Despite the fact that consuming alcohol has become socially acceptable in many parts of the world, this can become a destructive habit. Alcoholism or alcohol disorder refers to the symptoms which make a person develop cravings to consume an excessive amount of alcohol. The facts about alcoholism that you will read here are sure to make anyone plagued by this disorder to sober up. Here are five eye openers about alcoholism. 

1. Alcoholism Destroys the Family

Any family-oriented individual knows that turning to alcohol is not an option. Addiction can harm families, and can affect several generations. Financial difficulties, strained relationships, and deteriorating health and wellness are all consequences of alcoholism that affect the family. Children in the household may experience guilt, believing that they are to blame for the drinking and for its persistence. Their grades may drop since their minds may be preoccupied and their family life. Alcoholism can also cause increased conflict among family members and can drive a wedge between spouses. Teenagers who consume alcohol often engage in activities that impact the family and cause much stress.

2. Alcoholism is Fatal

Every year, thousands of people lose their lives from alcohol related causes. Driving under the influence (DUI) can result in terrible accidents and loss of life. Someone whose DUI causes the demise of another can face negligent homicide charges or a manslaughter charge. Excessive drinking can take a toll on one’s health. It affects the liver and causes steatosis (fatty liver), fibrosis, cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. Stroke, hypertension, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy result when alcohol damages the heart. Studies have shown a correlation between alcohol and cancer.  The immune system is compromised by excessive drinking. This makes it easier to get ill and harder to recover from illness.

3. Changes the Brain

The brain is a delicate and intricate organ needed for the body to function properly. Alcohol can change how the brain functions and looks by interfering with the brain’s communication networks. These disturbances can alter mood and behavior as well as impair one’s ability to think effectively and move with coordination. Alcohol poisoning can cause confusion, seizures, respiratory suppression, cognitive impairment and disruption and heart rate slowing. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows nerve cells in the brain. As a result, there are changes in speech, slower reaction times, fuzzy thinking and poor reasoning.

4. Alcoholism is Linked to Aggression and Assault

Alcohol is often associated with increased aggression, anger and violence. It can increase the likelihood of someone engaging in assault. After consuming alcohol, people are more inclined to misjudge the actions of others. This may be the cause of how easily a bar encounter might lead to a brawl between two intoxicated people. Alcohol narrows one’s attention and stops him or her from seeing the big picture. Individuals might overlook social and environmental indicators that enable them to make logical judgments about situations and pay less attention to the long-term consequences of immediate actions. Alcohol suppresses inhibition, making it harder to think straight.

5. Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Severe

Some individuals who experience the effects of alcoholism, later realize the need for change. Withdrawal symptoms are part of a disorder known as ‘alcohol withdrawal syndrome’, which is a reaction caused when someone who has become dependent on alcohol is deprived of it. The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms might vary greatly. The symptoms include hallucinations, seizures, anxiety, tremors, irritability, sweating. nausea and migraines. Alcohol withdrawal frequently necessitates medical attention and hospital stays. The disorder may even be life-threatening in extreme cases.