Understanding Ethanol Alcohol Abuse: Causes, Effects, and Consequences
Around 60 percent of people in the United States drink on a regular basis. While, approximately 15 million people meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD). So, you or someone close to you might be struggling with ethyl alcohol (EtOH) abuse.
Sadly, this abuse can lead to severe health, psychological and social problems. Read on to discover the causes, effects, and consequences of ethanol alcohol abuse.
What You Need to Know About EtOH
EtOH is a commonly used abbreviation for ethyl alcohol (ethanol). It is a kind of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages like beer, spirits, and wine. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinguished order and a mildly sweet flavor.
Causes of Ethanol Alcohol Abuse
Psychological Factors
Mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety often have a close link with alcohol abuse. Some people use alcohol as medication to manage the symptoms of these conditions. Sadly, over time, they develop dependence on alcohol and struggle to function without taking it.
Social and Environmental Factors
Your environment and social circle can have a huge impact on your alcohol consumption. So, if you spend a lot of time with heavy drinkers, you too might start abusing alcohol. Besides, in some cultures, it’s normal for people to overindulge in alcohol consumption.
Effects of Ethanol Alcohol Abuse
Physical Health Effects
Taking too much alcohol over time can cause severe physical health problems. It can cause liver diseases like cirrhosis and alcohol hepatitis. Besides, chronic alcohol abuse can weaken a person’s immunity, making them prone to different diseases.
Mental Health Effects
Ethanol alcohol abuse can negatively affect a person’s mental health. In many cases, it causes cognitive impairment and memory loss. It can also magnify the risk of developing severe mental health disorders. Finally, alcohol use can exacerbate existing mental health conditions like depression.
Consequences of Ethanol Alcohol Abuse
Legal and Financial Consequences
Drinking alcohol and abusing the substance can have menacing financial and legal problems. Some people sink into debt by spending all their money on alcohol. Others face legal problems like DUI charges, public intoxication, and other alcohol-related offenses. All these things can negatively affect a person’s life, and to manage the situation, they might take even more alcohol.
Emotional and Psychological Consequences
Alcohol abuse victims often toil with different emotional and psychological problems. Some of them experience shame, guilt, and hopelessness. Others feel like outcasts in their societies and start isolating themselves. They feel no one understands what they’re going through and try to hide their alcohol addiction.
Conclusion
Understanding what EtOH is and how its abuse affects people is the first step to finding a solution. Understand that alcohol abuse is a serious problem, and overcoming it often requires professional help. The plan is to find an expert who helps people understand the root causes of ethanol alcohol abuse and the likely effects. They then provide effective treatments that assist these individuals in overcoming the addiction. So, if you or a close friend or relative is struggling with this problem, consider seeking professional help.