Alcohol in our society today is touted as a means to increase enjoyment within social gatherings and also for relaxation and refreshment.
Advertisements depict a group of young people meeting in a pub enjoying the freedom and camaraderie that a typical sparkling lager will convey if consumed within the perfect scenario that it is served.
In reality the group may stay drinking until late whereby the real effects of alcohol become apparent but sooner than realised.
Even after the first drink mental and physical changes appear.
Blood pressure rises as inhibitions and normal mental perception start to diminish.
Alcohol is a legal drug no matter in which direction we choose to look at it.
Drugs affect our psychological and physical conditions dependent on our initial mood.
If we drink alcohol in a depressed mood we become more depressed and also if we are angry the same occurs.
Many people who previously did not know about this effect will attest to the results of over drinking usually after making embarrassing mistakes while drunk.
Our brain chemistry also changes when drinking even moderately.
The production of serotonin in the brain is required to balance our mood and is lowered from consumption of alcohol.
Excessive drinking can lead to chronic, long term depression and other associated psychological conditions.
Alcohol is a social lubricant and can be fun when used responsibly.
The usage of mind altering recreational substances that are legal should always be taken within the company of at least one non-participating adult.
This method can be useful if each of a group of friends take turns with this responsibility on different occasions.
Each person can learn of the effects of alcohol regarding mood and perceptual changes and can instil a personal sense of foresight when it is their turn to drink.
The psychological effects of alcohol can cause increased anxiety which can cause alcohol dependence.
Addiction can lead to a spiralling destructive cycle that can destroy family and work life and the very social life that created the addiction in the first place.
Anxiety and alcohol can create a lowered sense of judgement and drinking more to compensate for this failure will only increase the vicious circle.
The lack of awareness of the seriousness of their situation the eventual alcoholic may go through years of denial of their condition until finally they must seek help due to debilitating medical or financial causes.
I believe there is a rule of thumb that can be used by anyone if they are unsure if alcohol can have a negative effect on their life.
If a person feels that their personality completely changes under the influence of alcohol then it is time for them to take a look at their reasons for drinking.
Also the other rule is whether you can have one or two drinks and be satisfied or do you need to keep drinking until the bar owner calls time? If you feel that your usage of alcohol for enjoyment is more important than your natural enjoyment of life, then please seek professional help.
It is never too late to change.