“That’s the problem with drinking, I thought, as I poured myself a drink. If something bad happens, you drink to try to forget; if something good happens, you drink to celebrate; and if nothing happens, you drink to make something happen.” .” ― charles bukowski

This is how Charles Bukowski, renowned writer and poet, summed up the thoughts of a person addicted to alcohol. The quote rightly highlights the plight of people suffering from alcoholism. Because Bukowski was one of those who knew how alcohol comes first in the life of an alcoholic patient. For them, they don’t have to drink.

In addition to driving a wedge between loved ones, persistent alcohol use leads to further alcohol dependence and eventually addiction. Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking patterns and preoccupation with alcohol. In fact, people become so obsessed with alcohol that other priorities take a backseat. They witness the fall in all aspects of life.

In addition to the dependency and consequences above, binge drinking leads to various health problems, such as:

• heart disease: Although there are studies that claim that the antioxidant resveratrol in red wine is associated with lower risks of heart aging, excessive alcohol consumption weakens the heart muscle. As a result, the heart cannot pump blood efficiently. In addition to causing cardiomyopathy, excessive alcohol consumption leads to premature death from heart failure.
• Cancer: Alcohol is also associated with the risk of developing cancer. With the identification of alcohol as a carcinogen by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Toxicology Program, it is clear that it increases the risk of cancer. Some of the most common cancers associated with alcohol use are cancers of the neck, esophagus, liver, and breast.
• Diabetes: Excessive drinking increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Also, in case a person already has diabetes and is taking medication to control blood sugar, drinking alcohol can have an adverse reaction, such as a massive drop in blood sugar due to hypoglycemia. Since people with diabetes follow a strict diet, every bite and calorie intake matters. Therefore, any form of alcohol is dangerous.
• inflammation of the pancreas: Alcohol is also detrimental to the functioning of the pancreas. Prolonged and dangerous level of drinking can cause pancreatic inflammation or pancreatitis. Many times, the damage is irreversible in nature.
• increased waist: While a late-night cocktail may sound harmless, it’s loaded with calories and is responsible for causing the same weight gain as a large burger with fries on the side. Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased waistline. When you start drinking heavily, you are more likely to end up with a huge belly and a surefire hangover the next morning. The same goes for beer. It is a big mistake to consider beer as light, since a can of light beer has an excessive number of calories.
• Depression: One of the most common misconceptions about alcohol is that it is great for overcoming sadness. Also, problems are supposed to be solved automatically when one has a high level of alcohol. The seemingly tongue-tied person suddenly becomes talkative, which is considered one of the wonders of alcohol. When you have alcohol in your system, you feel invincible and on top of the world. Unfortunately, the accident follows soon after. One of the most common symptoms that follow excessive alcohol consumption is depression and guilt. Being a depressant, one of the most severe side effects of chronic alcoholism or alcohol dependence is clinical depression.

recovery from alcoholism

Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease that separates the individual from life. Fortunately, with timely help one can easily overcome the condition. People suffering from alcoholism should not feel ashamed to seek help or treatment and share their problems with loved ones. Instead of being depressed by the stigma attached to alcoholism, people should accept reality and take effective action against the problem.