The Hidden Harm of Drinking: How Alcohol Affects Those Around the Drinker

Drinking alcohol is not only harmful to the individual engaging in the behavior but also impacts everyone around them. This article delves into the secondhand harms of drinking, particularly how destructive behavior due to alcohol affects and harms loved ones and society at large.

The Impact on Family and Loved Ones

Alcoholism is often referred to as a 'family disease' because it affects not just the individual but the entire household. It is a complex issue that can cause physical, psychological, and emotional harm to family members. One of the most concerning aspects of alcoholism is the verbal and sometimes physical abuse that can occur between family members or even among them.

Verbal Abuse and Psychological Harm

Family members of alcoholics often live in fear and anxiety, witnessing the destructive behavior and verbal abuse caused by alcohol. Children, being particularly sensitive, can be deeply affected. In some cases, they may even internalize the abuse, believing they are the cause of the violence or that the abuse is a personal attack. For instance, the author of this piece had two alcoholic parents and had to witness frequent arguments, which often resulted in physical altercations between the parents, leaving marks and scarring.

As an additional layer of emotional burden, siblings of the alcoholic may also suffer. In the case of the author, upon facing the violent behavior in the household, they had to take on the role of a caretaker, trying to keep a mentally challenged sibling calm during and after the conflicts.

Physical Harm and Emotional Trauma

Physical harm caused by alcoholism can be severe, with victims often facing injuries from verbal and physical altercations. In some cases, innocent bystanders can also get hurt, such as the author's mother who was bruised from blocked punches during arguments with her husband, despite not being the target of physical violence herself.

The Societal Impact of Alcoholism

Alcoholism extends beyond the immediate family and affects society at large, causing a ripple effect of negative consequences.

Increasing Incidents of Violence and Accidents

Alcohol abuse significantly contributes to a higher incidence of violent incidents, such as domestic violence, child abuse, and even motor vehicle accidents. According to research, a substantial portion of head-on collisions, a particularly deadly form of automobile accident, is attributed to drunk and drugged drivers. This not only endangers the driver but others on the road as well. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can lead to erratic and dangerous behavior, making individuals more prone to accidents that result in severe injuries or deaths.

Economic Consequences

Alcoholism imposes significant financial burdens on individuals, families, and society as a whole. The cost of maintaining a dependence on alcohol is extremely high, leading to severe financial distress. Beer, wine, and spirits are not excessively expensive, but the cumulative cost over time can be devastating. Moreover, alcoholism can result in unemployment or underemployment, thereby decreasing the financial stability of a household and community.

Dangerous Work Environments

Workplaces are not immune to the negative impacts of alcoholism. The presence of a drunk employee can create a hazardous work environment, posing risks to both the employee and their colleagues. This can lead to accidents, decreased productivity, and a hostile work atmosphere, ultimately affecting overall job performance and safety.

Conclusion

Alcoholism is a multifaceted issue that affects not just the individual but those around them and society at large. From verbal and physical abuse to financial distress and increased safety hazards, the damages caused by alcoholism are profound and far-reaching. Understanding these hidden harms is crucial for promoting awareness, supporting those affected, and working towards a healthier, safer community.