased awareness of triggers, and a diminished reactivity to stress—all of which decrease the likelihood of relapse.  

Acupuncture to reduce alcohol cravings & withdrawal symptoms

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body, particularly on the ear. By stimulating these points, acupuncture helps to regulate stress, fear and anxiety; balance brain activity and hormone levels; and repair cells and eliminate toxins. In the treatment of alcohol addiction, it is believed that acupuncture helps to reduce cravings, diminish withdrawal symptoms, and improve mood.

NAD therapy to fight alcoholism & detox

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) therapy is an intravenous biological medicine treatment that provides a high dose of a metabolic coenzyme over the course of several days. NAD therapy rapidly repairs cells and addresses the chemical damage in the brain caused by alcohol abuse.  It helps to restore healthy brain function, ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and reduce cravings. Harvard Medicine calls NAD therapy “the crown jewel of detox, rapid cleanse and restoration therapies.”

Freedom from alcohol addiction & alcoholism is possible

Alcoholism and alcohol addiction wreak havoc on the body, the spirit, and relationships with others. If you or someone you know suffers from alcoholism, help is available—and freedom is possible. Alcohol support groups, alcohol treatment studies, and alcohol rehab programs all aim to help people get sober and live healthy lives. Reach out for help today.  

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What Is The Difference Between Alcohol Abuse & Alcohol Dependence?

When it comes to alcohol-related conditions and disorders, various terms get thrown around and often used interchangeably. There seems to be much confusion about the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence in particular. Part of the reason for this is that they were once officially classified by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as separate disorders, but have recently been integrated, reclassified, and renamed.

In 2013, the APA made some changes in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).  In the fourth edition (DSM-IV), alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence were considered two different conditions. In the fifth edition, however, they were combined into a single disorder measured on a continuum from mild to severe. The term “alcohol use disorder” now refers to the pattern of alcohol use that results in problems with alcohol.

Despite these official changes in the DSM-V, the terms “alcohol abuse” and “alcohol dependence” are still widely used today, so it’s important to understand they mean. Take a look below for information about the difference between the two.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of drinking alcohol that does not stop despite negative results. It is also considered an early stage of alcohol dependence. According to the DSM-IV, alcohol abuse was diagnosed when one or more of the following criteria were met in a 12-month period.

Criteria for Alcohol Abuse

Drinking or being sick from drinking interferes with daily life or causes trouble with work, school, or family

Engaging in risky behavior while or after drinking, including:

Driving

Using machinery

Swimming

Unsafe sex

Other dangerous activities

Continued drinking despite resulting relationship difficulties with family or friends

Experiencing repeated legal problems from drinking

Arrests

Held at the police station

Other legal problems

What is Alcohol Dependence?

Alcohol dependence refers to the physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.  According to the DSM-IV, anyone meeting three or more of the following criteria in a 12-month period was diagnosed with alcohol dependence.

Criteria of Alcohol Dependence

Increased alcohol tolerance (needing to drink more to get the desired effects or less effective with the same amount)

Drinking more or longer than intended

Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop drinking

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when effects wear off, including:

Difficulty sleeping

Shakiness

Restlessness

Nausea

Sweating

Racing heart

Seizures

Hallucination

Spending a lot of time thinking about drinking, drinking, or recovering from the effects of drinking.

Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities in order to drink

Continuing to drink despite psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, or despite physical health problems

Alcohol Use Disorder

As mentioned above, DSM-V integrated alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single disorder, which is now referred to as alcohol use disorder. The criteria for each of the previous diagnoses have been combined into one list of 11 items (with a couple of changes). The changes include:

Elimination of legal problems as a criteria

Addition of craving as a criteria

Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed when 2 of the 11 criteria are met during the same 12-month period. The disorder is considered:

Mild with 2 to 3 symptoms present

Moderate with 4 to 5 symptoms present

Severe with 6 or more symptoms present

No matter what you call a drinking problem, help is available for alcohol issues

There is nothing inherently wrong with alcohol, but if you find that you’re having trouble drinking a moderate amount, or that you’re relying on alcohol to have a good time in social situations, then you may be at risk for alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence.  It is possible to live an alcohol-free life, and there is an abundance of resources available to help you achieve a healthy, sober lifestyle. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, reach out and ask for help today.

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What Are the Worst Alcoholic Beverages for Your Health?

No matter how skinny the cocktail or how light the beer, there’s no getting around the fact that alcohol isn’t good for you. Drinking too much – either all at once or steadily over a long period of time – can cause serious health problems. Liver damage, heart disease, and a weakened immune system are just some of the side effects that can result from alcohol abuse.

Drinking in moderation can be okay, but there are certain alcoholic beverages that are worse for your health than others. If you’re trying to keep your alcohol consumption under control, here are some drinks you might want to stay away from.

A Piña Colada is full of sugar

The typical piña colada contains hundreds of calories and is laden with sugar; basically, it’s a lot of caloric intake with very little nutritional value. The same can be said of many other frozen cocktails that rely on sweet mixers and dairy products for flavors, such as mudslides, daiquiris, and slushy margaritas.

