Alcohol tends to start as a way to relax and unwind and for most people that same scenario is the norm and the habit does not become one that is life altering in any manner. That is not true, however, for those that have an addiction to alcohol. Once alcohol abuse begins, it starts a downward spiral where one suffers physical, emotional and financial costs that are directly related to the abuse of alcohol.
Alcohol abuse has very distinct and detrimental physical effects. These range from the general state of well being when one is drunk and thus loses the ability to maintain balance, control or even remain awake. Those short term impacts on the body pale in comparison to what happens over the long term course of alcohol abuse. This is where one can have liver damage, reduced kidney functions, heart disease, weight gain, broken blood vessels in the face and neck and even a change in appearance as the body become bloated.
The emotional cost of alcohol abuse is something that impacts not just the person addicted to alcohol but all friends, family and associates of the person as well. This is because the alcoholic has a deadened sense of self awareness and self worth as they tend to be in a haze most of the time and thus do not have the mental ability to think clearly. This worsens over time and eventually the emotional toll extends to others that feel shame, embarrassment and pity for the person. In addition, those same people feel helpless and hopeless at times when one who abuses alcohol refuses to accept responsibility, admit to having a problem or seeking and accepting help.
The financial cost of long term alcohol abuse is one that an afterthought for many but one who abuses alcohol regularly will find that all available money is spent on alcohol. This grows over time, and especially when one requires more and more alcohol to feel any sort of effect. The cost is high from all angles and thus those with alcohol abuse issues need to seek out and get help to break the cycle of abuse.
