Moderation management is often touted as the most sensible way to prevent alcoholism. Since it is legal for adults to drink and alcohol is made available at most social venues, total abstinence often seems ludicrous for some.  However, in a new study by drug experts, alcohol was found to be more harmful than heroin and crack cocaine.  This supported a widely held belief that alcohol is an extremely harmful drug both to users and to society.

Although it is possible for some people to successfully practice alcohol moderation management, there are different dynamics that makes it impossible for a large percentage of society to regularly consume alcohol without suffering at least some of the consequences of alcohol abuse. The fact is, millions of people have been introduced to the dark side of addiction through recreational drinking. Experts say trying to practice alcohol moderation management is like occasionally playing Russian roulette.  As such, experts suggest taking a look at the following important reasons to avoid or give up alcohol.

10 Reasons to Say goodbye to Alcohol

  1. Health – Researchers say alcohol has been linked to more than 60 diseases. According to alcohol researcher, James C. Garbutt of the University of North Carolina, alcohol is a very complicated molecule that does all kinds of things in the body and science is still not fully aware of all its effects.
  2. Addiction – According to neuroscience, the use of alcohol can tip the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that it needs to function normally.  Alcohol use alters or destabilizes these chemicals in order to produce euphoria, drowsiness, loss of coordination and increase tolerance.  Once tolerance levels begin to build, the individual is able to consume more alcohol each time they drink before achieving these states.  If drinking continues, this can progress to dependence and addiction.  Alcohol addiction is characterized by the uncontrollable desire for alcohol and compulsive drinking.
  3. Blackouts – This is a common phenomenon in people who binge drink or consume large amounts of alcohol. The risks involved in blacking out include becoming a rape victim, having your pictures taken in a drunken state and posted on the internet to name a few.
  4. Money – People with a drinking problem also experience financial problems due to loss of income, increased medical and legal expenses.
  5. Safety – Drinking causes severe physical and neurological impairments that can create unsafe or risky situations such as deadly vehicular accidents, falling, and alcohol poisoning which is a potentially deadly type of chemical overdose.
  6. Mental clarity – Studies show, drinking can lead to brain fog even days after the drinking event. Brain fog or lack of mental clarity is characterized by poor memory, focus and concentration. In studies of long term alcoholics these neuropsychological deficits continue months after an alcoholic stops drinking and in some cases the damage may be irreversible.
  7. Homeless – Alcohol use disorders has been cited as one of the primary reason for living on the street. According to a study, alcohol-dependent patients are often stigmatized because of their drinking habits which further perpetuate and exacerbate their problems.
  8. Broken Relationships and Divorce – Studies show the divorce or separation rate for alcoholics is at least four times that of non-drinkers. Poor drinking habits that create undue worry about safety, health and finances often contribute to the breakdown in significant relationship.
  9. Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms – Once a dependence on alcohol develops, patients who try to stop habituated drinking often experience symptoms that can prevent them from stopping the progression of an alcohol use disorder.  These symptoms, in some cases, can be life-threatening.
  10. Appearance – Alcohol speeds up the aging process through dehydration by increasing the rate at which the body excretes water and limits the absorption of vital nutrients for skin health such as calcium and vitamin A. Experts say, dehydrated skin results in deeper facial lines and wrinkles.  Also, alcohol acts as a vasodilator causing the blood vessels that bring blood to the face to continuously expand. Overtime, this leads to redness and puffiness which, eventually causes permanent blotchiness as well as a noticeable loss of skin tone.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.