Alcoholism Is No Game It Is a Chain
Author Unknown

Alcoholism’s “CHAIN” of Command

1 – TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

A new study by the College of American Pathologist states that 9 OUT OF 10 traffic accidents may involve drunken drivers. Alcohol in the blood slows reaction time, reduces muscle coordination, and impairs eyesight. Two beers, two four-ounce glasses of wine, or two mixed drinks can impair driving ability by 25% – enough to turn a near-miss into a fatal accident.

A person does not have to be really drunk to be dangerous: half-drunk drivers are dangerous, too.

2 – FATAL OVERDOSE

Everyone knows that an overdose of sleeping pills can be deadly. However many do not realize that alcohol works in much the same way. Persons who have consumed a large amount of alcoholic beverage or have passed out after drinking may be in grave danger. Someone who drinks too much can actually stop breathing and die.

3 – BIRTH DEFECTS

Babies born to women alcoholics are often deformed and retarded. This is called the “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.” Since alcohol reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the unborn child, drinking any amount of alcohol may be risky, even in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Women who consume two normal-size drinks a day are likely to give birth to babies weighing, on the average, six ounces less than babies of mothers who do not drink. Relatively small amounts of alcohol – as little as two drinks a day, twice a week – can greatly increase the risk of miscarriage.

The Surgeon General of the United States has said: “Pregnant women should avoid alcoholic beverages.” Always remember: A pregnant woman never drinks alone!

4 – DAMAGE TO THE BODY

Alcohol goes directly into the blood stream. It damages the liver, kidneys, heart and brain. Some doctors believe that every drink a person consumes kills some brain cells. Chronic alcoholics often suffer structural brain damage.

Drinking is the third leading cause of death in the United States, right behind heart disease and cancer, though it may actually contribute to both these diseases as well. Heavy drinking can lead to congestive heart failure. It increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, rectum and lungs.

The use of alcohol can also cause hyperthermia – a life-threatening condition in which blood temperature drops far below normal. Alcohol widens the blood vessels and draws heat away from the center of the body.

5 – ADDICTION

Alcohol is an addictive drug. A person may have a strong will power and still be unable to stop drinking. A compulsion to drink, inability to limit the number of drinks, or memory loss after drinking are symptoms. Normally speaking, it can be predicted that alcohol addiction shortens the life expectancy by 12 to 15 years.

The above article, “Alcoholism Is No Game It Is a Chain” was written by Author Unknown. The article was excerpted from First Pentecostal Church in New Orleans, LA.

The material is copyrighted and should not be reprinted under any other name or author. However, this material may be freely used for personal study or research purposes.