Most people develop a taste for alcohol during their teens, often associated with attending parties with their peers. Unfortunately, the bad habit often carries over into their adult life and, as such, can put them at a greater risk for a serious illness, destroyed relationships, and a loss of income.
Losing Your Job
Drinking alcohol daily can cause you to perform well below your normal range. It can also cause you to make rash decisions, putting you at risk of losing your job. When you show up for work with alcohol on your breath, it’s a problem. Thankfully, there are treatment centers that can help you reach a full recovery.
DUI
Alcohol impairs your vision and judgment and motor skills. When you drink you don’t think straight. As a result, you may drive under the influence. Driving with impaired judgment can put you and others at risk for a serious injury or even death. With Uber and Lyft it’s easier than ever to have someone drive you home after an evening out with friends. Otherwise, you may end up getting pulled over and receiving a DUI which can cost you your right to drive.
Your Health
Alcohol affects all of the organs in your body. Over time, this abuse can lead to serious damage to vital organs including the brain, liver, kidneys, stomach, and pancreas. The extent depends on several factors such as the amount of alcohol you consume, your age, whether you take medications, and any underlying health issues.
Failed Relationships
If you have a serious dependency on alcohol, it can affect your relationships. There’s nothing wrong with going out with friends on occasion and having a few drinks. However, once you cross the line and begin including it daily as a way of coping, it’s a problem. A spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend is only going to accept this addiction for a short period of time. People change when they over drink. Some become very happy, while others become mean and abusive.
Are You an Alcoholic?
Most alcoholics are in denial. They believe they have it under control and can stop whenever they like. They simply choose not to. Unfortunately, in most cases, this is not the truth. It’s a progressive disease that increases in severity over time. Frequent intoxication and drinking heavily when socializing are a few signs that you may have a drinking problem. Many people try on their own to scale it back but remain unsuccessful. They enter a home and immediately identify the location of alcohol. Cravings then overwhelm the body and before long, they have their first drink. Similar to drugs, you develop a tolerance to alcohol, now requiring more to satisfy your needs.
How the Problem Starts
Consuming alcohol is something most people do when socializing. However, for a smaller percentage of the population, it’s the alcohol that enables their participation at these parties. Without being under the influence, they are unable to relax and have fun. Going forward, each time there’s a party or event they pour a drink and feel at ease.
Why You Really Drink
In many cases, people who overdrink are covering up another problem. They use it as an emotional crutch. Perhaps you grew up in an abusive home, are shy by nature, or live with depression or anxiety. After a few drinks, you feel a sense of renewed confidence. Unfortunately, only when you find out why you drink will you be able to fix your drinking problem.
There are many risks associated with alcoholism. It can cost you your job, a relationship, your health, and your freedom. Face the truth head-on and take steps today to end your addiction.
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