All around the world, alcohol has been a common drink for people, be it in celebration of different moments of life, in coping through difficult life situations and the likes. With this, alcohol addiction or alcoholism has become one of the most common addictions worldwide. Because it has been accepted in different cultural and social environments, people may not be able to notice that one is already addicted to alcohol. Alcoholism has been proven to cause biological and socio-economic detriments for an individual, also affecting those around him/her.
Alcohol
Alcohol is legal and comes in a variety of forms like wine, beer, hard liquor such as whiskey, gin, and more. Because of its availability and accessibility, people are more exposed to the threat of alcohol addiction. Losing control over their limits is a high possibility especially when the effects of the substance have kicked in.
Alcohol and its effects
Cognitive
Alcohol is a substance that can be categorized under depressants. Depressants influence the central nervous system by calming the brain and slowing down its parts. This causes a person to be relieved from stress and anxiety. However, it also leads to an impaired cognitive function where judgment and inhibitions are affected. Additionally, behavioural side effects like loss of coordination and even impaired vision may occur.
Physical
There is a great number of physical harm and illnesses that may arise from ingesting alcohol. Digestive and endocrine glands may cause irregular stimulation of digestive enzymes which are products of the pancreas. An abnormal increase of these digestive enzymes may cause an inflammation of the pancreas which is known as pancreatitis. Additionally, inflammatory damages can take place in the liver which is a vital organ in our body. The liver helps in detoxifying our bodies from harmful substances, one of which is alcohol. Inflammation in the liver can cause scarring. This is known as cirrhosis. Combining the negative effects of having damaged pancreas and liver which both help in regulating insulin, a person may experience low blood sure or hypoglycemia. These are only some of the critical health issues which include risk of cancer, birth defects, lowered immune function, and more that arise from alcoholism.
Alcoholism Treatment
There are various treatment options that can be effective for different types of individuals. Some of these are going into a rehab facility where recreational activities and abstinence help in recovering from alcohol addiction, joining support groups, and constantly participating in the scheduled sessions. In some cases where alcoholism withdrawal may be life-threatening, an individual may be advised to undergo a medically guided detoxification program where prescribed drugs are needed to suppress undesirable withdrawal symptoms.
Alcoholism does not only affect an individual’s well-being. It can also take away opportunities for success in one’s education and career. More so, it can also destroy relationships from friends or family. Before you reach the stage of addiction, it is important to take precautionary measures like checking for signs you have a drinking problem. At the same time, always check in with your friends if you have been seeing them struggling with alcohol or any other substances.
