It begins harmless enough, many before the age of 21. A beer, a wine cooler, glass of wine, mixed drink and something fruity that packs a punch and it was probably lighthearted and fun. So at what point does that turn into dependency and what repercussions does it bear if it becomes out of hand?

Quite simply, it can destroy everything you hold dear: your health, loved ones, finances, job, and education

Let’s talk about health, Long-term effects of consuming large quantities of alcohol can lead to: nutritional deficiencies, sexual dysfunction, stomach issues like nausea, diarrhea, and ulcers, high blood pressure, several types of cancer, permanent damage to vital organs and lowered immune system.

It sneaks up on you and flies under the radar, first it’s a weekend out with the friends you drink too much, more weekends arise maybe a quick stop after work with the guys, it was a long day after all. This is when things change. You are now going out for the buzz not for the friends; it’s even more of a lure if you have alcohol dependent friends.

*Marcus was fighting all the time with his girlfriend and was miserable, he went out drinking to forget or dull his problems. Then he drove away and got caught and must have an embarrassing breathalyzer in his car (it has zero tolerance and won’t start unless he’s free of any alcohol). He’s lucky; many others have taken people’s lives.  

*Lorraine’s parents were killed by a drunk driver one night, it orphaned ten children instantly. If they had called a cab, slept in their car or called a friend thirteen lives would have been different.

Alcohol packs many calories; you can easily consume half a day’s worth in one evening.  It’s also quite expensive, many drinks several dollars each. 

*Tim recently confessed that he ran his credit card up $2000 recently with all the meals and drinks out. His work is lacking, he’s now sick most of the time and his job is on the line.

<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/08/26/20/08/alcohol-428392__340.jpg</center>
<a href="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/08/26/20/08/alcohol-428392__340.jpg">image source</a>

Loved ones sit by and watch you change from the person they loved into someone they don’t recognize. You are irritable, withdrawn, your emotions waver, you become unpredictable and it tears families apart.

It is a disease, it does require intervention and it can be prevented.
 
*names changed to protect the real person’s identity (these are real situations)