Alcohol
Alcohol use is widespread, and it is the most commonly used and widely abused psychoactive drug in the country. Alcohol is the most widely tried drug among teenagers. Even young teens report irresponsible use of alcohol and 25% of 8th graders have been drunk. Alcoholism is the inability to stop drinking alcohol, the continued abuse of alcohol.
Alcohol addiction is distinguished by the inability to stop drinking alcohol. Alcoholism is one of the most common forms of drug addiction. Though the cause of alcoholism is unclear, researchers believe many factors are involved, including personality, family background and even genetics.
What is Alcohol?
Alcohol is an intoxicating beverage that contains ethanol. It is a depressant and it numbs the nervous system producing a relaxing effect in the user. Small amounts may act as a stimulant, resulting in talkativeness, loss of inhibitions, mood swings and emotional outbursts. Alcoholic is the term used to describe an individual addicted to alcohol consumption.
What are the effects of Alcohol use?
Within moments of ingestion, alcohol reaches the brain where it:
- Stimulates and agitates, initially producing euphoria
- Depresses and sedates, producing calmness and tranquility
- Anesthetizes
- Induces a hypnotic state and sleep
The physical effects include:
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Impaired balance
The effects of large amounts of alcohol can include:
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Blackouts
- Coma
- Death
When is alcohol used?
Many different people use alcohol in many situations. As a legal drug, alcohol is widely accepted in social settings and is consumed at public and private events, celebrations and in sites especially established for its consumption such as bars or nightclubs. Alcohol abuse is when alcohol is consumed by those not of legal age, more then the recommended amount or use that happens despite any negative consequences the abuse produces.
Who uses alcohol?
Alcohol is addictive and nearly 14 million people in the United States–1 in every 13 adults–abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. However, more men than women are alcohol dependent or experience alcohol-related problems. In addition, rates of alcohol problems are highest among young adults ages 18-29 and lowest among adults 65 years and older. Among major U.S. ethnic groups, rates of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems vary.
Prolonged, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholism as well as other severe illnesses, such as anemia ulcers, cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension, stroke, nerve damage, brain damage, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and cancers of the liver, pancreas and esophagus. Long-term use of alcohol can permanently damage organs of the body, particularly the brain, liver and heart.
Treatment for alcohol addiction
There are many drug rehab programs available that can assist an individual in recovering from alcoholism. Alcohol is a very addictive drug and withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Many individuals require a supervised detoxification program to assist with withdrawal. Alcohol rehab programs provide courses and counseling to assist an individual in recovering from alcohol addiction.
