Dear Steemit friends, i would like to share with us as well as sensitize us on alcohol consumption and the negative effects
it does to endanger our lives. most people take alcohol because they want to get high, some take alcohol to take away shyness
some take it out of propotion without knowing the damages they are causing to them themselves.
Firstly, i would start by defining what is alcohol
Alcohol in chemistry is any organic substance or compound in which the hydroxyl functional group (-OH) is bound to a saturated
carbon atom. i.e R-OH
where: -OH=> The hydroxyl funcional group
R=> The saturated carbon atom
the term ALCOHOL which we consume refers to the primary ethanol called "ethyl alcohol" which is used as a drug and it is the main
alcohol present in alcohol beverages. in general, alcohol is defined as the main ingredient found in beer, wine, and spirit that leads or causes drunkeness.alcohol has a toxic substance which is called ACETIC ACID, (CH3COOH) and this substance causes what wecall HANG OVER.
ALCOHOLISM:This is a disease characterised by uncontrollable drinking and pre-occupation with alcohol, it is also called alcohol
dependence. A person who engages in the continous habits of drinking is called an "ALCOHOLIC". Acoholism occurs when a person drinks
so much that the body eventually becomes dependent or addicted to alcohol, and it becomes the most important thing in that person's
life.
CAUSES OF DRINKING ALCOHOL
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) which is the constant abuse of alcohol is not known. although, the Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) develops when one drinks so much
that chemical changes in the brain occur. These changes increase the pleasurable feelings you get and gives you the excitement or
happiness when you take alcohol.This makes a person want to drink more often, even if it causes harm.
Statistics shows that people with AUD will continue to drink even when drinking causes them to loose their job.
Drinkng alcohol is also caused by peer-pressure, friends family culture curiosity e.t.c..
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DRINKING ALCOHOL
More than 15 drinks per week in men and 12 in women may lead to a parent Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) if practiced constantly
High level of stress
Low self esteem
It may also lead to mental health problem such as; depression,anxiety or schizorphrenia
SHORT TERM EFFECT INVOLVES
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Headaches
- Breathing difficulties
- Impaired judgements
- Unconsciousness
- Annemia
- Loss of memory (Blackout)
LONG TERM EFFECTS OF DRINKING ALCOHOL
Alcohol effects in men and women occurs differently. This is because men have more muscle tissues while women have more fat tissues.
Hence, alcohol is diluted more in men than in women, as such when a womand drinks alcohol, she feels the dose sooner than the man will.
When a person drinks alcohol, about 80% remains in the stomach and 20% goes to the small intestine. The alcohol is then absorbed into
the bloodstream. The blood then carries the alcohol throughout the body and the alcohol enters each tissue of the body causing and exerting
its effects.
THE LONG TERM EFFECTS INCLUDES:
Liver Disease:- Liver cirrhosis occurs which brings about the impairment and death of liver cells leading to the formation of abnormal
scar tissue. This makes the liver unable to perform its function in detoxifying diseases and secreating bile.
Effects on Kidney:- Alcohol may cause kidney stones which may hinder the slow passage and removal of waste materials from the body. If these
by-products are not removed, it can lead to infection that may lead to death.
Effects on Reproductive System:- Alcohol abuse can affect the reproduction and processing of reproductive hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone.
For men it causes impotency and for women, leading to menstrual irregularities.
The Brain:- Alcohol can affect the brain communication pathway and how the brain works. This disruption can cause change in behaviour and mood, and make
it harder to think clearly and move. Someone who abuses alcohol cannot think clearly, function, making the body open for disease attack. Also affects the skin by dehydrating the body. It can also lead to permanent brain damage.
Effects on the Heart:- Alcohol can cause irregular heart beats and high blood pressure.
Cancer:- Studies show that increase in the intake of alcohol can cause various forms of cancer such as cancer of the mouth, cancer of the breast/ cancer of the
colon in both men and women, cancer of the liver e.t.c.
- It affects the immune system and weaken its protective fuction by making the body open for disease attack.
Gastritis:- This means theinflammation of the stomach walls.
In my next post, I will be talking about the avoidance from alcoholism.
Thanks for reading kindly upvote comment and resteem
