Negative Effects Of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a debilitating personal and social problem worldwide. It refers to a preoccupation with or compulsion toward the consumption of alcohol and an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Destructive consequences of alcoholism include health problems, legal complications such public disorder complaints and drunk driving, loss of employment, marital conflict, domestic violence, and criminal activity.
The World Health Organization estimates about 140 million people throughout the world suffer from alcohol dependence. In a broader, societal level examination of alcoholism’s effects, this large number translates into millions of dollars spent annually on health care and litigation. This additional financial strain also stresses resources, as many doctors and lawyers are involved with the treatment and repercussions of alcohol dependence instead of aiding other non-preventable societal problems.
Health complications resulting from alcoholism include cirrhosis of the liver, epilepsy, alcoholic dementia, heart disease, increased chance of cancer, nutritional deficiencies, sexual dysfunction, and death. Treatment of alcoholism generally includes intervention, detoxification, and rehabilitation. Intervention is an important step because many people with drinking problems do not realize alcohol is preventing them from reaching their goals. Following intervention is detoxification, which is performed in a controlled, medical setting. Withdrawal is usually achieved within a week and a healthy, balanced diet is necessary to support the alcoholic’s body as it going through major changes. Finally, rehabilitation, generally consisting of counseling, support groups, or learning new life skills, occurs. However, once a person completes all of these steps, long-term support from role models is usually helpful as the temptation to drink abounds in society.
Unfortunately, once a person successfully quits their alcohol dependence, long term complications may linger including health and legal issues. Additional health problems and complications include brain degeneration, cancers of the larynx, esophagus, liver, and colon, depression, liver disease, and insomnia. Legal problems can follow a recovered alcoholic for the rest of their life and prevent them from getting new employment opportunities, having a fair chance in a child custody battle, or getting a necessary loan from the bank.
Perhaps the most common and frustrating legal issue is a conviction of driving under the influence (DUI or DWI). Law enforcement agencies try to prevent driving after alcohol consumption for good reason; in 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 17,941 people died in “alcohol-related” collisions, representing 41% of total traffic deaths in the United States. However, even if no death occurred from a DUI incident, the charge still sticks, serving as a constant reminder of a person’s history of alcohol abuse. To find out details, more information about DWI and DUI can help.
Joseph Devine
Tags: drinking, drunk driving, DUI, DUI litigation, DWI, DWI litigation, alcoholism