Avoiding AlcoholConsumption and abuse of alcohol
has been a major public health problem from time immemorial. Alchohol (Ethyl alcohol
or ethanol) made out of Fermented grain, fruit juice and honey is a depressant,
and if taken in small amounts relaxes the mind and reduce anxieties.
Alcohol is a very small molecule and is soluble in 'lipid' and water solutions.
So when people drink, alcohol is absorbed into their bloodstream very easily.
It slows the function of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord),
which controls virtually all body functions. It blocks some of the messages
trying to get to the brain. This alters your perceptions, your emotions, and even
your movements, vision, and hearing. But moderate consumption dilates blood
vessels and reduces the risk of clot formation. Adverse effects
of Alcohol
Chronic drinking can lead to dependence and addiction to alcohol
and to additional neurological problems. More alcohol causes greater 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. Intoxication can make people very friendly and talkative or very
aggressive and angry. When large amounts of alcohol are consumed in a short period
of time, alcohol poisoning can result. Alcohol poisoning is very dangerous. Violent
vomiting is usually the first symptom, as the body tries to rid itself of the
alcohol. Extreme sleepiness, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, dangerously
low blood sugar, seizures, and even death may result.Chronic
alcohol use can cause a vitamin deficiency, damage to the frontal lobes of the
brain, an overall reduction in brain size and increase in the size of the ventricles.
The digestive system of alcoholics is unable to absorb vitamin B1 (thiamine) and
deficiency of thiamine can cause various problems effecting the brain.
You can improve your life and health by cutting down on alcohol.
Some
steps to reduce drinking
- Identify the scale of drinking-Record
honestly the amount of alcohol that you consume in a normal week.
- If you are mainly drinking when out with
friends, ideally make an excuse and stay in for one or two evenings and have two-no
alcohol days each week. Fill the time with other activity which you enjoy. Plan
a trip to the movies, the mall, a concert, or a sports event - anything that gets
you out of the house and keeps you active and entertained. You might also organize
your friends into a volleyball, bowling, or softball team - any activity that
gets you moving.
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Stick to the limits....save your life......
A safe limit of alcohol consumption is 14 units per week. i.e. a unit is a single
pub measure of a hard drink. But don't finish off your weekly allowance
in one sitting.. | | - Set a safe limit
on the amount of alcohol you drink when out with friends and
do not be deterred from keeping to it. Choose an occasional soft drink or
low-alcohol or alcoholic alternative.
- If drinking mainly
at home, learn to practice self-control. Limit yourself to one or two evening drinks with your meal interspersed with non-alcoholic alternatives. Avoid
keeping alcohol in the house.
Drinkers addicted
to alcohol may need professional help to stop drinking. Typical symptoms of with-holding
alcohol from someone who is addicted to it are: shaking (tremors), sleep problem,
nausea, etc. More severe ' withdrawal symptoms' include hallucinations and even
seizures. Treatment for an alcoholic needs admitting to a special clinic
and involves detoxification and a programme of controlled withdrawal of alcohol
using drugs. In some cases counseling and psychotherapy is needed to deal with
the causes behind drinking and to avoid recurrence of the problem. There are also
certain voluntary groups like Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon (for families),
Alateen (for teenagers) who provide support, help and encouragement for alcoholics.
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