Alcoholism, as it is commonly known, is referred to as alcohol dependence when diagnosed by a mental health professional. Alcoholism tends to run in families. There is evidence to support the idea that there is a genetic risk for some people to become alcoholics. According to the MayoClinic.com, alcoholism is a chronic condition that can take control of a person's life.
Memory Loss
The consumption of alcohol can impair a person's memory. Alcoholics tend to drink until they pass out. When a person consumes large quantities of alcohol over a short period of time, he increases his risk of experiencing a blackout. During blackouts, he is unable to recall what occurred in that time period. The constant intake of alcohol by alcoholics can lead to a reduction in their overall memory.
Mental Illness
Alcoholism can induce mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder. Alcohol is a drug that depresses your central nervous system, notes the MayoClinic.com. This can lead to feelings of depression. Alcohol consumption can also have an effect on the development of anxiety disorders. Many people drink alcohol to get rid of their anxieties, but alcohol actually increases anxiety levels as the effects of the alcohol consumption begin to fade. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, mental health disorders and alcohol use often occur in the same individuals.
Sleep Problems
The constant intake of alcohol can lead to problems with sleep. Passing out and sleeping do not have the same affects on a person's body. When a person passes out from consuming large amounts of alcohol, she will not be getting the necessary rest required. She does not go through the natural sleep cycle when she is intoxicated. Alcoholism will often cause a person to feel fatigued, keeping her from making clear and effective decisions.
BIrth Defects
When a pregnant mother cannot stop drinking alcohol, the adverse results can be significant, notes the MayoClinic.com. A child who is exposed to alcohol while his mother is pregnant is at high risk of developing mental health disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or autism. These children may also develop learning disabilities as a result of the significant negative affects alcohol can have on a baby's developing brain.
