People have different ideas about what 'alcohol problem' is – but most would agree that it involves a level of alcohol use which causes troubles in the lives of the alcohol users and of their families and friends.
What may seem like just a drink or two most evenings can do a lot of harm to the body. Drinking alcohol affects the body in many ways. These effects can lead to physical and mental changes that can put alcohol users at risk of injury or death. Possible dangers include falls, household accidents, and car crashes. Many people enjoy a drink without any problems, but binge drinking can have very serious consequences. Alcohol misuse not only harms the individual, but damages relationships and society in general.
Binge drinking can cause memory loss and anxiety. Long-term drinking can result in brain damage, serious mental health problems and alcoholism. Drinking alcohol is the second biggest risk factor for cancer. Alcohol affects the lungs, liver, brain and other body systems, and also causes heart strokes.
People may think that alcohol helps them to cope with difficult situations and emotions, and that it reduces stress, but alcohol is in fact associated with mental health problems including depression, anxiety, risk-taking behaviour and personality disorders.
So, everyone should be conscious of the alcohol effects and always keep them in mind.