Alcohol effect: Relaxant, loss of inhibitions, mood alteration — promotes sociability, increases self confidence, dehydrating effect. If Alcohol is taken in excess — slurred speech, staggering, loss of balance and vomiting. Effects are dependent on the amount and frequency taken, the setting along with psychological mood. In some users, Alcohol can promote verbal or physical aggressiveness and violence.
Alcohol Description: Alcohol comes in liquid form in varying colors and consistencies depending on the drink. Some are naturally carbonated while others are still.
Alcohol addiction Withdrawal symptoms: Hangover, depression, dehydration, hand tremors, sickness, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, anxiety, hallucinations.
Alcohol Long-term use: Increased blood pressure, mental health problems, liver cirrhosis, brain damage, hepatitis, fatty liver, diabetes, cancer, dependence, impaired kidney function, heart disease, tremor, sexual impotence (men), pancreatitis, stroke. Interferes with REM (rapid eye movement) during sleep, essential to feeling fully rested.
Alcohol Overdose risk: Blood Alcohol levels can be raised to a lethal point if a large quantity of Alcoholic drink is consumed within a short period. If large amounts of Alcohol are drunk too quickly vomiting can occur while semiconscious. This increases risk of death through asphyxiation as vomit can be aspirated or swallowed blocking air passages to the lungs. Overdose risks increase if Alcohol is mixed with other Drugs such as opiates or barbiturates. Alcohol abuse plays a major part in accidents, violence, crime and other social disorders where an Alcohol-related consequence can result in death.
Alcohol Legal status: It is legal to drink Alcohol over the age of 18 years. It is illegal to drink to excess and drive.
Long-term effects
Heavy use of alcohol over a long period of time can cause damage to several parts of the body. Impairment of brain and liver functions can be permanent. If the individual’s diet is also inadequate, this can further affect their health. Emotional difficulties, like depression and relationship issues, are also likely.
Other possible long-term effects are cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, lips, liver, brain injury, loss of memory, confusion, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure, irregular pulse, enlarged heart and changes in red blood cells, weakness and loss of muscle tissue, sweating, flushing and bruising of the skin, inflamed stomach lining, bleeding and stomach ulcers, increased risk of lung infections, important swelling of the liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis, inflamed pancreas, tingling and loss of sensation in hands and feet.
For males: impotence, shrinking of testicles and damaged and decreased sperm
For females: greater risk of gynaecological issues.