Vodka Red Bull is terrible for your health

A few vodka Red Bulls may help to keep you awake, but alcohol mixed with a caffeinated energy drink is one of the worst beverages for your health. Not only is it packed with sugar, but the combination of the stimulant caffeine and the depressant alcohol can also be dangerous. Researchers have discovered that the mixture can cause permanent damage, irreversibly altering your brain chemistry. It can also give you the urge to drink more, leading to alcohol abuse and risky behaviors.

Mai Tai can cause weight gain

Tropical drinks, like Mai Tais, are usually made with sugar-heavy juices and, occasionally, pre-made mixes. The excessive calories contained in fruity cocktails like this can displace more nutritious foods and well-rounded meals, causing you not only to gain weight but also to become undernourished.

Beer can cause you to consume a ton of calories

When it comes to beer, both caloric and alcohol content vary widely from brew to brew. Generally, craft beers with a high percentage of alcohol tend to contain far more calories than light beers. The danger with light beers, however, is that many people will end up drinking more of them to achieve the same buzz – and, in the process, they consume far more calories than they ever intended.

Eggnog is full of saturated fat and cholesterol

You might think it’s okay to overindulge in eggnog since it’s a seasonal beverage that only comes around once a year. But a typical glass of eggnog has over 400 calories and is made with egg yolk, milk, and heavy cream – all of which are guaranteed to exceed your recommended daily intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Even before you add the alcohol, this beverage is bad for you.

You can live a sober, healthy life with help from The Pearson Center for Alcoholism & Addiction Research

Of course, the occasional Mai Tai won’t hurt you, but it’s important to know the signs of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. If you’re finding it difficult to drink in moderation, you may have an alcohol addiction. Help is available. Many people learn to live sober, healthy lives with the help of support groups, addiction counselors, and rehabilitation programs. If you’re struggling to stop drinking, reach out and ask for help today.

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What Is the Alcohol Content of Popular Beers?

In San Diego, beer isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle. With over 120 breweries, we’re often referred to as “the craft beer capital of America.” Whether you’re rocking out at a concert, catching a ball game, or lighting up the grill on a sunny Sunday afternoon, it’s likely someone will ask you, “Can I get you a cold one?”

But if you’re trying to limit your alcohol intake this summer, it might help to know exactly what’s inside that longneck bottle of suds you’ll be drinking.

Understanding alcohol content of beer

To figure out how much alcohol a beer contains, you can check out its alcohol by volume, or ABV. ABV is a standard measure, used worldwide, to let consumers know what percentage of a given beer is made up of alcohol. The higher the percentage, the faster you’ll become inebriated. By drinking beer with a low ABV, you may lower your risk of alcohol abuse.

Different beers have different alcohol content

In general, the majority of beer on the market has an ABV of between 4 and 6 percent. However, this does vary from brew to brew. To give you an idea of how alcohol content can differ between beers, here’s a sampling of some popular beers and their ABVs.

Budweiser Beer Alcohol Content

According to Beer Advocate, Bud Light is the top-selling beer in the United States. With an ABV of 4.2%, it falls squarely in the average range for alcohol content of beer. Regular Budweiser has a slightly higher ABV of 5%, and higher still is Bud Ice, at 5.5%. If you’re looking for a slightly less alcoholic version of Bud, you can try to get your hands on Budweiser Select 55, which is only 2.5%.

Corona Beer Alcohol Content

Nothing says summer in San Diego like enjoying a plate of fresh fish tacos, which are quite often accompanied by a cold bottle of Corona and a slice of lime. The classic Corona Extra has an ABV of 4.6%, while Corona Light has a bit less, with an ABV of 4.1%.

Ballast Point Beer Alcohol Content

This brewery got its start in San Diego and was partially responsible for launching the craft beer revolution in the region. However, if controlling your alcohol intake is important to you, their beers might not be your best bet. Their popular IPAs, like Fathom and Sculpin, have ABVs of 7% and higher.

Guinness Beer Alcohol Content

With its rich, burnt flavor and thick, foamy head, a pint of Guinness can be considered a meal in itself. While this stout falls within the average ABV range for beers, the percentage can vary depending on what continent you’re on. In the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe, Guinness only has an ABV of 4.27%. But in the US, Australia, and Japan, that ABV can jump up to 6%.

O’Doul’s Non-Alcoholic Beer

The vast majority of non-alcoholic beers aren’t necessarily alcohol-free; most of them still contain trace amounts of alcohol. O’Doul’s Amber, for example, has an ABV of 0.5%. If you’re looking to enjoy a cold beer without suffering through the unwanted side effects of alcohol abuse, this might be a good option for you.

You can live a sober life and still have a social life in San Diego

Drinking beer isn’t a requirement for having a good time this summer—or anytime. But if you find you need to drink more and more alcohol to enjoy yourself when you’re with friends, this might be a sign of alcohol addiction. Fortunately, help is available. With treatment studies, support groups, or medical interventions, alcohol abuse can become a thing of your past. Seek help if you need it.