Let's Play the National Drinking Game!

Right off the bat, I want whoever's reading this to check out this video first:

Did you watch it? Good! That was an alcoholism PSA from foreverago that really puts our society's attitudes about alcohol into perspective. Now, some may say that the voice-over was just being a buzzkill, and to those people, I say, "shush." During the first half of the disembodied voice's questions, the party goers seemed to make light of everything, until they actually examined themselves and realized that they meet the criteria for having a drinking problem. Obviously the criteria listed in the video is probably outdated as crap, so let's look at how the DSM-IV defines both alcohol abuse and dependence:

To fit the DSM-IV's qualifications for alcohol abuse, a person must meet one or more of the following over the course of one year.

• Role Impairment (e.g. failed work or home obligations)
• Hazardous use (e.g. Driving, swimming or operating machinery while intoxicated)
• Legal problems related to Alcohol use
• Social or interpersonal problems due to Alcohol

To fit the DSM-IV's qualifications for alcohol dependence, a person must meet three or more of the following over the course of one year:

• Tolerance (increased drinking to achieve same effect)
• Alcohol Withdrawal signs or symptoms
• Drinking more than intended
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on use
• Excessive time related to Alcohol (obtaining, hangover)
• Impaired social or work activities due to Alcohol
• Use despite physical or psychological consequences

What's troubling to me is that I know people who brag about the stuff on those lists. These are things that could lead to health consequences, yet people don't seem to care. You may be wondering why I care so much, and my answer is that I've been around alcoholics my whole life. Relatives, friends, you name it. I know someone who literally can't go anywhere without drinking. If he leaves the house and knows he's not driving, he drinks in the car. If he goes out to eat somewhere, he orders alcohol, regardless of the time of day. The sad part is that this isn't even the worst of it. I have relatives who have health issues because of their drinking, yet they continue to do it. I have several friends who have been in some scary and stupid situations because of alcohol. The list goes on, I assure you.

I think it goes without saying that I don't drink. Never have, never will. A big part of it is that my father is an alcoholic. I'm lucky enough that he's a functioning alcoholic and it hasn't affected my family much aside from our concerns about his health, but that fact doesn't provide much comfort. Over the years, there have been numerous studies linking alcoholism to genetics. Knowing this, I've decided that it's best for me to stay away from it altogether.

The biggest thing I've always wondered about is why people drink. It certainly doesn't smell good and I can't imagine that it tastes any better, so I've always assumed that it was the effect it had on people that keeps them coming back for more. "But, Stevan! What, exactly, does it do to your brain!?" you may be asking. Well, I'll tell you. Alcohol combines with GABA to make its effects last longer while also blocking activity from the glutamate receptors. Additionally, alcohol increases the stimulation of opiate and dopamine receptors. "But, Stevan! You're using a bunch of big words and I don't have a fancy college education like you do!" you are saying. Put simply, alcohol makes you feel good and care about stuff less.

Before I wrap it up, I feel like I should make something clear. Despite my personal feelings and experiences regarding alcohol, I don't think it's a bad thing. In moderation, alcohol can help relieve stress and some say it's even good for your heart. I know there are plenty of people who know how to drink responsibly, and I'm sure they make up the majority of drinkers. The problem is that there are still a large number of people in the minority who don't drink responsibly...and some of these people have cars.

Seacrest out!