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When asked, most people would probably answer that the most dangerous drug is heroin, fentanyl, or perhaps methamphetamines. While these are some hazardous drugs, most people are surprised to learn that alcohol is still considered the most dangerous drug out there today. And yet, alcohol is a legal substance for those of age.
It has even been glamorized in society and has become so socially acceptable that new trends in addiction have presented themselves, like the growing number of “wine moms” who have gone from enjoying a drink here and there to not being able to function or manage the children without a drink to take the edge off.
Still not quite convinced? Here are five reasons that alcohol is the most harmful drug out there for many people.
It starts with impaired judgment and ends in tragedy. Far too often, people are the victims of drunk driving accidents. Since alcohol consumption is encouraged and socially acceptable, people are expected to police themselves and ensure that they don’t consume too much before getting behind the wheel.
Anyone who has ever had a drink will tell you that this is easier said than done, especially once you start drinking. That point where you still feel okay but are starting to lose motor skills or mental judgment is tricky, and it’s often the one that leads to the most trouble. And in most drunk driving accidents, the risk of death increases because the outcome is more severe and devastating.
If you’ve never had to withdraw from alcohol seriously, you’re fortunate. Alcohol withdrawal is one of the few detox processes that can be more dangerous for you than the alcohol itself was in the first place. If you drink excessively and then quit cold turkey, you’re exposing your body to a lot of shock. It’s going to respond accordingly, usually resulting in things like mental fogginess, sweating, anxiety and headaches, and so forth.
If you have Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, you may also experience what is known as “DT” or delirium tremens. This can lead to hallucinations, confusion, seizures, and even cardiac complications due to low electrolyte levels and low levels of potassium. Alcoholic ketoacidosis can occur in those who have type 1 diabetes, and can also be potentially fatal. And the only relief for this to date is the use of drugs like Valium and Ativan to assist with relaxing the body and reducing the risk of complications from seizures.
Alcohol is just as dangerous to kids as it is to adults, in many cases, because it is so readily available and accessible. You can walk into just about any gas station in several states and buy all kinds of alcohol, from beer and wine to hard liquor in some areas. You don’t have to go to a liquor store. You don’t have to show your ID. And let’s be honest, kids sometimes steal. If it’s easy to get, it’s easy to abuse.
The dangers of accessibility to alcohol also include the fact that it’s in many homes across America, not locked up or hidden away, so kids of all ages can raid their parents’ liquor cabinets, which can lead to all kinds of issues.
Alcohol isn’t all about a good time. Too much of it can cause you to have a terrible time. Alcohol can damage your liver. It has also been related to memory impairment, mental health disorders, heart disease, other heart issues, and even the potential for cancer. Alcohol isn’t suitable for your body, at least not in large quantities. And yet, many people continue to drink socially or otherwise, not realizing all the potential damage that is being done.
Alcohol is often consumed in social situations or to relieve stress. Both make it far too easy for people to become dependent on alcohol. As mentioned above, with the example of wine moms, it’s far too easy to cross the line without realizing it. Often, many people drink to feel accepted and without concern for the risk of dependency.
Before they know it, they’re craving a drink, can’t relax without one, or worse yet, are sneaking around and trying to hide their addiction from their family and friends. Alcohol is dangerously addictive, both in its effects and the activity of drinking:
Alcohol has the potential to be very dangerous, but if you’re battling an alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Contact Meta to learn more and get the help you need to overcome your alcohol dependency.
[author] [author_image timthumb='on']/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img-ed-480x572.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Reviewed by Ed Lepage, Executive Director
Ed Lepage completed the drug and alcohol certificate program at the University of Massachusetts Boston and has been working in the substance abuse dependency field for the past seven years. He has also worked extensively in peer recovery-based programs offering “real-world experience” to those that suffer from substance use dependency. Full Bio [/author_info] [/author]