Many people do not know the actual facts about alcoholism. People do not know what it actually is. Alcoholism is a problem that has affected many people for a long time and is currently affecting one in every thirteen adults. When a problem with alcohol occurs, drastic measures must be taken.
Alcohol is a substance that is not to be taken lightly. Its effects can be very harmful if you are not careful. It was created to enhance social gatherings. Having just a few drinks each day is not alcoholism. However, when one begins binge drinking or heavy drinking often, this is a good sign that alcohol abuse is affecting the person. Several million people engage in dangerous drinking patterns. Fifty three percent of all Americans say that alcoholism has affected one or more of their close relatives. This clearly shows that alcohol abuse is a problem.
The consequences of alcohol abuse are very serious and can be deadly. Drinking heavily can cause all kinds of cancers in the liver, esophagus, throat, and the larynx. It can also cause cirrhosis of the liver, immune system failure, brain damage and harm a fetus during pregnancy. Driving while under the influence has claimed millions of lives throughout the years and continues to be a very bad problem. Also, homicides and suicides often are committed by people that were under the influence of alcohol. Alcoholic problems cost the United States approximately $185 billion each year. This is another painful fact that shows alcohol is a damaging problem.
Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are two different things. Alcoholism has four major symptoms. First is a strong need or compulsion to drink. Second is a loss of one's ability to maintain and keep themselves from drinking so much at any one time. Third is a physical dependence for alcohol which involves withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety when drinking has stopped after heavy drinking.