Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholism, which is among the most common forms of addiction. Millions of people are a victim of alcohol dependency, and this addiction robes them of the ability to think straight. They lose control of things and fail to keep their cravings in check. This leads to serious complications, as effects of alcohol can be devastating. Let's find out how alcoholism can affect your life and people around you.

Social Effects of Alcohol

When alcohol becomes part of your life, your life suffers in more than one way. Alcoholism often becomes a source of arguments and sometimes leads relationship failures. Financial and emotional consequences are equally common.

1. Poor Working Performance

Alcoholism can affect your work performance in many different ways. Statistics show that people who are dependent on alcohol are more likely to be on sick leave as compared other employee. Those who drink too much alcohol are more likely to experience workplace accidents – about 60% of fatal accidents happening in Great Britain are in some way linked to alcohol. Similarly, alcoholism may also reduce productivity at work – even though drinkers do not usually perceive effects of alcohol on their work performance until they end up losing their job due to alcohol abuse.

2. Family Issues

Alcohol abuse can affect the way you handle your responsibilities as a parent and how you contribute to the functioning of the household. Domestic violence is a common issue in such households. Children may feel the brunt of it and end up developing several issues, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Other family members may also develop mental health problems, such as fear, anxiety, and depression. Those who drink outside the home fail to give enough time to their families, which may lead to other social and financial problems.

3. Social and Economic Cost

The economic consequences of alcoholism can be quite serious. Statistics reveal that heavy drinkers usually suffer from a variety of economic problems including losing employment opportunities, lower wages, decreased eligibility for loans, and increased legal and medical expenses. Many drinkers end up spending more money on alcohol than they actually earn, which leads to all sorts of problems. More research about economic and social costs of alcoholism is required to make the case for public policies, identify information gaps, and gauge the effectiveness of programs and policies against alcohol use.

Tips to Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Considering the economic and social effects of alcohol, it makes great sense to use whatever help available to break this addiction. The most important thing for the drinkers is to understand that they need help. Here are some tips to help you quit or at least limit the intake of alcohol.

1. Set a Realistic Goal

Know how much alcohol you are already drinking and then set a realistic goal while trying to limit your intake. Be sure to write down your goals and have an action plan to achieve them. This is a good idea even for people who think they currently drink within the recommended guidelines.

2. Count Your Drinks

Some people start drinking more because they fail to keep track of how much they are drinking every day. That is why it really helps to count your drinks and slow down if need be. You can simply use your smartphone to record your drinks to keep track of how much you are drinking regularly.

3. Measure Your Drinks

Do not just count the number of drinks you have daily but also pay attention to the amount of alcohol you drink as a whole. You should know what counts as a standard drink to be able to measure your alcohol intake. This helps you stick to your goals whether you are drinking at home or in a bar, and with time you can avoid those social effects of alcohol.

4. Go Slow

Do not push yourself too hard to stop drinking completely – this has higher chances of you drinking more than before. This is where setting a realistic goal matters a lot. At the same time, you need to pace your drinking and drink slowly. Sipping your drinks in a way that you finish only one drink in an hour will make a difference at the end of the day.

5. Be Sure to Eat

Eating food while drinking or eating something whenever you crave for alcohol may also help limit your intake of alcohol and reduce alcohol dependence. It may not work for every drinker, but you should try it at least and take advantage of it if you get good results.

6. Avoid Triggers

Avoiding your triggers will help whether you are trying to quit drinking or limit your intake of alcohol. Knowing the economic and social effects of alcoholwill help you identify places, people, things and activities that encourage you to drink. Identify all those triggers and avoid them as much as possible to reduce alcohol dependence.

7. Look for Distractions

While trying to break your addiction, you should also look for other ways to keep you busy. Substituting other activities during times when your alcohol cravings are high may help in a big way. You can begin an exercise program, spend time with family, or take up a hobby to keep yourself distracted.

Above all, you need to learn to say no any time you are in a social situation where drinking is not considered bad. It may start with one drink but it can hurt you bad. Every time someone offers you a drink, say no quickly and firmly. Stay in control of things to break this habit.