Harmful effects of alcohol

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.