How many people's lives are cut short due to destructive and hazardous drinking? How many junior high, high school, and college students lose their lives every year due to an alcohol overdose? How many people are the victims of alcohol related crime or violence each and every year? How many people face severe consequences in their lives because they received a "driving under the influence conviction? On an annual basis, how many alcoholics fail to get the professional alcohol treatment they need? How many individuals get injured or lose their lives in alcohol related traffic accidents every year? How many people lose their lives each year from a condition that is one hundred percent preventable, such as alcohol poisoning? How many individuals lose their lives every year because of drinking problems? How many children are born each year with fetal alcohol syndrome?
So what is the primary reason for asking these questions? Mostly to stress the destructive and devastating nature of excessive and unhealthy drinking. In fact, and based on the questions articulated above, it's a wonder why anyone would choose to drink in an abusive and hazardous manner.
Stated more precisely, with the host of employment difficulties, health problems, financial issues, relationship dilemmas, and legal proceedings that are correlated with alcohol addiction and chronic alcohol abuse, why would any individual with a common sense mentality want to drink in an excessive and irresponsible manner? Indeed when some of the above topics are looked at more closely, abusive and careless drinking becomes more illogical and makes even less sense.
Wouldn't you think that heavy drinkers would be able to see some of the alcoholism symptoms that they exhibit? In a similar way, doesn't it seem logical to think that more heavy drinkers would be able to perceive some of the alcoholism signs that they display? In addition, wouldn't you think that individuals who are addicted to alcohol would try to learn more about their
alcoholic symptoms by researching various alcohol related facts, statistics, and information?
After reviewing the alcoholism and alcohol abuse research literature, the point is so important that it needs to be restated: With all of the dangerous and disastrous consequences that are even remotely associated with continuous and repetitive alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency, why would any person want to involve himself or herself in excessive and unhealthy drinking?
What can be done about the extensive nature of alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse in the U.S.? Firstly, society needs to get the message to more people about the damaging and debilitating effects of hazardous and excessive drinking. Secondly, individuals who are alcohol dependent or alcohol abusers need to look at themselves in the mirror and ask why they are not getting the professional alcohol rehabilitation they require.
Thirdly, our students need more meaningful and more relevant educational and preventative approaches and methods so that more students at all grade levels, including those who are at college, "get the word". And fourth, our students need to learn how to become problem solvers in life rather than resorting to the "instant gratification" and the "quick fix" of a drug or alcohol abuse "buzz" or "high".
There's lots of room for optimism and hope if people can start drinking in moderation and those who engage in careless and excessive drinking can become persuaded to get the alcohol treatment they need. Indeed, why put your loved ones through turmoil, pain, and suffering because of your hazardous drinking when you have the power to control your life by drinking in moderation or even quitting drinking if you cannot control your drinking behavior?
