The Various Effects Of Alcoholism

There is no denying that alcohol has firmly established itself as part of human culture

and holds the dubious honour of being one of very few powerful intoxicant drugs that are not prohibited in most western countries. When enjoyed in moderation and consumed responsibility, as with most drugs (including the illegal ones) it is possible to safely enjoy the intoxicant effects every now and then. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption has developed its own culture and this moderated behaviour is rarely practiced. Instead, binge drinking is often employed to achieve a state of drunkenness.

Alcohol misuse and addiction takes place across multiple fronts. Most well documented is the physiological addiction this is a result of changing brain and body chemistry in response to the alcohol. This has a number of effects increasing the sufferers tolerance to alcohol allowing them to consume even more massive amounts of the substance. It is also responsible for creating a chemical dependence on alcohol for normal function resulting in devastating withdrawal symptoms when deprived of the drug. These symptoms include anxiety, fatal seizures, delirium, hallucinations, uncontrollable shivering, heart failure, sleep disturbance and depression. High alcohol consumption also increases the risk of a number of heart, liver and brain diseases.

Mental health is also powerfully affected by alcoholism. In addition to the mental side of addiction the habit forming and reinforcements alcohol is also directly responsible for a number of mental health problems and in some cases even cause actual permanent damage to brain function. Many of these effects can manifest as psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorders, or worse.

These effects so far have been strictly at an individual level. At a social level, alcohol is even more pervasive. Alcoholism can increase criminal tendencies in sufferers, as well as causing considerable emotional distress to family and friends of suffering individuals. The associated effects of these strained relationships can inhibit emotional development of family members that are not direct alcohol abusers themselves.

Unlike the illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine, alcohol advice and treatment is openly available from a number of government and private organisations. Some, like AA (alcoholics anonymous) are criticised for carrying a religious agenda, but by and large these organisations exist not just to help the sufferer overcome their initial chemical addiction and withdrawal, but to offer continued support to help them continue to abstain particularly in a society that is steeped in alcohol culture. This is done by focussing on the lives of close friend and family that are being enriched by the sufferers continued sobriety and may involve avoiding friends that are prone to drinking alcohol at social events or that regularly frequent bars and clubs, in order to avoid temptation.

by: John Text

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