Alcoholism remains an urgent problem at all times. Many centuries ago, man learned to cook and drink alcohol. Before that, fermented honey and fruit are used, after which wine is made.
In China, rice was used to make alcohol, in India - barley, millet, and in Iran - hemp. I first learned about beer in Egypt. Alcoholic beverages quickly became popular.
Today there are many different types of alcohol that ruin people's lives, destroy families, completely change people.
How dangerous is alcohol? Is it possible to refuse it?
Concept of alcoholism
If a person drinks alcohol excessively, he is called an alcoholic. But they talk about alcoholism when a person exceeds the traditional dose of alcohol. Some doctors call alcohol abuse a serious illness because it leads to physical and mental dependence, which leads to withdrawal symptoms. Also, the consequences of alcohol are serious diseases of internal organs, nervous system, mental disorders.
It is important to distinguish between drunkenness and alcoholism. As a rule, drunkenness is always a consequence of alcoholism. The following stages of alcohol consumption can be distinguished:
- Convinced Teetotaler- does not drink alcohol at all.
- Rare use of alcohol, only on holidays.
- Moderate alcohol consumption- three times a month.
- Alcohol abuse. . . This group includes drunks who drink very often and cannot control how much they drink. Special attention is paid to persons who have pronounced signs of alcoholism. They cannot give up their addiction because they are worried about a hangover and psychosis.
Myths about the use of alcoholic beverages
- First myth.Alcoholics are those who drink cheap drinks every day. In fact, this is not the case, there are various forms of alcoholism.
- The second myth.Drunkenness is not very dangerous to health, but it is unpleasant for others. Many people think that alcohol abuse is not as scary as drugs and other dangerous substances. In fact, alcohol leads to serious liver disease, heart disease and can also cause pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and peptic ulcer disease.
- The third myth.Alcoholism can only be in someone who is prone to it. This is not true! Anyone can be addicted to alcohol.
- Fourth myth.It is impossible to relax without alcohol. There are many other ways to relieve stress, such as training in the gym, relaxing with the family.
Causes of alcohol dependence
There are three main reasons for alcohol abuse:
- Biological.It has been proven that alcoholism is most often the result of a genetic predisposition. It is estimated that if parents abuse alcohol, then 50% of the fact that the child in the future will be addicted to it.
- Psychologically.As a rule, alcoholism develops in inactive and weak-willed people. In some situations, alcoholism is provoked by psychogenic trauma, grief, lack of work and free time.
- Socio-economic.The sale of alcohol is not prohibited. This is a type of business that brings good income.
What are the consequences of alcohol abuse?
Medical
Alcohol affects the central nervous system, liver, and also leads to myocardial infarction, to acute circulatory disorders in the brain. But in pregnant women a child is born with various pathologies, defects. Quite often alcohol during pregnancy leads to infant death.
Social
Alcoholism is the leading cause of crime and disability. Due to the fact that a person abuses alcohol, his work decreases.
How to deal with addiction?
Remember that in this case the prohibitions do not apply. Psychotherapists are convinced that this helps more:
- Forming an attitude towards a healthy lifestyle.
- Condemnation.
- Get rid of alcohol myths.
- Communication with sober and healthy people.
Specific prevention of alcoholism includes:
- Prohibition on sale.
- Age bans on alcohol.
- Punishments.
Indirect prevention includes reducing the dose of alcohol, as well as increasing culture and education.
Why is it best to give up alcohol?
- It all ends with serious illness.
- The problem does not disappear, but only grows and accumulates.
- Alcohol causes brain damage. It is important to note that cells do not regenerate over time.
- To achieve the desired effect, the alcoholic uses more and more different alcoholic beverages, without paying attention to their harm.
It is worth noting that in the beginning due to alcohol a person slows down a bit, then over time completely loses control, there are problems with memory, impaired coordination of movements. After some time, the inhibition affects the nerve center responsible for the vital functions of the body: body temperature, respiration, heart rate.
Alcohol has a negative effect on the reproductive system, over time it affects the genetic apparatus, due to which the child is born with mental retardation, with various mental and physical pathologies. Scientists in France have proven that there are many cases of stillbirths or deformities when the mother drank alcohol throughout her pregnancy.
So to create a strong family with healthy offspring, it may be worth reconsidering your bad habits. We do not argue, after drinking alcohol, you have fun, well, calmly, but what about the next day? Disappointment, emptiness, headache and boredom again. You do not need to build your life on bad habits, they bring temporary pleasure. Learn to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Then you turn around and see how beautiful the world around you is. Take care of your health, don't let addictions break you!