Alcoholism has long been the elephant in the corner of many living rooms. Because American society encourages drinking in social and celebratory situations, the number of people who “tie one on” a little too often is staggering. Most families and friends tolerate a “friendly drunk” and many even put up with mean and abusive drunks because they refuse to acknowledge that alcohol is an addictive substance and needs to be treated as such.
Not everyone who drinks regularly needs to get alcohol abuse treatment . However, they need to be made aware of the difference between use and abuse and educated about the negative effects of abuse. These include damages to relationships, their ability to keep a job, and can lead to risky behaviors that result in sexually transmitted diseases as well as injuries from accidents, to say nothing of the perils of drunk driving. The physical risks associated with alcoholism include damage to the gastrointestinal system as well as the nervous system and heart-related illnesses and conditions. These can be serious or even fatal. Other problems will be related to metabolic issues, the endocrine system, or affect the blood and skin. If not treated quickly, these problems can become permanent.
Anyone who crosses the line between use and abuse should seek treatment. There are many drug and alcohol rehab centers across the country that offer programs targeting alcoholism as well as those for individuals who are addicted to alcohol in conjunction with other drugs.
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