For a number of years alcohol dependency research has demonstrated the fact that there is strong linkage between alcoholism and life-threatening health conditions and mental health issues such as depression.

For instance, in 2005, medical examination and alcohol abuse and alcoholism statistics demonstrated the fact that that alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency cost the United States an estimated $220 billion annually. Interestingly, this enormous alcohol-related expense was significantly more than the cost associated with cancer ($196 billion) or with obesity ($133 billion). While it is important to highlight these facts, it is also important to point out that an interrelationship exists between all three of these health conditions.

More explicitly, chronic alcohol abuse and alcoholism are also highly associated with obesity and with cancer.

Without a doubt, substance abuse exploration has demonstrated the fact that alcohol addiction can boost the risk for different kinds of cancer, particularly cancer of the kidneys, rectum, colon, voice box (larynx), esophagus, throat, and the liver. Heavy and recurring drinking can also result in immune system issues and impairment to the fetus during pregnancy.

Excessive and Hazardous Drinking Deteriorates the Drinker’s Organs and Systems

Additionally, if alcoholism continues over a period of years, the person’s body organs will probably be affected in an unsafe manner. For instance, long-term, hazardous drinking is especially detrimental to the liver since the liver does most of the work of processing the alcohol that has been ingested. Excessive amounts of alcohol kills liver cells and destroys the ability of liver cells to redevelop. This medical circumstance results in a progressive inflammatory malfunction of the liver that can at the end of the day lead to cirrhosis of the liver, a dangerous and potentially terminal disease. Heavy, long-term drinking not only can result in acute liver damage, but it can also lead to damage to the heart and to the brain. Physical damage this critical may be irreparable and may, in turn, lead to severe illness or an early death.

The Significance of Alcohol Counseling

It is imperative, therefore, to know how to identify the various alcoholism symptoms and the “alcohol signs” so that the alcohol addicted person can be given the opportunity to seek the quality alcohol rehab he or she needs.

Alcohol Dependency and Technologically Advanced Brain Exploration

Fortunately, medical investigation is constantly discovering innovative and significant information. Recent alcoholism exploration provides a first-rate example. Stated differently, for approximately the last ten years, complicated brain-imaging scanning devices have shown that continuous and long lasting abusive drinking modifies the constitution of the brain to a significant extent, as a consequence resulting in brain disease that can last months, years, or possibly as long as the person lives.

More precisely, medical examination has shown that individuals who have been drinking in an excessive manner for a sizeable length of time increase their risk for developing long lasting and significant modifications in the brain.

This type of damage may be directly related to severe liver disease, to the alcohol’s effects on the brain, or might be indirectly associated with the drinker’s poor overall health.

Mental Disorders, Malnutrition, and Abusive Drinking

As a final illustration of various medical conditions that are to a great extent related to alcohol dependency, take into account the fact that according to medical research, the hazardous and repeated abuse of alcohol can result in erosive gastritis, a medical problem that reduces the absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

This kind of organ failure is associated with malnutrition and to an array of serious neurological and mental disorders including sleep disturbances, memory loss, and psychosis such as Wernicke’s Encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome. This latter health problem is a long-term debilitating condition that is typified by recurring learning and memory complications.

Excessive Drinking Also Leads to in Relationship and Friendship Difficulties

In addition to critical medical problems, irresponsible and hazardous drinking also leads to friendship and relationship difficulties. For example, people who engage in abusive drinking routinely experience marital problems, divorce, affairs, and sexuality problems.

Conclusion: The Relevance of Education

It is obvious that repetitive, hazardous drinking is directly or indirectly related to numerous serious medical conditions that can and do lead to dangerous ailments and premature death. Such information needs to be stressed and presented to everyone in our society, especially to all students, so that a massive amount of individuals will be able to abstain from hazardous drinking while other people who have a drinking problem will get the quality rehabilitation they require.

Let us look at this sensibly. Yes, alcohol treatment is significant, but alcohol treatment is something that is commonly done AFTER the fact. Education, to the contrary, is something that is done BEFORE the problem becomes obvious. Stated another way, whereas alcohol rehabilitation is “reactive,” education is “proactive.” It is stressed that both approaches are needed when discussing alcoholism and alcohol abuse.