The Bottle's Grip

Alcoholism is a chronic and potentially fatal disease. It’s a progressive disorder characterized by compulsive drinking and consuming other substances. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 16 million people in the United States suffer from it.

The consequences of alcoholism are not just felt on an individual level, however. Alcoholism has far-reaching effects that ripple throughout all levels of society, from those closest to the person suffering to the larger community they inhabit. Among these include family problems, social stigma, and economic costs.

One of the most significant issues that comes with alcoholism is the plethora of family problems that can arise. Alcoholism is considered a family disease, as it affects not only the person suffering, but also the people closest to them, such as their loved ones. These effects can include feelings of guilt, shame, or even betrayal. Additionally, there may be changes in roles within the family as one person begins to take on more of the burden of caring for and supporting an alcoholic relative.

Alcoholism can also create disruption in the workplace, leading to decreased productivity and greater risk of absenteeism. It can even cause problems with the law when individuals are arrested or charged with driving under the influence. When these issues are combined, it can lead to serious economic consequences for the individual and their family.

On a more interpersonal level, alcoholics often face social stigma that can be incredibly damaging. Unfortunately, people sometimes do not understand the gravity of alcoholism or how it can affect a person’s life. They may make guesses and assumptions about the person’s character and fail to provide them with sympathy or support. This can be emotionally damaging and contribute to feelings of isolation and displacement in the alcoholic, leading them to feel like they are all alone.

Finally, the economic costs of alcoholism are staggering. Treatment and rehabilitation often come at a high price, but so too does the destruction caused by alcoholism. There are legal costs that come with drunk driving, as well as increased healthcare costs, due to both direct, such as cirrhosis of the liver, and indirect health problems, such as stress and depression which can also be associated with the disorder. There are also significant costs to employers, who often need to hire temporary staff to fill in for absentee alcoholics or are forced to let them go.

Alcoholism is expertly and complexly interwoven into all aspects of the lives of those affected by it, as well as those around them. It is a destructive disorder that has far-reaching effects on relationships, society, and economic stability. It is not a problem to be taken lightly and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.