Alcohol abuse is prevalent in many cultures and not without reason. Alcohol’s ability to lower inhibitions can be a boon to introverts or socially shy people. Add to that the intoxicating effect of alcohol, and it becomes easy to see how alcohol abuse is so prevalent. Many cultures use alcohol to connect with friends, family members, and neighbors, although this practice may not be advisable. In addition, some people turn to drinking because they have trouble handling other emotions or personal problems.
Reasons Why Alcohol Abuse is Prevalent and Dangerous
Alcohol Use is a Common Pastime It is common to have a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverages in many cultures worldwide after dinner. This practice may be especially true in religious gatherings. However, this practice can be dangerous if done too frequently. Research shows that people usually feel better and more social after the first drink, which makes them want to keep drinking. This can lead to problems for those who binge drink or who are using alcohol as an escape from their real problems.
Many People Are Addicted to Alcohol Many people suffer from alcohol addiction without realizing it. Alcohol is a very sedating drug, and it is easy to get addicted. One or two drinks can put an individual to sleep after eating, which can lead to dangerous accidents or worse. Alcohol addiction is a serious matter and should not be dismissed.
Alcohol Can Be Habit-forming According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), alcohol leads to dependence in about half of those who drink it regularly. This leads many drinkers to continue drinking even though their lives fall apart due to alcohol abuse. The person loses control of their actions and can stop caring about their appearance, work, or money.
Alcohol Abuse leads to Crime Research shows that those who abuse alcohol are more likely than other people to use illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. In addition, these individuals are more likely to have criminal records and be unable to get a job. Thus, many alcohol abusers end up in prison for criminal acts that would not have happened had they not become addicted to alcohol.
Alcohol Abuse Can Cause Brain Damage Research indicates that alcohol abuse can lead to permanent brain damage and many behavior problems. These include depression, poor decision-making skills, and other mental illnesses. In addition, some research suggests that alcohol abuse can lead to memory loss, especially for events that occurred when the alcoholic was intoxicated.
The brain damage caused by long-term alcohol abuse may also lead to other complications. For example, many people who drank heavily during their teenage years or young adult years have difficulty forming new memories and having deep thoughts about themselves and their lives. Alcohol abuse can also lead to poor decision-making and poor problem-solving skills, making for more serious crimes in the future.
Alcohol Abuse is a Top Public Health Problem Alcohol abuse has become one of America’s most serious public health problems. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that nearly 88,000 Americans died from alcohol-attributable causes such as drunk driving or cancer caused by long-term drinking of alcoholic beverages (NIAAA).
Alcohol abuse is also linked with many problems, including unemployment and poverty, domestic violence, and child abuse. Thus, alcohol abuse has a ripple effect that infects all aspects of society.
The binge-drinking epidemic affects all levels of society, from college students to professionals to parents of young children. However, alcohol abuse does not have to be a certainty for those who drink excessively; it can be prevented. There are plenty of resources available to help people avoid alcohol addiction or poor choices when drinking alcoholic beverages. These include support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and other organizations like SMART Recovery.
In conclusion, alcohol abuse is prevalent in many cultures and not without reason. Alcohol’s ability to lower inhibitions can be a boon to introverts or socially shy people. Add to that the intoxicating effect of alcohol, and it becomes easy to see how alcohol abuse is so prevalent. Many cultures use alcohol to connect with friends, family members, and neighbors, although this practice may not be advisable. In addition, some people turn to drinking because they have trouble handling other emotions or personal problems. The good news is we can help you or someone you know recover from alcohol abuse. Give us a call at 833-610-1174 to find out how we can help.