Alcoholism: A Social Problem

Alcoholism is widely viewed as a major social problem due to its diverse effects that not only impact on an individual drinker, but also on the society as a whole. This is particularly because the damaging effects of alcoholism are directly linked to many social evils which may affect individuals otherwise not related to the drinker. According to Wells and Graham (34), the society normally pays a heavy price for alcoholism in the form of traffic accidents, family or domestic problems, health issues and medical expenses and interpersonal violence.

One of the major social consequences of alcoholism is its potential negative impacts on the family. Studies suggest that alcoholism is behind a significantly high percentage of the instances of domestic violence including physical or verbal abuse of spouses or children, and is responsible for the break up of many marriages. For example, intoxicated events can have lasting consequences in the family through domestic violence. In addition, money spent on buying alcohol particularly by heavy drinkers may divert scant economic resources that could have otherwise been used for the benefit of the family. It is also worth noting that children living in the family with an alcoholic normally have higher rates of depression, lower grades and frequently feel socially isolated.

Another important damaging effect of alcoholism to the society is related to its link with higher rates of violent crime and conflicts in neighborhoods. Generally, the consumption of alcohol particularly at higher levels is widely considered to be a significant risk factor for violence and crime. Recent statistics indicates that the offenders in a majority of violent crimes are more likely to be under the influence of alcohol than any other drug.

Lastly, there is also a clear connection between alcohol abuse and a majority of automobile accidents. This is particularly attributed to the diverse negative effects of alcohol on poor judgment of individuals. For example, as a depressant, alcohol usually slows down the brain and the body’s responses. On the other hand, intoxicated individuals also have an increased tendency to take risks. Combined, the two factors significantly increase the likelihood of accidents on our roads.

In conclusion, it is particularly well established that alcoholism can severely impair an individual’s functioning in various social roles. Although the permissive attitude of the contemporary society promotes the usage of alcohol in a diverse variety of ways, addiction or abuse of alcohol is linked to numerous harmful consequences for the individual drinker as well as the society as a whole.