HEALTH PROBLEMS FROM ALCOHOL (ETHANOL)
\nAlcohol (ethanol) is the name of the drug that alters mood that is consumed alone or in social settings. Other types of alcohol are methanol and propanol.
\nEFFECTS OF ALCOHOL INTAKE
\nChanges in the body are felt within a few minutes after consumption of alcohol. Immediate effect is relief of anxiety. Prolonged consumption heightens anxiety.
\n Absorption is through the stomach and small intestine. 5% is excreted through the lungs; 5% is eliminated through urine, and the rest is metabolized in the liver. Excessive indulgence in alcohol can lead to alcohol use disorder or alcoholism.
\nALCOHOL USE DISORDER\/ALCOHOLISM
\nAlcohol use disorder or alcoholism can lead to malnutrition, road traffic accidents, financial problems, and reduced resistance to diseases. Other problems include poor performance at work and school, relationship problems, and mental and behavioural changes.
\nAlcohol use disorder is characterized by lack of control of quantity of alcohol intake, requiring larger amounts of alcohol for same effect, feeling incapable of stopping to take alcohol, craving for alcohol very early in the morning, and going for drinks with higher alcohol content.<\/p>\n
RISK FACTORS THAT LEAD TO ALCOHOLISM
\n\uf0a7\tPeer pressure
\n\uf0a7\tFamily history of alcoholism
\n\uf0a7\tStarting to take alcohol at early age
\n\uf0a7\tDepression\/loneliness
\n\uf0a7\tHistory of emotional trauma
\n\uf0a7\tCultural factors
\n\uf0a7\tMental disorders<\/p>\n
ALCOHOL INTOXICATION
\nThis occurs after consumption of large amount of alcohol. Manifestations include abnormal behaviour, poor judgement, slurred speech, poor attention, unstable mood, coma and possibly, death. <\/p>\n
HEALTH COMPLICATIONS OF ALCOHOLISM
\nLiver
\nAlcohol can produce Hepatic Steatosis, Alcoholic Hepatitis, Fatty Liver and Liver Cirrhosis.
\nDigestive tract
\nAlcohol can give rise to (or exacerbate) Gastritis, Stomach ulcer, Oesophageal Ulcer, Pancreatitis, Hypoglycaemia and Vitamin B deficiency.
\nHeart
\nAlcoholism can promote Hypertension, Cardiomyopathy, Heart Failure, Heart Arrhythmias, and Stroke.
\nBrain
\nBrain complications include Dementia, Encephalopathy and Brain toxicity.
\nSexual Organs
\nAlcoholism can produce Erectile Dysfunction, and Irregular Menses.
\nEye
\nAlcohol can induce Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), and weakness of eye muscles.
\nUnborn Child
\nAlcohol intake can induce miscarriages and birth defects.
\nCancer
\nAlcoholism increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, oesophagus, colon and breast.
\nBone
\nAlcoholics tend to have Osteoporosis, with weakened bone that is susceptible to fractures. Damage to bone marrow can lead to anaemia and bleeding disorders.
\nNervous System
\nAlcoholism can lead to numbness in hands and feet, disordered thinking, memory loss, and disorientation.
\nImmune System
\nWeakened immune system leads to susceptibility to infections and other diseases.
\nDrug Interactions
\nAlcohol is a drug and concomitant intake of certain drugs may lead to drug interactions.
\nAccidents and Injuries
\nAlcoholics are prone to road traffic accidents, personal injuries from falls, getting involved in fights, rape and suicides. <\/p>\n
ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL
\nCertain symptoms and signs usually accompany sudden stoppage of heavy alcohol consumption. These include sweating, palpitations, hand tremors, sleeplessness, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, violent behavior, anxiety, and seizures.<\/p>\n
TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM
\nEffects of alcoholism may be psychological, physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Therefore treatment should involve doctors, counselors, psychologists, social workers, clergy and family. There are drugs that help. Group therapy may be helpful. There may be need to remove an individual from social environment that promotes alcohol intake.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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