Heavy drinking on a regular basis is bound to result in alcohol abuse and a series of physical and mental issues. Namely, alcohol abuse takes its toll through about 100,000 deaths each year and 76 million of people suffering from some kind of alcohol-induced illnesses such as liver cirrhosis and cancer. Moreover, alcohol abuse results in numerous traffic accidents, homicides and other criminal acts of this type. Yet, people seem to be taking alcohol abuse lightly, when compared to some other addictive substances.
Definition of Alcohol Abuse
Basically, alcohol abuse is the term used for defining consumption of alcoholic beverages on a daily basis, to the extent of triggering emotional, mental and physical problems. Alcohol abuse also affects one's relationships and may lead to countless interpersonal issues. This condition results in many side-effects, some of which manifest immediately while others may appear in the long run. The immediate group appears while the person is under the influence and remains present for up to 72 hours.
Side-Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol affects the cells in our brain which are involved in our cognitive capabilities. Therefore, intoxicated people have difficulties with coordination, concentration and judgment. Due to excessive exposure to alcohol, our brain can suffer from damage resulting in cognitive or neuropsychiatric disorders, manifesting through hallucinations, delusions, insomnia and numerous other conditions.
The WHO considers alcohol to be carcinogenic, making the whole perception of alcoholic beverages much less benign. Alcohol affects the blood pressure once it reaches the blood and may even disrupt the pulse rate. Digestive system is also targeted by alcohol, leading to fatal conditions if treatment does not take place timely. Alcoholics have greater chances of suffering from stroke, anemia, thrombocytopenia and hypersplenism along with loss of sex drive, testicular failure and gynecomastia. Females may suffer from breast cancer due to alcohol abuse.
Other Side-Effects and the Necessity of Treatment
One's personal life may be severely affected by his/her alcohol abuse. People may lie, steal and do various other acts of mischief, only to obtain the source of their addiction. Also, alcoholics may drive and do many other actions which can jeopardize others.
People who are alcohol abusers tend to neglect their families and their parental and household duties since drinking becomes the center of desires and interests for the addicted individual. Alcoholics usually deny the fact that they have a problem and continue destroying themselves even more. Once they lose everything, alcoholics can even be suicidal.
Alcoholics need to realize that they have a problem and to seek help. When a person stops drinking, he/she needs all the help he/she can get in order not to give in to the cravings. Alcoholics are usually ashamed to accept that they have a problem and their shyness and shame prevents them from seeking help. Yet, medical or friendly, help is what they need.
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