Assignmentc9: Risky Drinking

The information contained within this paper is a reflection of the video "HBI Documentary: Risk drinking (2015). Research indicates that a significant percentage of young adult Americans binge drink as part of their social interactions. Approximately 70% of Americans drink alcohol, but an estimated 1/3 are involved in risky drinking (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). The film gives an insight into what entails risky drinking.

The " Risky Drinking" documentary presents practical examples of individuals struggling with alcohol abuse. It provides a broad view of the effects of irresponsible drinking and the numerous impacts it could have on the victims or their loved ones (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). It provides evidence on how what people may refer to as stress relieving could turn into risky drinking and negatively affect their lives.

In addition, the documentary helps illustrate how individuals struggling with alcohol dependency could get assistance. Alcohol abuse, in most cases, negatively affects one's social interactions and ability to retain employment and manage a family (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). The documentary plays a critical role in eliminating the romanticism around alcohol abuse by presenting the reality of different Americans at different ages and stages and the severe impacts of drinking (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). Therefore, it is crucial to focus on regulating alcohol intake to avoid it.

Kenzie is a professional young adult who binges drinks over the weekends. She binges on drinks with friends to refresh after a stressful week. However, during one holiday, she drinks excessively to deal with breakup stress, resulting in an emotional breakdown (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). She lost control and burst into tears each night. As her friend says, drinking risks her life, " we haven't gotten raped or murdered yet," indicating the various dangers they are exposed to due to “Risky Drinking” (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). However, although she feels guilty for her behavior, she still indulges in binge drinking. The case of Kenzie indicates how individuals between 18 and 34 years are at risk of binge drinking in America.

Neal, a grandfather, is dependent on alcohol and can't avoid it despite his deteriorating physical health. Neal has tried rehabilitation and detox multiple times in vain, and he is unable to function without alcohol and risks dying after years of alcoholism (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). For instance, his wife convinces him to get a detox after she finds him drinking in the parking lot during working hours, making him stay sober for some time but relapses. It had been four years of struggling to quit/ control alcohol intake by attending rehabs and detoxication 12 times in vain (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). He shakes if he does not drink and hence finds it difficult to quit drinking.

On the other hand, Mike's dependency on alcohol prevents him from establishing a healthy relationship with his son and wife. He is trying to build a new career and life, but alcohol dependency prevents him, as his teenage son states (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). He tries rehabilitation to rescue his marriage, but his wife decides to walk away due to domestic violence, leaving him helpless. He tries to participate in an alcohol moderation program but still relapses (HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015) 2017). Unable to stop alcohol dependency illustrates individuals' difficulties in reducing alcohol intake; hence, the need to manage alcohol-drinking behavior before it gets out of control.

The "Risky Drinking" documentary provides statistics and real-life examples of how alcohol dependency negatively affects individuals at different ages and stages. However, it also highlights different procedures that could be used to control dependence on alcohol, such as detox, rehabilitation, and alcohol management programs.

References

YouTube. (2017, April 4). HBO Documentary: Risky drinking (2015). YouTube.youtube.com/watch?v=_1gQ4iM6N4M