The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse

We’ve all witnessed the guy or girl at the party who has had too much to drink.  Maybe we’ve even been there ourselves.  Sloppy behavior, aggressive, stumbling about trying to reenact Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” argumentative for the sake of being argumentative, waking up the next morning with a stomach full of acid and regret, head pounding at the slightest whisper.    This type of alcohol abuse is unhealthy, but often garners a few laughs the following day.  It is enough to make many high school and college students utter the words “I am never drinking again.”

Whether or not they follow that advice is neither here nor there.  Imagine experiencing the scenario above as a child or loved one and witnessing it on a daily basis.  Many who struggle with alcoholism do not have the ability to simply stop drinking.  In fact, without alcohol in their system they become susceptible to withdrawal effects such as nausea, shakiness, profuse sweating and great anxiety.  Their bodies crave the effects that alcohol provides.  They begin drinking and lose the ability to stop when they’ve had their fill.  Their bodies become so tolerant of alcohol that the user, in order to get his or her fix, must consume extraordinarily large quantities to experience the desired results.  This behavioral path will not only lead to dire health consequences, but ruin relationships with those considered close to the user.

Alcoholism is a chronic disease.  One that, studies show, can be passed genetically.  There is no cure for alcoholism.  The user must want to quit and, if successful, must stay the course of sobriety for the rest of their lives.  This is no small task.  Those who gain sobriety through treatment are always at risk of relapsing.  If you or someone you know suffer from alcoholism, you’re not alone.  In the United States alone, there is an estimated 17.6 million alcoholics.  That makes up a large percentage of the population.  If untreated, that means there are 17.6 million people who are damaging brain cells, exposing themselves to infection and inflammation, cirrhosis of the liver, erectile dysfunction in men, cardiovascular problems, and even increasing the risk of getting certain types of cancer.

While these physical effects are damaging, the emotional toll that can be experienced while living with or knowing someone who is an alcoholic or alcohol abuser can be mush worse.  Families can be torn apart, friendships ruined, and lives left in shambles all due to the effects of a widely consumed, legal substance.  Rehab for alcoholism is a lifelong journey, one that Seabrook prides itself on helping users get past their need to pick up that bottle. Take the Self Test located on the Contact Us tab at the top of this page or pick up the phone and call us at (888) 223-0298 to discuss how Seabrook can help you or a loved one take back your life.