What are the physical effects of alcohol abuse?
Since alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, it decreases one’s judgment, control over impulses, and coordination. This makes drinkers more likely to be involved in arguments, violence, and auto accidents. In fact, alcohol is involved in half of all traffic deaths and one-third of traffic injuries, suicides, and crimes. Roughly 200,000 deaths each year are related to alcohol use. Long-term heavy drinking can also cause serious damage to the heart, liver and brain. HOW IS ALCOHOLISM TREATED? Alcoholism can be treated very effectively, particularly when treatment is sought early. Although there is no known cure, many alcoholics can return to fully productive lives through complete abstinence from alcohol and other addictive drugs. More than 1.5 million Americans are currently in recovery. Among the most effective ways to treat alcoholism are self-help programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Rational Recovery Systems, and Women for Sobriety. Other treatment optio
