Alcohol
Alcohol use is widespread, and it is the most commonly used and widely abused psychoactive drug in the country and is the most widely used 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 alcoholic beverages regardless of the negative effects created in the individual’s health and life.
Alcoholism is distinguished by the uncontrollable urges to consume alcohol. Alcoholism is one of the most common forms of addiction. Though the cause of alcoholism is unclear, researchers believe many factors are involved, including personality, family background and even genetics.
Alcoholism makes an individual incapable of knowing when they should stop drinking. Repeated abuse of alcohol leads to to alcoholism. There are many negative health effects and dangers from alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
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
Does Alcohol Affect Your Overall Health? Read more…
When Are Alcoholic Beverages Used?
Alcoholic beverages are available in many situations. As a legal drug, alcoholic beverages are 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 highly addictive and nearly 14 million people in the United States–1 in every 13 adults–abuse alcoholic beverages 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 alcoholic consumption can lead to an addiction to alcohol as well as other severe illnesses, such as anemia, ulcers, cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension, stroke, nerve damage, brain damage, hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancers of the liver, pancreas and esophagus. Long-term use of alcohol can permanently damage other 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. Alcoholism rehab programs provide courses and counseling to assist an individual in the treatment of alcohol addiction.
Do you have a drinking problem? Click here for more information about Alcoholism…
