Alcohol is such a huge part of so many cultures, you would think that by now humanity would understand how to drink responsibly. And yet, so many deaths and so much pain is caused by alcohol abuse at pretty much any given time, all around the world.
Just to give a bit of framework to the conversation about understanding the effects of alcohol abuse, consider the following five categories of thought – look for current trends in alcohol use and abuse in different environments, talk to families that cope with distress because of alcohol, visit an AA meeting sometime to see what that feels like, and talk to a few doctors who have treated alcoholics during their practice.
Look for Current Trends
Many alcohol treatment centers specifically will give you accurate information about trends in alcohol abuse. Since the professionals in that industry are the ones who have to deal with all aspects of it, they will probably be the most well-versed in explaining to you the full spectrum of consequences of different types of behavior. Whenever you need specific information about treatment for alcohol abuse, treatment centers should be your first resource.
Talk to Families Who Cope
Another way for you to understand the effects of alcohol abuse is if you talk to the family of an alcoholic. In almost every case, they will tell you stories of sadness and sickness. There are entire communities of people who support each other when they are trying to help alcoholic family members kick the habit and start being healthy, productive individuals again. There are collections of stories out there as well already if you don’t want to go out and find any of these people face to face at this stage in your research.
Visit an AA Meeting
Another way to see the far reaching effects of alcohol abuse is if you go to an AA meeting. This is another place to collect stories, and another place where you will hear about lives destroyed, jobs lost, families torn apart, and health lost to a drinking habit. It happens to people at all ages in all walks of life as well, so no group is underrepresented when it comes to those types of events.
Talk To Doctors Who Treat Alcoholics
A final resource to help you understand the alcoholic mentality is if you talk to actual doctors about the matter. Because they have extensive medical training and understand what alcohol does to the mind and body on a physical and mental level, they can give you more insight that someone who just reacts to things on the emotional or practical level. Each of these methods will get you close to the truth about alcohol abuse