Would You Dare To Drink More?

^{Photo by Pavel Danilyuk}

While raising a glass now and then may be okay; however, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to extreme alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

The society we live in is solidly prejudiced by alcohol. It affects people of all gender, ages, and backgrounds. Alcohol abuse has long been a problem throughout humanity’s history. It is a disease that has caused many people to be overcome with trouble, issues, and debts, and also a pattern of drinking that interferes with daily activities. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease and often fatal. Some people would debate that alcoholism is only the over-consumption of alcohol; this statement is only somewhat true. An alcoholic is a person who relies on alcohol as a medium to help them deal with physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. 

Causes of Alcoholism

The leading causes of this disorder may be categorized into two. These include genetic and environmental factors. The genetic material that determines the drink’s metabolism also influences the disorder’s risk. People with the disease’s family history may also develop it.

Particular research argued that the expression of genes is influenced if an individual starts using alcoholic beverages at an early stage in life—his increased risk of alcohol dependence among such individuals.

People who do not receive support from friends and family are highly likely to develop alcoholism as well. 

Effects

• The effects of alcohol abuse vary. Consumption of excess alcohol may lead to various illnesses and complications. Consequently, it may lead to pancreas inflammation, cancers, and liver disease. Alcohol-related cancers are suspected to form as the components in the alcoholic beverage are turned into acetaldehyde. This is a potent carcinogen.

• Alcoholism also increases the risk of neuropsychiatric and cognitive disorders. Excessive use of the drink may cause an increase in the level of toxic amino acids in the plasma. This may be the reason why some individuals suffer from withdrawal seizures.

• Alcohol abuse may also cause memory issues and may impair learning. Alcoholism also significantly affects the brain. 

• Alcoholism may also cause heart attacks and strokes. Abuse of alcohol increases the risks of a heart attack. Some studies have shown that drinking alcohol in moderation may offer some level of protection to individuals against heart attack (Mukamal et al. 1965).

Alcohol causes more than just an issue for the individual drinking, especially with prolonged alcohol misuse. Because addiction can negatively affect many areas of a person’s life, alcoholism often has profound effects on family and friends. 

It Damaged Family Relationships. One means in which alcoholism affects families is in broken relationships. Families of individuals affected by alcohol misuse often struggle to build strong emotional bonds, even within their family unit—this starts with the parents. Heavy drinking is connected to lower marital satisfaction. Also, alcoholism increases the risk of negative interactions, especially among couples. 

Developmental Issues in Neglected Children. Children of parents who wrestle with alcoholism are at higher risk for behavioral, cognitive, and emotional problems. Sadly, parents who are grappling with alcohol addiction are often neglectful of their children’s emotional and physical needs. This leads to severe developmental issues for the kids. 

Domestic Abuse. None of the most sobering consequences of alcoholism is an increased risk for domestic abuse in the family. Abuse strapped to alcoholism can be either physical or emotional. People battling alcoholism may manipulate their family members, insult them, or humiliate them. Since alcohol use lowers their self-control levels by affecting physical and cognitive functioning, people who drink are more inclined to act violently when frustrated.

It drained Family Finances. The habit of consuming alcohol regularly is expensive. While the amount spent on alcohol will vary depending on the type and frequency chosen, the expenses add up. It is not uncommon for someone battling this addiction to pay over a thousand dollars a month for alcohol. That is money that the family could use in some other ways, and this financial expense takes a toll on the overall well-being of the family. 

These effects of alcoholism have a detrimental impact on the family. Margaret Moschak, the author of My Alcoholic, My Love, is a touching tale about family, marriage, addiction, and faith in oneself and God. The book details leaving an alcoholic you love and one’s a compelling journey of escaping the destruction of alcohol in their home and transforming her family’s life.