Alcoholism: Causes, Effects, and Personal Stories
Alcoholism
Opinion Essay
Alcoholism is perhaps the most common form of drug abuse in North America today. Scientists report that alcohol’s popularity stems from its pleasant, relaxing effects and its status as a “social beverage.” However, individuals often overlook the fact that alcohol impairs brain function and physical reactions. This impairment can lead to numerous injuries, accidents, and even death. Alcoholism affects every aspect of an alcoholic’s life: their body, mind, and family.
The body naturally produces a chemical that induces a “natural high” in life-threatening situations. One significant risk of alcohol abuse is the development of health problems. Cirrhosis of the liver, a leading cause of death in America, often results from chronic alcohol abuse. Alcohol also damages the brain, heart, kidneys, and digestive system, increasing the risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and stomach.
Alcohol, a depressant, affects the nervous system, causing a loss of coordination that increases the likelihood of accidents. Many traffic accidents and fatalities are alcohol-related. Additionally, family violence often stems from excessive drinking. Alcohol can be fatal, affecting the brain, causing tremors, sensory impairment, and the death of brain cells. It can also lead to liver deterioration, and liver transplants are rare and difficult to obtain. Excessive alcohol consumption can be fatal, yet millions of people consume large amounts daily.
Newspaper Article
Alcoholism, like smoking, has become a major health concern in many societies. The percentage of alcoholics has risen significantly in several industrialized countries, making it a national concern. Alcoholism-related deaths have also increased dramatically in these countries.
Furthermore, the consumption of stump liquor, or the illegal production and consumption of alcohol, continues to cause blindness and even death. Local and state governments have attempted to address the problem by enacting laws regulating the sale and public consumption of alcohol. However, the approach to combating alcoholism varies depending on local and state government policies. For example, some countries prohibit drinking until a certain age of maturity. Despite these efforts to reduce alcoholism, it remains a problem, particularly among young people.
Alcohol is considered a serious problem among the younger generation. The motivations for alcohol consumption are difficult to generalize, as different cultures have different beliefs regarding alcohol. However, it is widely acknowledged that peer pressure significantly influences alcoholism, similar to smoking. Upon reaching a certain age, individuals may find themselves surrounded by peers who prefer to relax by consuming alcoholic beverages. Unless one possesses strong principles, resisting the temptation and pressure to take that first drink can be challenging. Gradually, individuals may give in, and alcohol consumption becomes a regular habit.
Secondly, alcoholism is often attributed to the misconception that it provides temporary relief from life’s harsh realities. Many alcoholics claim that life feels better after a drink. This misperception has spread even to well-informed individuals, leading to the emergence of an elite group of alcoholics who use drinking as a means of stress relief. Thirdly, some cultures openly embrace alcohol consumption as a reward for success.
Narrative-Descriptive
At eight years old, I stared out the second-floor window of our apartment. Children my age played on the playground below. The windowpane felt warm against my skin, and the sky was clear. I remember this day as vividly as the edge of a knife because, in that moment, I wanted to die.
By that point in my life, I had endured years of sexual and emotional abuse from my family. I hadn’t even lived a decade, and the pain was so profound that I wished for it all to end.
Twenty years later, I was an alcoholic and a meth addict. When SUCCESS magazine asked me to share my personal story of achieving and maintaining sobriety, I agreed. I recognized that my rich life today—as blessed, real, challenging, and joyful as it is—wouldn’t exist without the horror, sadness, and hurt that preceded it. Today, my life is so remarkably blessed that it might make some people uncomfortable. I’m happy, loved, and considered successful by many. But none of it would be possible without the suffering—the pain inflicted by others and the pain I brought upon myself.
My experience with pain is not unique. I’ve heard stories that make my life sound like Disneyland. Some pain runs soul-deep, altering the course of our lives. But so does our response to that pain.