Alcohol is usually the drink of choice for people looking to celebrate. With so many different varieties and influential personalities stepping into the market with their own brands, alcohol is becoming a major commodity in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, this also means that there is a steep rise in the detrimental effects and risks associated with this drink. As per the NIAAA, 25.8% of people engaged in binge drinking in the US in 2019.

Medical and social effects of alcoholism

Alcohol is a harmful drink if consumed in large quantities. There were 85,688 deaths due to liver diseases in individuals aged 12 and above in 2019, according to data released in the United States. Approximately 43.1% of this involved alcohol. With heavy consumption, the alcohol levels in the body begin to rise to a dangerous level that can't be cleared away by a healthy liver. Some of the most common problems include high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, and a compromised immune system. Alcohol is the third-leading cause of preventable disease in the US, with 95,000 deaths annually, and the data for the UK doesn't look much better.

Besides changes in the body, alcohol also influences an individual's social life in many negative aspects. Besides lethargy and headaches, drinkers begin to feel irritable and short-tempered. This behavioural change may cause them to lash out at important people in their social circle such as family, friends, colleagues, and even their boss. Therefore, alcoholism can be a serious problem for individuals working day-to-day jobs.

Effects of alcohol in personal life

Alcohol has a severe impact on a person's personal life. Many individuals who resort to heavy drinking experience such problems with their families, which leads to serious consequences for everyone. From partners to children, each family member is affected in a different way, which shows later in life.

While altering a person's social life, alcohol also impairs their functioning as a parent or a member of the household. Because of incidents, these individuals may leave a lasting impression of such acts on their children. Because these habits promote social disorders like depression and anxiety, they can be passed on to the next generation through their actions.

Alcohol abuse and domestic violence

A more serious consequence of heavy drinking is domestic violence. 12.1% of children 17 years and under, live with at least one parent with alcohol use disorder. In an agitated mood, a heavy drinker can take many steps, which commonly include shouting or hitting. Because of their short temper, even the smallest things make them angry, and sometimes, they take it out on their partner or children. These are serious offenses in many countries, because of the harmful effects they have on children's minds.

Many reports suggest a close relationship between alcohol abuse and violent offenses. The WHO has reported that 55% of all domestic abuse offenders have alcohol before the incident occurs. These types of actions promote a sense of constant threat in children. They begin to function less normally in front of such individuals, which also causes them to lose their connection.

Long-term consequences of heavy drinking on children

Such derogatory habits can cause drastic changes in children in the long run. Because their parents consumed alcohol in times of distress, children also begin to drink to cope with problems. Soon enough, children also become dependent on liquor for daily work and survival. 1.7% of 12- to 17-year-olds have AUD. It may even cause many other behavioral effects in the kids, such as running away from home, smoking, or using recreational drugs.

Quit drinking for a better life

Besides medical reasons, there are a lot of things that require a person to stop binge drinking. Reducing such deteriorating habits improves the quality of life, with a healthier social and personal life. Family members come together and individuals feel better with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Studies have also shown that alcohol cessation in heavy drinkers was associated with longer life expectancy, with decreased risks to health. Therefore, one must quit such habits and start living healthy again.

There are lots of ways to reduce and eradicate drinking habits. Those individuals that are not involved in domestic violence can develop such practices at home, like keeping themselves busy with other activities and eliminating alcohol from their homes. ukhomedetox.co.uk is another safe alternative to residential treatment is a medically-managed home detox service. People that are heavily reliant on liquor should consult doctors for their addiction, or join therapy sessions that offer a peaceful environment.

Summary

In conclusion, there are lots of harmful effects of alcohol, which alter a person's social and personal life drastically.

1.     Drinking can cause disturbances in an individual's mental state, causing anxiety and depression.

2.     Such disturbed individuals often lash out at their family members, harming them physically and mentally.

3.     Children are affected the most in such cases, either directly or through witnessing traumatic incidents in the household.

4.     Heavy drinking is the root cause behind many cases of domestic violence.

Alcohol addiction may look ordinary in many cases, but it doesn't stop there. It can be a major influence behind many grim actions, which may result in serious trouble. So, the only way to deal with this problem is to eliminate it in the first instance by seeking help. Home detox can help you through the entire process.