The Effects of Alcohol on Performance

People may consume alcohol for pleasure and socializing with friends and family. Others consume a daily drink or two for health reasons. These are acceptable ways to consume alcohol, as they are not disturbing to or harming the consumer or the people around him. The flip side of this picture is the drinker who is unable to set limits to his drinking, becomes addicted to alcohol and may be at risk of becoming an alcoholic. The more the person drinks, the greater the effects on his performance.

Short-term Effects

• Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and the effects of drinking can be felt in the body in as little as 10 minutes after having a drink. Many people have a drink at a party or happy hour to relieve feeling anxious, shy or other inhibitions that may prevent them from socializing with their peers. They may experience a mild euphoria or "buzzed" feeling. Their social performance is improved, yet they know when to stop. They have a drink or two to relax and enjoy the company of others, and their behavior remains within socially acceptable limits.

Mental Health Issues

• People who suffer from underlying mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorders may self-medicate with alcohol to numb the pain they are feeling or to level out their severe ups and downs. They may think they are helping themselves, but their performance in all areas is greatly hampered by their problem drinking. Talking to a therapist or taking prescription medication for their mental health issues is also hampered by their alcohol addiction. At this stage, their dependency on alcohol needs to be dealt with, followed by treating their mental health problems.

Marital Problems

• People who abuse alcohol may become abusive towards their spouses, significant others or families. This may take the form of physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse. All abuse is devastating to its victims, and alcohol is not a reason for someone to abuse. The victims need to remove themselves from the alcoholic's life at this point, as the alcohol has become more important that any relationships he may have. Steer the alcohol abuser or alcoholic towards treatment and let him know you'll return if he sticks to treatment. Avoid listening to empty promises from the alcoholic; be firm and walk away. In the case of severe abuse, you may not be willing to give the abuser a second chance; that is your choice as well.

Financial Problems

• As a person's alcohol problems increase, he may find that he is sluggish, fatigued and unable to concentrate. He may lose information for important meetings or forget to call in to work. The alcohol abuser may arrive at work drunk or pick fights with coworkers. He often loses track of how much he is drinking once he starts and is unable to see he has a problem even when it is pointed out. At this stage, he may be spending a great deal of his earnings on his drinking habit. He may go into debt over his addiction. Alcohol abusers may become full-blown alcoholics. Many are fired or quit when things don't go their way. This leads to financial problems for all those involved, including his wife and children. Loss of wages could mean loss of the family home.