subject: Alcohol: Safer Than Illegal Drugs? [print this page] Many people mistakenly separate addictive substances into two categories: legal and illegal. Those unfamiliar with the potentially crippling and deadly effects of legal drugs often assume that illicit substances are far more dangerous and habit-forming. Given the large and growing numbers of alcoholics and prescription drug addicts, nothing could be further from the truth.
Laypeople seem particularly likely to think this way in regards to alcohol. Because alcohol is widely used, generally socially acceptable, and often enjoyable, people tend to assume that alcoholism is far less a problem than addiction to cocaine, heroin, and other narcotics. However, the truth is that alcohol abuse can lead to emotional problems, medical complications, and even death. Alcoholism is also a crippling form of addiction which can ruin the lives of anyone. If anything, alcohols popularity and accessibility make it even more dangerous than illicit drugs.
In order to curb rates of addiction across the United States, people need to become better informed about alcoholism. Here are some of the main dangers of alcohol abuse.
Liver Complications
Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and excessive drinking can be extremely damaging to this organ. In fact, prolonged heavy drinking can cause scar tissue to build up in the liver and eventually develop into cirrhosis a condition that causes actual liver tissue to be replaced by scar tissue. Though it is treatable, cirrhosis is incurable. Some patients even require liver transplants.
Nervous System Damage
Heavy recreational drinkers sometimes joke about killing their brain cells, but alcohol really can cause permanent damage to the brain and other components of the nervous system. Alcohol is a toxin in the bodies of humans and other mammals, and it can cause large patches of brain tissue to decay. Consuming large amounts of alcohol also disrupts the bodys electrolyte balances, including those in the brain.
Depression
Depression as well as anxiety and other mental illnesses is common among people dependent on alcohol. While heavy drinkers may seem happy while intoxicated, they are often deeply sad, fearful, or paranoid during the more sober hours of their days.
Social Problems
Even people who dont experience long-term physical damage from alcohol can exhibit antisocial behaviors while under the influence. A majority of cases of rape, spousal abuse, theft, and child abuse involve the use of alcohol. Drunken people often make irrational decisions they never would while sober decisions which can lead to lost jobs, split families, and ruined reputations.
Sexual Problems
Although our society often deems heavy drinking to be manly, alcohol consumption tends to reduce blood testosterone levels. Men who frequently binge drink are more likely to experience testicular shrinkage and impotence.
Physical Dependency
Like other euphoria-inducing substances, alcohol carries a great risk of addiction. Although many people scoff at the idea that alcoholism is anything but a thinly-veiled lack of willpower, it has been clinically proven to be a permanent neurological disease. Alcoholics require the same rehabilitation treatments as people addicted to narcotics or psychotropic drugs to achieve lasting recoveries.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism or any other addiction, use the links on the bottom of this article for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are standing by day and night to take your call and get you started on the road to recovery.
