Valley counselor explores the dangers of alcohol addiction
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Brad M. DeRoma, LIAC, CCTP
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By Brad M. DeRoma, LIAC, CCTP | Scottsdale Recovery Center
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to educate the public about the risks of alcohol misuse and to support those who may be questioning their relationship with drinking.
I like this quote by an unknow author: “Alcohol is a dissolvent. It dissolves families, marriages, friendships, jobs, bank accounts, and physical, mental and emotional health.”
When people think about alcohol addiction, the image that often comes to mind is of someone disheveled, drinking from a brown paper bag on a street corner or a patient in a hospital battling liver failure. But what about the social drinkers, the “gray area” drinkers or the so-called “functioning alcoholics?”
To understand the dangers of alcohol use, we must first examine why people drink. Common reasons include:
• To have fun
• To socialize
• To fit in
• To relax
• To help with sleep
• To calm anxiety or racing thoughts
• To numb uncomfortable emotions
While these perceived benefits may feel real in the moment, they often come with significant consequences, including:
• Impaired judgment and memory
• Hangovers (dehydration, headaches, nausea)
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries
• Heightened anxiety following alcohol use
• Disrupted sleep
• Avoidance of underlying issues
• Long-term health risks such as liver failure, heart disease, cancer, pancreatitis, neurological damage, weakened immunity, ulcers, stroke, diabetes, sexual dysfunction and, ultimately, death
The perceived benefits are often outweighed by these negative outcomes. For example, alcohol intended to promote relaxation may actually result in more stress. Social drinking can lead to isolation. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol use was responsible for more than 178,000 preventable deaths in the U.S. in 2022. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links alcohol consumption to several types of cancer, including mouth, throat, colon, liver, breast and pancreas.
There is hope, however. Trends show fewer young people are consuming alcohol, as noted by the NIAAA’s 2025 report on alcohol use and demographics. The popularity of nonalcoholic beverages, or “mocktails,” continues to grow. More individuals are exploring sobriety and reaping the benefits, including:
• Improved physical, mental and emotional well-being
• Stronger, more authentic relationships
• Increased presence and engagement in daily life
• Financial savings
Exploring sobriety may feel daunting, but many resources are available. Options include residential or outpatient treatment programs, individual therapy, and community-based support groups. Some well-known recovery communities include:
To find a treatment program, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration treatment locator at findtreatment.gov. Enter your ZIP code to explore tailored treatment options.
If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, you’re not alone. A growing number of people are rethinking their drinking habits, and help is available. Your loved ones will notice the difference and most importantly, so will you.
As a popular recovery saying goes, “I have never met a person who regretted getting sober.”
Editor’s note: Brad M. DeRoma, LIAC, CCTP is an independently licensed addictions counselor, therapist and clinical lead at Scottsdale Recovery Center. He is nine-plus years sober from alcohol. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
