Understanding Alcohol Abuse
Individuals with alcohol use disorder often drink to excess, which can endanger both themselves and others. For most people, drinking alcohol is a pleasurable way to relax. However, for people with this disorder, it can lead to serious problems.
When does drinking become a problem?
Although moderate drinking is generally considered harmless, it can still lead to problems if consumed at an excessive level. For most people, this level of alcohol consumption is at one end of the spectrum that moves through to alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. The effects of alcohol abuse are severe and recurrent. Individuals with this disorder often fail to fulfill their obligations, such as attending school and working. They may also have legal problems related to their drinking.
Individuals with alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, cannot control their alcohol consumption. Even if they only drink a small amount, they will continue drinking. Withdrawal symptoms include sweating, agitation, tremors, hallucinations, nausea, and irritability.
Even though major alcohol problems are the focus of the public’s attention, other types of problems can also cause significant damage to individuals and the community.
What causes alcohol-related disorders?
Various factors can affect an individual’s drinking behavior. Some people are more prone to developing problem drinking disorders due to their psychological traits, such as low self-esteem and impulsiveness. Individuals with these disorders often drink to cope with their emotional problems. Other factors, such as the availability of alcohol and peer pressure, can also contribute to their drinking behavior. The problem can get worse once people start drinking excessively. Heavy drinking can trigger physiological changes, making drinking the only option to avoid discomfort. For those with alcohol dependence, drinking to reduce withdrawal symptoms can help them.
How do alcohol use disorders affect people?
Although some studies suggest that drinking small amounts of alcohol can have a beneficial effect on one’s cardiovascular health, heavy consumption can lead to various health problems.
Some short-term effects of heavy drinking include memory loss, blackouts, and hangovers. In addition, drinking heavily can cause various long-term health issues such as cancer, heart problems, liver cirrhosis, and brain damage. It can also increase an individual’s chances of dying from suicide, homicide, and automobile accidents. Although men are more prone to developing this issue, women’s health is affected more at lower levels of consumption.
Drinking problems can also have a negative effect on an individual’s mental health. It can cause new problems, such as depression or anxiety, and worsen existing ones. In addition to the drinker, alcohol problems can also impact the household. For instance, children of heavy drinkers might suffer sexual and physical abuse and develop psychological issues. Women who drink during pregnancy can potentially harm their unborn babies. Inebriated individuals can also kill or injure their friends and relatives.
