Drinking alcohol is socially acceptable and legal in most countries, however most people are not fully educated on the health consequences of drinking too much alcohol and the risks it can have, Here are some facts about alcohol.
Alcohol is a drink containing ethanol. Ethanol is produced by the fermentation process of fruits, grains and other sugar sources.
Consumption of alcohol can change certain characteristics of a person, along with other effects such as, nausea, vomiting, dizziness. High consumption of alcohol can lead to an addiction, liver failure and in some extreme cases, death.
Alcohol Is A Depressant
Alcohol, if consumed for a long period of time can cause irreversible damage to your body. Alcohol impacts the brain in many ways, and as more alcohol is consumed, more depressive effects will start to occur. Effects such as impaired judgement, dulled senses, slow reaction times and it can also affect your vision.
People tend to drink alcohol as a means of relaxation, without realising that the effects of alcohol can actually induce anxiety, depression, and increase stress.
Changes To Your Brain
When alcohol is consumed, it starts to take effect on the complex structures of the brian. It blocks the chemicals signals between brain cells, causing the common effects of being drunk. Slurred speech, slow reflexes, memory loss.
If consumed over a longer period, the brain starts to adapt to the changes, and reacts more dramatically to certain chemicals. Even after the alcohol has left the system the brain continues to activate these cells, which leads to dangerous and potentially painful withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous
Withdrawing from alcohol is a hard process as the body has come accustomed to the high alcohol intake. Mild symptoms include, anxiety, nausea, headaches and insomnia.
In more serious cases, alcohol withdrawal can cause high blood hallucinations and even seizures.
Alcohol Is A Drug
Many people question if alcohol is a drug, the answer is yes. By definition, a drug is described as any substance apart from food which effects the functioning of the human body.
Weakens The Immune System
Abusing alcohol makes it more likely that you will be at a higher risk of getting illnesses and viruses. Alcohol interferes with your body’s natural process of creating cells which boost your immune system. On top of that, alcohol damages your liver. A Damaged liver stops your body from removing any harmful toxins and bacteria, leaving you more susceptible to becoming sick.
