The Effects of Alcoholism
The effects of alcoholism can be devastating on a number of
different levels. Let's consider a few of these levels:
1. Effect on the individual
Alcoholism can destroy the individual, sometimes very quickly.
From drunk driving accidents to liver disease, alcoholism can ravage the body
and usually takes an average of about 25 years off the life expectancy of an
individual. In addition to this, however, alcoholism lowers the quality of life
as well, as many alcoholics end up with chronic related conditions, or sitting
in prison for several years, and so on.
Alcoholism negatively affects almost every area of a person's
life. People lose jobs, get divorced, and drop out of school because of their
drinking.
Because of the complex affect that alcoholism has on people's
lives, the solution is necessarily complicated as well. A holistic approach
that treats the alcoholic as a whole has proven to be most effective.
2. Effect on the family
Alcoholism is a family disease, and it negatively impacts the
entire family in a big way. A parent who is alcoholic stands a very high chance
of passing their disease onto their children, which further perpetuates the
family disease concept. Many times it is a spouse that is enabling an alcoholic
to continue to drink by helping that person to avoid major consequences. By
"rescuing" them, they are actually making matters worse because it
enables the alcoholic to return to their drinking instead of facing heavy
consequences that might force them to change their behavior (such as legal
penalties or jail time).
Because alcoholism is a family disease, it is important for the
family members to seek help as well. Going to Al-anon meetings can provide much
needed support and direction as to how to behave around the alcoholic. Al-anon
can teach you how to stop enabling someone and possibly help to break the cycle
of addiction.
3. Effect on society
Based on the devastating effects that alcoholism has on the
individual and on families, it comes as no surprise that the disease has a
negative impact on society as well. Alcoholism accounts for a ton of lost
productivity and wasted energy every year. Not to mention the devastating
effects and consequences of countless drunk driving accidents, many of which
harm or even kill innocent victims.
Obviously, alcoholism has a trickle-down effect, starting with
the individual and eventually impacting the whole of society. Recovery starts
with the individual, but will also improve family dynamics and eventually
benefits society as a whole.
And now I invite you to learn more about the effects of alcoholism. Come visit http://www.spiritualriver.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Meninga
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