Why Some People Continue to Abuse Alcohol

August 2, 2010 – “You should stop drinking alcohol.”  This is possibly the best advice someone could give an individual who drinks to excess. In modern times, despite all the research and evidence that points towards the harm of drinking, we put more emphasis on fun than on safety. Even if the health aspect of drinking does not scare an individual, the moral and ethical complications are quite serious.

The health implications can range from immediate effects to long term cancer. The main problem with drinking is what many psychologists call the “personal fable”. It is described as the thought that “nothing bad can happen to me”. That is what people think when they are downing a beer or taking a couple of shots of vodka. However, when something does happen the effects are quite serious. Alcohol slows down your reflexes, disturbs coordination and harms pretty much every organ in the body. Although all the effects listed before are immediate alcohol increases the risks of many cancers manifold making it just as harmful in the long term. There is one myth that says that a moderate amount of wine is beneficial to the heart thus better for your health. However, the harm done by the alcohol outweighs the benefits in the long term, so for heavy alcoholics, the best bet is to stop drinking now rather than later.

The “personal fable” effect also leads to other complications as well. When someone walks into a bar or party planning to drink a moderate amount they end up having just a little too much. The moral mistakes one makes when intoxicated can lead anywhere from DUI to poor ethical decisions. Unfortunately, life gives no second chances, so it may be wise just to quit drinking altogether for some people. So when one does crash his car or get into an altercation after being intoxicated they must pay for their mistakes the rest of their life. Instead of playing with fate and chance, the smart choice lies in abstinence.

 

 

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