Effects of Alcoholism
...undice, blood clotting, and coma. Alcohol is filled with empty calories; causing obesity in many of those with an alcohol dependency. Alcoholics may also skip meals or exclude eating certain foods; which leads to nutritional deficiencies. These effects can break the body down and also cause death. Alcoholism also has many damaging psychological effects. Younger chronic drinkers “are more likely to perform poorly in school, have more arrests, and be more emotionally disturbed than older alcoholics” (Sutherland 79). They are also more likely to have automobile accidents because of impaired judgment and a heightened sense of risk-taking behavior. Older alcohol abusers may miss many days of work, frequently get into fights, and experience memory loss. A common effect of alcoholism is depression; which is a feeling of having no control over ones life (Sutherland 80). Most alcoholics drink to chase away their depression but they only tend to get even more depressed. Many alcoholics get caught in this vicious drinking cycle and see no other option but suicide. Alcohol abuse is also related to mood swings and insomnia (BUPA). Insomnia results in irritability, poor work performance, and decreased concentration from lack of sleep. Alcoholic dementia can also occur but is a less common side effect of chronic drinking (Sutherland 80). Dementia occurs during the withdrawal stage and causes hallucinations, disorientation, and delusions. The psychological effects of alcoholism can destroy ones mind and change ones personality completely. Along with the physical and psychological effects of alcoholism, its also has a great impact on society. Those that drink and drive put not only themselves at risk but also risk the lives of everyone else on the road. Domestic violence is also related to alcoholism; for example, an intoxicated husband may beat his wife. Alcoholism can also lead to unemployment. This is due to factors such as missing many days of work, arriving late multiple times, or smelling of alcohol. Alcoholism not only affects the alcoholic but it has great damaging effects on his or her family and friends too. It can lead to many fights between spouses that can result in divo...