Effects of Alcohol Abuse

 Effects of Alcohol Abuse 

12/4/2021 

 

                                                                                                       https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/alcoholism-and-alcohol-abuse.htm   

Effects of Alcohol Abuse  

There are many individuals that are suffering from too much stress or worry that would resort to drinking alcoholic beverages to help them cope with their feelings. Alcohol abuse not only affects the person consuming the alcohol, but also the well-being of those around. Alcohol abuse is the most common addiction because it is so accessible for people to get their hands on. These steps can lead to serious issues such as their memory, reaction time, and even a rise in anxiety. Many people in the age range 30-60 end up in a situation like this after a tragedy occurred or something mentally is not right. Not everybody goes through the effects of alcohol abuse, but the ones who are will be impacted. 

I personally have experienced a loved one who was dealing with a serious case of alcohol abuse when I was younger. These effects are the reason that more than 75,000 deaths annually are attributable to excessive alcohol consumption, and the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States(Helpguide). The increase in alcoholic beverages being more accessible at your local gas stations and super marts is not making this cause any better. As some people might argue that alcohol should be in these stores, others use this to fuel their addiction. From my own perspective the stores are doing this mainly because it is a high source of income. The stores are not worried about your health or well-being, just your money. Just like my uncle, who fell victim to these accessible stores. 

Often, family members and close friends feel obligated to cover for the person with the drinking problem. Just like me, I feared what would happen if I reached out for help. I was so embarrassed to tell anyone what he was going through. Therefore, they take on the burden of cleaning up your messes, lying for you, or working more to make ends meet. If you are pretending that nothing is wrong and hiding away all their fears and resentments can take an enormous toll. Children like me were especially sensitive and can suffer long-lasting emotional trauma when a parent or caretaker is an alcoholic or heavy drinker. So, if you are dealing with these problems do not be afraid to ask for help. Although you may think you can handle it, it is just a matter of time before you slip up. 

Respondents were asked the age at which they first started drinking, not counting tastes or sips, which was categorized as younger than 14 years, separately for each year from 14 through 20 years old, and 21 years and older (the minimum legal drinking age in the United States). Family history of alcohol problems was positive if first-degree relatives (mother, father, sister, brother, son, or daughter) had an alcohol problem. Antisocial behavior was positive if respondents reported 3 or more antisocial behaviors before age 15 years, and depression was based on meeting DSM-IV criteria before age 14 years. The DSM-IV criteria for dysthymia and generalized anxiety were also examined. Test-retest reliability of AUDADIS-IV measures for depression, dysthymia, and antisocial behaviors were good (κ = 0.65, 0.58, and 0.67, respectively; mean κ = 0.64) (jamanetwork)

In conclusion, many individuals suffer from too much stress or worry. These are the people who are acceptable to the effects of alcohol abuse. The impact it has on others including myself is something nobody else must go through. If you follow the correct steps and guidelines, it will be much easier to help people that are suffering from addiction. I believe that not all people understand what an addiction is, but I hope reading this article will help you get a better understanding of what to look for when spotting alcohol abuse.