24 Sep The Impact of Alcohol Abuse and Dependency
The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 26.9 percent of people over the age of 18 have engaged in binge drinking in the past year and 15.1 million adults have Alcohol Use Disorder. With alcohol as the center of many social events and lifestyles, many people can easily forget some of its long-term consequences. However, these consequences could have a major impact on your social life, as well as your health and legal environment.
Physical Life Impacts
An excessive amount of drinking can take a serious toll on your physical health. Alcohol interferes with the communication of pathways to the brain and therefore can disrupt your emotions or mood without any warning. Over time, drinking can also damage the heart and lead to stretching and drooping of the heart muscle known as cardiomyopathy, irregular heartbeat, stroke, or high blood pressure. It can also lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, swelling of blood vessels, and cancer. Your immune system can also become affected by too much alcohol, leaving you susceptible to a variety of diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Social and Lifestyle Impacts
Excessive drinking can lead to an impact on family, work, and social life. It can have an impact on work performance and cause many people to call off work or miss obligations. Financial problems can also arise when spending too much money on alcohol, which can lead to further family and marital problems. Many alcoholics also tend to lose friends because of the way they act while under the influence and can also face limited career opportunities because of alcohol-related offenses.
Legal Consequences Associated with Alcoholism
Studies have shown that alcohol can contribute to criminal behavior as it reduces inhibitions and diminishes the thought processes and shields you would normally have while you are sober. Some alcohol-related offenses include assault, property damage, disorderly conduct, offensive behavior, and resisting arrest. One legal consequence that is directly related to alcohol consumption is drunk driving. According to this Mesa DUI attorney, a DUI penalty can also lead to further social, emotional, and physical consequences. You could receive jail time, counseling, fines and fees, and a revocation of your driving privileges. For legal assistance, consider an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer.
What to Do If You or Your Loved One is Abusing Alcohol
If you or your loved one is experiencing any issues with alcohol, it is important to reach out to a licensed professional. You can partake in counseling, therapy, or other medical treatments. Remember that you’re not alone and that you can change your lifestyle or situation.
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Last Updated on September 2, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD