Way to Toast to a Special Occasion

Alcohol, for many people, is a way to toast to a special occasion or to compliment a delicious meal. There are some who do not enjoy alcohol at all. They might not like the smell or taste, the feeling of being tipsy, or feeling they have lost control of themselves and their environment. According to Psychology Today people drink to elevate a positive mood, alleviate a negative mood and anxiety, or increase confidence (www.psychologytoday.com).

Alcoholism affects people from various educational levels, incomes and all walks of life.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines alcoholism, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), as a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences These individuals feel they are not able to function normally without alcohol. In this country, it is estimated 16 million people struggle with AUD. Sadly, less than eight percent of them get treatment (NIAAA, 2017).

The varied effect of alcohol depends on age and family history, as well as, amount, frequency, and length of consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning, blackouts, slurred speech, behavioral changes, issues with concentration, and motor impairment. These issues can result in further complicating a person's life with auto accidents, criminal or violent behavior, suicide or homicide, and serious, expensive legal issues. Abusing alcohol puts individuals at risk of suffering social consequences. For example, a severe hangover could result in putting a person's job in jeopardy as a result of taking too much time off, unsatisfactory work performance, and workplace accidents. Personal relationships are also affected. Friends and loved ones close to someone who abuses alcohol are impacted greatly and adversely affected.

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