When Drinking Becomes a Problem
By Robert D. Grupe, Prevention Coordinator
Perhaps one of the hardest lines to understand is between using alcohol and having a legitimate drinking problem. Here are some factors to consider if you are wondering if you or someone you know has a drinking problem.
A good indication of a problem is the inability to control the drinking. This includes those that intend to only drink so much but each time find themselves over the limit. Another aspect of this includes a higher tolerance level. Simply stated, it takes more alcohol each time to have an effect. Both result in a higher risk for alcohol related accidents and possibly death.
Another indication is changes in personality that could go from one extreme to the other. It is highly possible that through the introduction of alcohol into the body someone can go through a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde transformation. This is that usually very prim and proper person dancing on the table after consuming too much. There is a very distinct change in that person. A serious indication that usually accompanies this is the inability to remember details the next day. This is a very serious condition known as blackouts and a major contributing factor to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
In the later stages, problems at work and home become evident and alcohol may become an escape from the realities of everyday life.Alcohol blocks messages to the brain and alters thinking patterns that could severely affect your abilities at work or in school.Studies report that alcohol damages brain cells, which also affects the creative processes. Indications of this might include attempts at intervention from coworkers or family members. Sometimes the last person to see the problem is the alcoholic and these interventions show that a possible problem is more pronounced than first thought.
Finally, and if the above were not enough, I would like to add this for thought.Alcohol is addictive, can affect higher brain functions, gives you bad breath, and causes weight gain. It is also the leading cause of traffic fatalities in the United States.
If you fear that you have a drinking problem, know someone who does, or would just like more information on alcohol awareness contact the staff at Heartland Human Services. We are dedicated in serving the needs of this community and helping to combat the dreaded disease of alcoholism.