THE SOCIAL LIFE OF AN ALCOHOLIC
When we refer to an alcoholic, we tend to imagine someone in tattered clothes, screaming slurred curses on a dark alley of a busy neighborhood while holding a bottle of whiskey on one hand. Although this person is indeed a correct depiction of a skid-row drunk, there is a significant number (7.5 – 9.5%) of US’ adult population who abused alcohol and got dependent on it in the past year. An alcoholic, therefore, can be someone you know: a college instructor, a famous cheer dancer, a close friend, an introvert brother, or a hardworking mom. It could be someone in your own family.
Alcoholism is an ever-growing problem, and the social effects of this addiction are truly saddening. Alcohol abuse increases the risk of crimes being committed like assault, burglary and rape. Crimes against women and children are most likely to happen, too. Safety is also of concern when a person becomes intoxicated. Drunk-driving accounts for 20% of the reasons for motor vehicular accidents around the world. Driving under the influence endangers not only the lives of alcoholics, but also the lives of those around them.
Family relationships, too, are weakened if not severed, and the root of all conflicts point to the person abusing the substance.
There is solution to alcoholism. We at South Coast Recovery understand you and your loved one. We offer help. For more information on alcoholism, visit our website at www.southcoastrecovery.com.
