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Physiological and Sociological Effects of Alcohol

The immediate effects of alcohol are seen quickly and easily. Slurred speech and suppressed inhibitions are easily observable behaviors. The long-term physiological and sociological effects of alcohol can take longer to manifest, and be difficult to reverse. Some of these result in difficulty performing certain day-to-day activities, and achieving certain life goals.

  1. Brain Damage

    • Research has shown that children who drink alcohol during adolescence can suffer from permanent brain damage. They do not remember as much of what they learned during the school day, and are more likely to have poor performance in school than their nondrinking peers. Even adolescents who consume only moderate amounts of alcohol can suffer this damage, which can affect them well into adulthood, especially if they continue to drink.

    Liver

    • The liver is part of the body's way of cleansing itself of toxins. Alcohol is one such toxin and unless a liver condition already exists, there are usually no problems with cleansing the body of small amounts of alcohol. However, when large amounts of alcohol are dumped into the system, it becomes difficult to rid the body of these toxins; serious medical conditions, like fatty liver and hyperlipidemia, can be the result.

    Alienating Friends

    • While you may disagree with some of the things your friends do or say, you are careful to keep a lid on your true feelings about their latest relationships and career plans because they're your friends. However, when a few ounces of alcohol have made their way into your system, your ability to filter your words begins to fail. The alcohol you consume may help you cross the line between "helpful adviser" and "offensive smother mother," effectively alienating your closest friends. You may even spout off some words specifically meant to hurt in an alcohol-fueled fit of anger.

    Family Effects

    • The effects of alcoholism on family are perhaps the most difficult. While many families share a glass of wine with dinner, or have a cocktail in the evening and see no negative effects, families of alcoholics live with watching a loved one slowly deteriorate. Children of alcoholics commonly show symptoms of depression, guilt and phobic behavior. Seventy-five percent of familial battery cases involve an alcoholic and 30 percent of father-daughter cases of incest involve alcoholism. Spouses of alcoholics often display similar effects, such as feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Even if an alcoholic seeks treatment, the effects he leaves on family members may be lasting.

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