Alcohol is a dangerous substance that is toxic to the brain.
It can cause permanent brain damage
when taken in excess, leading to a decline
in mental function. It is also a
leading cause of death in the Western world. In 2010, there were nearly
9000 alcohol-related deaths in the UK alone, and that outnumbers the deaths
caused by all illegal drugs combined.
In large amounts, alcohol causes changes in the brain, resulting in intoxication. People who
have overused alcohol may stagger, lose their coordination, and slur their
speech. They will probably be confused and disoriented. Depending on the
person, intoxication can make someone very friendly and talkative or very
aggressive and angry. Reaction times are slowed dramatically — which is why
people are told not to drink and drive.
When large amounts of alcohol
are consumed in a short period of time, alcohol poisoning can result.
Alcohol poisoning is exactly what it sounds like — the body has become poisoned
by large amounts of alcohol. Violent vomiting is usually the first symptom of
alcohol poisoning. Extreme sleepiness, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing,
dangerously low blood sugar, and even death may result.
Harmful
effects of alcohol
Alcohol is a major cause of ill health; it causes and contributes to a wide range of
serious health problems, accidents and deaths.
• There were 8,790 alcohol related deaths in 20108; the equivalent
to a jumbo jet crashing every 17 days.1
• Alcohol accounts for 80% of deaths
from liver disease.1
• Alcohol is the second biggest risk factor for cancer after smoking.2
Alcohol causes and contributes to numerous health problems including liver and
kidney disease; cancers of the mouth and throat, liver, breast cancer; acute
and chronic pancreatitis; heart disease; high blood pressure; depression;
stroke and foetal alcohol syndrome.3
Addiction means a person has no control over whether he or she uses a
drug or drink. Someone who's addicted to some drug has grown so used to it that
he or she has to have it. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or
both.
Physical Addiction
Being physically addicted
means a person's body actually becomes dependent on a particular substance
(even smoking is physically addictive). It also means building tolerance
to that substance, so that a person needs a larger dose than ever before to get
the same effects.
Someone who is physically
addicted and stops using a substance like drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes may
experience withdrawal symptoms. Common symptoms of withdrawal are
diarrhea, shaking, and generally feeling awful.
Psychological
Addiction
Psychological addiction
happens when the cravings for a drug are psychological or emotional. People who
are psychologically addicted feel overcome by the desire to have a drug.
They may lie or steal to get it. Their whole life centers around the need for
the drug
Unfortunately, overcoming addiction is not easy. Quitting drugs or drinking is probably
one of the hardest things a person can ever do. It's not a sign of weakness if
you need professional help from a trained drug counselor or therapist. Most
people who try to cope with a drug or alcohol problem need professional
assistance or a treatment program to do so.
