7 Shocking Facts About Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is, unfortunately, one of the leading causes of unhappiness in today’s society. However, it would be very difficult to convince a “normal drinker” that drinking does not make him happy.

From the very moment we are born, our young minds are bombarded with the idea that alcohol quenches our thirst, tastes good, and makes us happy. We are told that it gives us confidence, relieves stress, and unleashes our imagination, and it is mistakenly associated with social success and partying.

Why Does Excessive Alcohol Consumption Fool Us?

Society often normalizes excessive alcohol consumption, ignoring the real consequences for our mental health. Does drinking in moderation make people happy? While it’s true that drinking may often seem like a normal part of life, there’s nothing natural about it.

90% of adults drink alcohol, but for some, it becomes a trap. It lures them in by making them believe they’re in control, giving them a sense of self-assurance: Why would I want to stop drinking if I enjoy it and it doesn’t cause me any problems?

We’ve all seen how, in a group of people out drinking and having fun, someone suddenly becomes violent for no apparent reason. Often, those around them blame that person for being “violent by nature.”

But what has happened is that alcohol has washed away his inhibitions, giving him a false sense of courage that unleashes his violence. If alcohol truly made people happy, there would be no violent or unhappy drinkers. It’s normal in society, but it’s not natural for our bodies.

The Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Consumption on Our Bodies

We must be aware that excessive alcohol consumption silently weakens our bodies. It acts as the “poison of euphoria” and is so powerful that it can weaken the immune system and impair concentration.

Although it seems to quench your thirst at first because of its water content, it actually makes it worse. The proof is that the day after a big party, you wake up in the middle of the night with a dry throat.

Alcohol addiction destroys the nervous system’s natural abilities to generate a sense of security and courage. The most extreme situations do not happen overnight; the decline is so gradual that it is difficult to realize what is happening.

Moderate addictions are the hardest to recognize. Alcohol becomes the “glue” that helps you socialize and keeps you from confronting the changes that inevitably affect us all. Routine makes us weak.

How can you recover from drinking too much?

One way to determine whether you have a dependency is to cut back on your drinking as much as possible. If this decision makes you unhappy, that’s when alcohol starts to become a problem. We must understand that tackling excessive drinking is the first step toward a fulfilling life.

The word “alcoholic” is fraught with stigma. To help someone, you shouldn’t use accusatory language that lowers their self-esteem. A good motto is: “You haven’t been abusing alcohol; alcohol has been abusing you.”

Tips for Making an Informed Decision

• Weigh the pros and cons. If you’ve made your decision, don’t hesitate or second-guess yourself.

• Avoid deprivation. Don’t think, “I must never drink again.” It’s better to feel that it’s wonderful to be the one in control of your emotions.

• Beat the “little monster.” During the first few days, you’ll feel like a part of you is asking for a drink. It’s just a mental trap that will fade as you regain control.

• Don’t rush. Don’t expect to become a “non-drinker” overnight. Willpower is something you build every day.

• Break up partnerships. Weddings, parties, vacations… Free yourself from the bondage of ingrained habits.

• Do not use substitutes. The key is to show yourself that you can enjoy life to the fullest and mindfully, without relying on anything external to fill your emptiness.

Never envy drinkers. Remember that they’re dancing on the edge of a cliff—a very clever scam that robs us of the pleasure of being aware that we’re alive and the security that intelligence gives us. For more information, you can consult the World Health Organization’s official information on this habit.