Examining the Causes and Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Let’s face it, alcohol is all around us, and it’s something that most teenagers either have tried or will try in their teen years. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 13.2 million people ages 12 to 20 (34.2% in this age group) reported that they have had at least one drink in their lives. The temptation to drink is all around us, and while it might not be a problem for everyone who tries it, the reality is that alcohol abuse is a problem that many face, and addiction is a real and terrifying possibility.

How bad could addiction get? Addictions are nightmares that can haunt people’s lives, my dad and many of my tios are people who suffer from alcohol addiction. Although they may deny it, denying addiction could be a sign to start panicking and worrying as it may be hard for the person to accept that they have a problem and need to find help. 

Causes of Alcohol Abuse

According to Tablet Recovery, a study in 2018 indicates that “15 million people struggle with an alcohol use disorder in the United States, but less than 10 % of them receive treatment.’’ This study is a prime example of why addiction is very worrying, not only are there many people who fall victim to addiction but the portion of those people who seek help is very low, and probably why “more than 88,000 people die from alcohol-related deaths each year in the United States.” 

The best way to avoid alcohol addiction is just to never drink in the first place so you can’t get addicted to begin with, the most common reasons that people tend to begin drinking start from their young years where according to Why do young people start drinking? Motives for Frst-Time Alcohol Consumption and Links to Risky Drinking in Early Adolescence by Emmanuel Kuntsche and Stefanie Miller, young people start to drink '' To toast' (42.5%), 'to find out what effect it would have' (36.4%), and 'to have more fun at a party' (31.0%). “Drinking alcohol can start at any age as these percentages are coming from a nationally representative sample of 1,654 kids that consist of 11-14-year-olds who have experienced drinking at least once in their lives. It is important to know the possible outcomes that come with drinking alcohol, although it could be fun or to escape or numb pain, the long-term effect it has in your life just isn’t worth the short-term satisfaction. 

Effects of Alcohol Abuse

The following shows some of the effects alcohol could potentially have in your life: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, liver, and rectum…Weakening of the Immune system.” 

Not only does it damage your body but also your brain: “ The chemical changes in your brain can soon lead to more negative feelings, such as anger, depression, or anxiety regardless of your mood… alcohol also slows down how your brain processes information, making it harder to work out what you're feeling and the possible consequences of your actions” according to Alcohol and Mental Health by mentalhealth.org. It is important to recognize the damage that alcohol can do not only to the consumer but those around them: When drinking, the brain can’t comprehend emotions clearly which can lead to altercations, accidents, and things of that nature. Those who drink constantly tend to get 1-2 years taken off their expected lifespan at the very least.

At the end of the day, it is up to each person to decide whether or not drinking is something they want to do, but at the very least realize the effects that come with drinking and how it can take a toll on your life. It is important to be responsible with your decisions, and drinking is one of the most important decisions that one can face. If you or anyone you know has issues with drinking that you may find severe or at risk of something bad contact 313-217-3821 America Addictions Center, or 1–800-662-HELP(4357)  SAMHSA‘s National Hotline for support and steps to take towards recovery.