Effects of Alcoholism
The effects of alcoholism vary from person to person, but the most
common effects seen are changes in emotional state or stability,
behavior, and personality. Alcoholics may become angry and
argumentative, or quiet and withdrawn or depressed. They may also feel
more anxious, sad, tense, and confused. They then seek relief by
drinking more. Because time and amount of drinking are uncontrollable,
the alcoholic is likely to engage in such behaviors as breaking family
commitments, both major and minor; spending more money than planned;
drinking while intoxicated and getting arrested; making inappropriate
remarks to friends, family, and co-workers; arguing, fighting and other
anti-social actions. The alcoholic would probably neither do such
things, nor approve of them in others unless he was drinking.
Society tends to aid in the development of alcoholism by making alcohol
seem glamorous, showing that by drinking, you will become more popular,
more glamorous and more worthy of respects from others. The physical
effects of alcoholism are somewhat gruesome. Excessive in take and
prolonged use of alcohol can cause serious disturbances in body
chemistry. Many alcoholics exhibit swollen and tender livers. The
prolonged use of large amounts of alcohol without adequate diet may
cause serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis of the liver. Alcoholism
also causes loss of muscular control.
Physical
The condition, delirium tremens, known primarily to heavy drinkers,
causes hallucinations along with loss of control of muscular
functioning. When this condition develops and the alcoholic slows their
drinking, withdrawal syndrome can and often does occur. This may include
agitation, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations. Alcoholism also
cause's damage to the brain. Alcoholics may suffer from lack of
concentration. The alcoholic may also experience blackouts, occasional
onsets of memory lapses, and possibly complete memory loss. They may
also suffer from more serious forms of brain damage.
Social
The social effects of alcoholism can be as devastating as the physical
effects. Families must deal with emotions such as anger towards the
alcoholic and guilt over what role they believe they may play in the
addiction. Family breakdown, financial problems, legal problems and
psychological troubles all result from alcoholism. Society as a whole
also pays a price for the alcoholic's addiction. Employers may see
productivity affected. Police and law courts may deal with crimes
committed by alcoholics while they are drunk.
