Alcohol is an extremely powerful and highly addictive central nervous system depressant. Legal for purchase in the United States to anyone 21 years of age with appropriate ID, this liquid is obtained by the process of fermentation of carbohydrates by yeast or by distillation of both fruits and grains. While there are various types of alcohol, Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is the type of alcohol that is actually used to manufacture alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol Consumption Isn't Always a Problem
When used in moderation, alcohol may not become a problem for many consumers and according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), may even be beneficial. Moderation is defined as up to two drinks per day for both men and women. What constitutes a "drink"? A "drink" is defined as 12 oz. of beer or a wine cooler, a 5 oz. glass of wine or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof distilled spirits. While these beverages may vary in ounces, all three of them contain the same amount of alcohol and will effect the consumer equally for this reason. Studies have shown that moderate drinkers are less likely to die from a particular form of heart disease in comparison to those who choose not to drink alcohol at all, or those who regularly over indulge. It is believed that regular use of smaller amounts of alcohol actually help to protect against heart disease by changing the overall chemistry of the blood. This change helps to reduce the risk of blood clots in the arteries of the heart.
When Alcohol Becomes a Problem
Alcohol abuse can happen to any of us and for a variety of reasons, but it's important to note that some of us are naturally at a greater risk than others. Despite the lack of control we may experience when abusing alcohol, individuals can learn to regain control of their lives and live life without using alcohol as a crutch or escape.
The following list represents signs that alcohol may be a problem:
While the risk factors for alcoholism include a family history or genetics, it's important to note that many who struggle with anxiety, depression or low self esteem are also at risk for addiction. People who find themselves to feel socially out of place will often turn to alcohol to feel accepted by their peers and more comfortable in their surroundings. Both men and women are equally likely to develop an addiction to alcohol if there is a childhood history of being sexually or physically abused. Children and teenagers who take their first drink between the ages of 11 and 14 are at greater risk for developing a problem with alcohol, when comparing them to those who drink at any other age.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Alcoholism?
The long term effects of alcoholism or abuse can be devastating to the individual and their families, both physically and psychologically. Virtually every organ in the human body can be negatively impacted when alcohol is consumed over a long period of time in excessive amounts.
Specific examples of long term effects:
For those who struggle with alcohol and can't seem to get a grip on the vicious cycle of addiction, professional help may be in order. A treatment center that focuses on dealing with the individual as a whole is important, rather than focusing solely on the physical behavior of drinking. Learning to identify the reasons why a person turns to alcohol, discovering new ways to handle emotions and solve problems are greatly beneficial as they provide tools that can be taken home and applied to everyday life and circumstances. It takes courage to recognize when there is a problem and a strong desire to want to change the patterns and behavior.
Alcohol Consumption Isn't Always a Problem
When used in moderation, alcohol may not become a problem for many consumers and according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), may even be beneficial. Moderation is defined as up to two drinks per day for both men and women. What constitutes a "drink"? A "drink" is defined as 12 oz. of beer or a wine cooler, a 5 oz. glass of wine or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof distilled spirits. While these beverages may vary in ounces, all three of them contain the same amount of alcohol and will effect the consumer equally for this reason. Studies have shown that moderate drinkers are less likely to die from a particular form of heart disease in comparison to those who choose not to drink alcohol at all, or those who regularly over indulge. It is believed that regular use of smaller amounts of alcohol actually help to protect against heart disease by changing the overall chemistry of the blood. This change helps to reduce the risk of blood clots in the arteries of the heart.
When Alcohol Becomes a Problem
Alcohol abuse can happen to any of us and for a variety of reasons, but it's important to note that some of us are naturally at a greater risk than others. Despite the lack of control we may experience when abusing alcohol, individuals can learn to regain control of their lives and live life without using alcohol as a crutch or escape.
The following list represents signs that alcohol may be a problem:
- Drinking for the purpose of getting drunk
- Drinking alone
- Keeping it a secret
- Hiding alcohol
- Drinking to escape reality or problems
- Having problems at work, home, school or with the law due to your drinking
- Losing interest in activities you use to find enjoyable
- Getting irritated when you aren't able to drink
- Getting annoyed with those who are concerned that you may have a drinking problem
- Blackouts due to excessive drinking
- Building a tolerance / being able to consume larger amounts of alcohol
- Trouble stopping once you've gotten started
- Powerful urges to drink
- Withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nervousness and nausea
- People under the age of 21
- Those who take certain over-the-counter medications
- Women who are pregnant or who are actively trying to get pregnant
- Recovering alcoholics
- Anyone with a medical condition that can be made worse by alcohol consumption
- Anyone operating high-speed machinery or a vehicle that requires skill and alertness
While the risk factors for alcoholism include a family history or genetics, it's important to note that many who struggle with anxiety, depression or low self esteem are also at risk for addiction. People who find themselves to feel socially out of place will often turn to alcohol to feel accepted by their peers and more comfortable in their surroundings. Both men and women are equally likely to develop an addiction to alcohol if there is a childhood history of being sexually or physically abused. Children and teenagers who take their first drink between the ages of 11 and 14 are at greater risk for developing a problem with alcohol, when comparing them to those who drink at any other age.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Alcoholism?
The long term effects of alcoholism or abuse can be devastating to the individual and their families, both physically and psychologically. Virtually every organ in the human body can be negatively impacted when alcohol is consumed over a long period of time in excessive amounts.
Specific examples of long term effects:
- Poor nutrition
- Poor coordination
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Pancreatitis
- Hypertension
- Irregular heartbeat
- Impotence in men
- Irregular menstrual cycles in women
- Strokes
- Amnesia
- Confusion
For those who struggle with alcohol and can't seem to get a grip on the vicious cycle of addiction, professional help may be in order. A treatment center that focuses on dealing with the individual as a whole is important, rather than focusing solely on the physical behavior of drinking. Learning to identify the reasons why a person turns to alcohol, discovering new ways to handle emotions and solve problems are greatly beneficial as they provide tools that can be taken home and applied to everyday life and circumstances. It takes courage to recognize when there is a problem and a strong desire to want to change the patterns and behavior.
