Because of the fun it seems to provide, and the social barriers that it lifts, not many of us can really appreciate how destructive alcohol can be.
Many of us consume it in moderation, maybe a few times a week, if that. Others don't have a choice. Alcoholism is borne out of drinkers believing that they are dependent on the substance, whether that be caused by mental health, surroundings, or a feeling of meaningless.
The addiction in young adults is at a high, with American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders stating that the dependence comes from factors such as increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not used, unsuccessful efforts to cut down on alcohol use, and interference with everyday life. Approximately nine percent of people aged 18-25 are dependent.
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Credit: PA
Redditor Klamsykrawl, who suffered from similar things, has posted images of himself one year apart, outlining the effect alcohol previously had on his life.
He apparently used to polish off a 12 pack of lager and half a bottle of wine every week night, plus more on weekends, but for the past year hasn't had one drop.
He says he's lost 53 pounds and is now '1,000 times happier'.
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"I am an alcoholic," he wrote on Reddit. "It's still hard sometimes, but there's so many more positives now that the choice gets easier and easier.
"Just know that you can change when ever you want to. Just take the first step. It doesn't need to be a big step, just a step.
"It's a challenge, and it's worth it."
Credit: Reddit
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Looking much healthier, the Redditor is adamant that cutting out booze has helped to not only put him in a physically better state, but also a more stable mental state.
He is happier and stronger, but he says that he will probably never have the discipline to ever have another drink.
"As of now, I don't think I will ever have the discipline," he wrote. "One leads to two, two leads to four, a few months down the road I'll be back in the cycle of drinking constantly."
Well, you should be proud of yourself, mate.
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If you are suffering from something similar, there are always places that can help.
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Never suffer in silence.
Featured Image Credit: RedditTopics: Alcohol