Alcohol plays a major role in more than half of all Accidents and Suicides. Did you know that even less than two drinks could impair the ability to drive? Alcohol also increases the risk of accidental injuries from many other causes. One study of emergency room patients in the US found that having had more than one drink doubled the risk of injury and more than four drinks increased the risk eleven times.
Another study reported that among emergency room patients who were admitted for injuries, 47% tested positive for alcohol and 35% were intoxicated. Of those who were intoxicated, 75% showed evidence of chronic alcoholism.
Alcoholics and Domestic Violence and its effects on Family
Domestic violence is a common consequence of alcohol abuse. Research suggests that for women, the most serious risk factor for injury from domestic violence may be a history of alcohol abuse in her male partner. Alcoholism in parents also increases the risk for violent behaviour and abuse toward their children.
Children of alcoholics tend to do worse academically than others, have a higher incidence of depression, anxiety and stress and lower self-esteem than their peers. One study found that children who were diagnosed with major depression between the ages of six and 12 were more likely to have alcoholic parents or relatives than were children who were not depressed.
Alcoholic households are less cohesive, have more conflicts, and their members are less independent and expressive than households with non-alcoholic or recovering alcoholic parents. In addition to their own inherited risk for later alcoholism, one study in the US found that 41% of children of alcoholics have serious coping problems that may be life long. Adult children of alcoholic parents are at higher risk for divorce and for psychiatric symptoms.
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