Alcoholism Alcoholism negatively affects a person's physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being. Gradual physical deterioration occurs, and the disease often causes heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, sexual dysfunctions and other ailments. Emotional effects include inability to cope with stress, feelings of rejection, increased irritability, and pronounced periods of elation and then dejection. Mentally, alcoholism is the second leading known cause of chronic brain damage among adults. Suicide among alcoholics is six to 15 times greater than among the general population.
Alcoholism also interferes with the person's experience of personal and emotional growth.
Studies indicate that one in 10 people who drink alcohol develops an addiction to alcohol. The disease affects people of all ages, races, sexes and intellectual levels. Symptoms of addiction begin with an increased tolerance for alcohol and a desire to continue drinking when others stop. Other symptoms include preoccupation with drinking, memory lapses while drinking, hiding and smeaking drinks, feelings of guilt about drinking, problems with family and work relationships, abandonment or previous social activities and friends, drinking alone, and continued unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking. Fortunately, alcoholism is a highly treatable disease.