Alcoholism & Rehab

Why Is Alcohol Commonly Abused

Alcohol is a narcotic substance with many physical and psychological health risks, but it’s still abused by many people. There are a range of reasons why so many people drink alcohol, but that doesn’t make it any safer.

Why do so many people drink alcohol?

The fact that it’s legal to drink alcohol makes some people believe that it’s safe to abuse, when it really isn’t. Not only that, but since it has no restrictions beyond an age limit, it’s easy to purchase and use, no matter the time of day.

In a more general sense, the ability to obtain alcohol is very easy when compared to other legal substances, like cigarettes – which are often concealed to negate impulse buying.

The effects of Alcohol Abuse

When alcohol is drunk, it can heighten the mood that the drinker is in. People are likely to drink at events and most people feel good at these times.

This can make people falsely believe that alcohol is not only safe to drink, but also good for them.

On the opposite side of the coin, many people begin to drink when they feel sad and depressed; thinking that drinking will numb their pain. Many situations can make a person feel down, such as an argument with a loved one or a bereavement – and a lot of people turn to drinking.

How can an addiction develop from normal drinking?

With alcohol, a few drinks every now and then can turn into a daily habit, but how?

Well, alcohol affects the mind and body. When it enters the body, it meddles with the brain (which is why the mood that people are in is heightened and also why people become drunk when they drink too much). After it’s abused a few times, the brain begins to think that the effects that alcohol causes are normal – and that it needs the alcohol to function properly.

Alcohol addictions are also difficult to get rid of, too. When a person’s brain thinks that it needs something, it then simply acts like it needs it. This is why there are withdrawal symptoms (things like headaches that are caused when people stop drinking).

Just like when we feel hungry when we don’t eat; an addict will feel many unpleasant symptoms when they stop drinking. They may feel shaky, depressed, anxious and they may also suffer from insomnia. Even fevers and changes in blood pressure can be caused by not drinking! This makes it harder for alcoholics to quit.

How can alcohol rehab make a difference?

Rehabilitation centres were made to help addicts to overcome their need to take whatever substance they are addicted to. From coffee to drugs, people form dependencies and struggle to quit.

It’s not different with alcohol, but an alcohol addiction can be one of the toughest to beat. Rehab centres offer alcoholics the best chances possible to overcome their need for alcohol – and this is a huge benefit for many people.