Drinking Addiction: Why Alcohol is One of the Most Dangerous Substances

When you think of dangerous substances that you could get addicted to, you might think about cocaine, heroin and other substances of the same nature. However, alcohol is among the top substances that are abused, and there are quite a few reasons why it's highly addictive.

Not only does alcohol impact your own life, but it also impacts the lives of your family and friends. Here are a few ways that you can help someone who has an alcohol addiction and a few signs to look for if you think that someone you know is drinking alcohol.

Takes a Hit on Finances

One of the reasons why alcohol is so dangerous is that it consumes your finances. It can cause you to make a decision between buying alcohol or paying a utility bill for the home. Once you begin to depend on the substance on a daily basis, then you'll start to put your money toward only alcohol instead of necessities for the family.

You might start doing things that you normally wouldn't do in order to get one drink, such as pawning items that you own or even stealing. As the price of alcohol continues to rise, it doesn't take long for you to go through one paycheck after another in order to pay for the addiction that you have created.

Your family will begin to see the devastation caused by a lack of money when there isn't food in the home, clothes on their backs or a home to live in because of spending money on alcohol.

Legal Issues

Aside from losing money because of spending it on alcohol, you stand a chance of losing money because of getting a ticket for drinking while intoxicated or any other host of legal issues that result from being intoxicated.

If you drive while drinking and are pulled over, there is a possibility that you could go to jail or that you could lose your license if you have several charges of the same type. A DWI lawyer in Austin or your particular locale can help with any charges that you receive so that you can be at home with your family.

At times, the judge might order that you attend alcohol counseling sessions or be placed on probation depending on your criminal history.

Health Issues

There are several health issues that could result from drinking on a regular basis. The first few drinks might not seem like they impact the body. Once you start drinking on a routine basis, you'll start to see that the body builds a tolerance to the substance, needing more in order to get a buzz.

The functions in your brain can deteriorate. You could develop cirrhosis of the liver. There are issues with the heart and the pancreas that you need to be concerned about. Alcohol is a substance that can impact organs in a relatively short amount of time.

Impacts Relationships

Whether you're a person who is talkative when you're drinking or if you're a person who becomes violent, there is a point when people simply won't want to be around you any longer while you're drinking.

Family members will begin to see that you care more about the drug than you care about them. Your friends will likely stop talking to you unless they are people you drink with. Life can become lonely, which could lead to drinking more often for some people.

If you think that you have a drinking problem or you know someone who does, it's important to get help. There are classes that you can attend for support. Curb the abuse before the substance impacts every aspect of your life.