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Alcohol historically has changed the consciousness, health and behaviors of mankind for centuries by consumption at social celebrations, ceremonies, sinfulness or the exploitation of human beings. For some, alcohol is a beverage with a few benefits when used in moderation. However, for some, addiction and abuse of alcohol has severe consequences affecting their entire being. It is stated in the biblical passage of Proverbs 14:12 (NIV). There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
This disease is not planned at the onset of its use, it is not a weakness of willpower.
Most people begin their alcohol journey socially, for fun and relaxation. The feeling of acceptance creates pleasure and inhibitions become lowered adding to the party atmosphere. This time of enjoyment can be a motivating factor for repeating behavior the alcohol help produce. The lowered inhibition is not just psychological, change occurs in every cell. These cell changes cause the brain to have inaccurate perceptions.
The cell will adapt to the neurotransmitter altered. The next drink triggers a recall for the body needing to receive a higher dose of alcohol in order to recreate the situation for the sought feelings. This is a habit, and when it is practiced again and again, it develops a neuropsychological pattern referred to as a pathway. There is no time frame for tolerance or pathway. It may occur slowly, or it may occur within months. What is known is alcohol abuse has a destructive path and it can take its toll on a range of issues.
The result could be physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional or even familial death; affecting those both directly and indirectly related to the individual suffering from this disease.
Individuals that struggle with alcohol addiction live the road of destruction in many ways. Physically, because alcohol is water soluble the human body can process alcohol quickly affecting tissues and organs. Some of the medical conditions resulting from chronic alcohol use are fatty and cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, stomach disorders such as inflammation of the small intestine, stomach lining; ulcers and hemorrhaging, pancreatitis, also associated issues regulating sugar in the body. Alcohol also influences the heart including cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. Bone density is also affected due to mineral deficiencies which is also related to chronic high amounts of alcohol causing malnutrition (Inaba, 2014). Head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast (in women) and colorectal cancers are known to have an alcohol's etiological role. The more a person drinks, the greater the chances of developing cancer (U.S. Government, 2018).
Individuals consuming alcohol have immediate changes within their brain’s neurotransmitters, with GABA being affected the most (Inaba, 2014). Therefore, inhibitions are lowered. However, lowered inhibitions are not limited to neurochemistry activity. High risk activities leading to personal problems have emotional and spiritual consequences. They influence the person’s character. Emotionally, shame and guilt and inability to forgive one’s self may lead to depression, therefore, putting a person at a higher threat of suicide, directly resulting in the deadly nature excessive alcohol consumption has. Defects of character are often a defense mechanism protecting the person from their own identity that they are struggling with. Shame and guilt additionally may play a large part in the inability to forgive one’s self and the forgiveness of others. This guarded heart condition affects the ability to love and be loved. Ultimately, they may attach that perception to how they believe God and other’s feel about them. This cognitive misperception is not the only relational issue with alcoholism.
Many people experiencing alcohol abuse and addiction, when in denial may express words or thoughts that support their inaccurate belief that they are not hurting anyone by their behaviors. This is a fallacy, as abuse and addiction influences family and friends. Purchasing alcohol is costly financially and may require disclosure of money spent. The impact could be lying or loss of provisions for the family. Hangovers, blackouts and physical illnesses will often need a time of detoxification for the alcohol drinker. They will have less time and energy to devote to their family and responsibilities associated with household unit. According to the author, Alcohol effects on family relations: A case study; family relationship stories have individual differences, but they also have numerous commonalities. Due to mistreatment of coworkers, neighbors and family members; families are estranged, even though they may be cohabitating together or connected with children post-divorce. Children had difficulty relating communicatively and emotionally to the addicted parent, even after the parent sought treatment. Unfortunately, the effects are monumental for the family, especially the children. It takes sobriety, hard work, often outside interventions and time for relations to be restored. Trust, honesty, coping skills all must be developed. For some according to this same study children reared in this type of environment are not only high risk for being abused, but also for becoming addicted themselves and developing comorbid psychiatric disorders (Reinaldo & Pillon, 2008).
Alcohol has tremendous outcomes on our society. Statistics report 9,967 deaths in 2014 were due to alcohol impairment; alcohol misuse $242 billion and 75% of that was due to binge drinking (2010) (U.S. Government, 2018). Criminal offenders of robbery, rape, homicide, IPV and child abuse are most often alcohol related.
The destruction alcohol has on the abuser, their family, and the community is multi-dimensional. Acknowledgment of this disease, love, trust and commitment can be the beginning of the end, but that end does not have to be death.
Alcohol Abuse And Addiction Should Eliminate In Society. (2022, Apr 30). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/alcohol-abuse-and-addiction-should-eliminate-in-society-essay
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