Social drinking is a term used for people who occasionally like to drink alcohol. People describe a social drinker as a person who usually drinks with other people at social gatherings or during special events or activities. Social drinking puts a person at risk of developing an alcohol dependency.
A person who suffers with alcohol dependency and alcoholism cannot control their intake and can struggle to stop consuming alcohol. Many people who think they are social drinkers are actually high-functioning alcoholics.
According to an article on alcohol consumption by the University of Rochester Medical Center, alcohol can be, “physically and psychologically addicting; cause impaired memory, coordination, and judgment; damage the heart, liver, and nervous system, and lead to birth defects.” A person with an alcohol dependency puts himself or herself and others at risk if he or she drives or operates machinery after drinking.
Drinking alcohol can cause brain damage and affect the brain’s normal activity. Alcohol interrupts the brain’s neurotransmitters, which act as a line of communication for the body to function. Alcohol affects the body’s organs and can lead to liver failure, heart disease, cardiac arrest, and high blood pressure.
People with alcoholism may unintentionally think they are a social drinker and not realize their drinking is a problem. Different factors can determine a person’s risk of alcoholism such as his or her physical condition, mental health issues, environment, and genetics. Other things to consider are the duration, how much, and what kind of alcohol is consumed.
People with an addiction to alcohol are usually in denial about their problematic drinking. Alcoholism ruins relationships, causes harmful effects on the body, and can be fatal. Drinking alcohol affects the brain and can cause brain damage or memory loss. There is help for people who have an addiction to alcohol. Just because social drinking sounds less harmful does not mean drinking alcohol is safe.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Addiction is deadly. Although there is no cure for alcoholism, there is hope in recovery. Treatment is available for you. Get help today.
Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204