Physical Effects Of Alcohol

About 14 million Americans in the United States abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. According the the NIAAA this is 1 in every 13 adults. Statistics show that men are four times more likely than women to become heavy alcohol drinkers, and men are twice as likely to be abusing or alcohol dependant. Heavy drinking can cause major health problems, and each year more than 100,000 Americans die of alcohol related causes.

Short Term Effects

Short term alcohol effects have much to do with the amount of alcohol consumed and a individuals tolerance. The short term effects can range from uninhibited behavior, to irritating behavior, to serious illness or even death. Consumption of alcohol can cause a person to have an impaired abilities and judgement. Alcohol can cause the a person to lower there inhibitions enough to cause behavior changes such as becoming more talkative or outgoing, and engaging in activities and behaviors that a person would not normally.

The Blood stream absorbs alcohol quickly, and the rate of absorption depends on how many drinks you have had in a certain period of time. Usually people will start to feel the physical effects of alcohol within ten minutes of having a drink, and the blood alcohol level will reach its maximum about forty to sixty minutes later. The short term effects of alcohol are:

Lowered Inhibitions

Consuming alcohol changes the behavior of individuals. Once the blood alcohol reaches a level of .05, the drinkers behavior begins to change and start to become noticeable. The physical effects of lowered inhibitions make a person more likely to engage in activities they would probably not participate in when the where sober.

Poor Coordination

When the BAC reaches the level of 0.10; slurred speech is likely to be one of the physical effects from alcohol.  Impaired judgement and poor coordination are two very common short term effects from alcohol abuse that can lead accidents.

Blackouts and Loss of Memory

Because consuming alcohol depresses the brain's control mechanisms, as a persons blood alcohol levels increase to a high level, periods of time, certain situations and events may not be remembered afterward.

Nausea Sickness

Alcohol is a poison, and when you drink too much of it, a persons body may attempt to get rid of it by causing the drinker to vomit. At other times, a person who has been drinking can feel nauseous from the alcohol because it has interfered with the body's sense of balance.

Hangovers and Headaches

Hangovers usually occur the next day after drinking. However, hangovers can also be felt only a few hours after consuming alcohol, especially if the person has become dehydrated as a result of drinking. Hangover include a feeling of nausea, dizziness, dehydrations, and fatigue. Headaches are also a common consequence of drinking too much alcohol.

Stupor

When the blood alcohol reaches a level of 0.40, a person is in serious trouble. A .04 BAC will cause a person to be extremely disoriented, confused and uncoordinated. Their brain and muscular functions will be seriously impaired and it is most likely that they will need attention from others to keep them safe.

Coma

Once the alcohol in the blood has reached a concentration level of .50, there is a serious risk that a person will enter a coma. This is an extremely dangerous situation as many coma patients do not recover. There is also a high risk of respiratory failure and death when a person becomes this intoxicated.

Long Term Effects

Damages Nervous System and Destroys Brain Cells

Different parts of the brain are more sensitive to alcohol than other parts. Alcohol is a toxin that causes damage to the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain and nervous system. Chronic alcohol abuse can cause organ damage that manifests itself both physically, psychologically in the behavior of persons affected.

Physically alcohol shows through loss of balance, impotence numbness of the feet and hands, tremor and  blindness/ blurred vision.
Psychologically and behaviorally alcohol effects by the loss of intellectual abilities, impaired ability to learn and in mental confusion.
Alcohol abuse causes a condition called delirium tremers, which the person will experience mental confusion, extreme excitement, anxiety, trembling, rapid pulse and hallucinations.

Cirrhosis of the Liver

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse causes damage damage to the liver. If the damage is severe it is known as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, such as liver cancer and death.

Infection and Chronic Inflammation

Alcohol abuse causes inflammation of the stomach and the digestive system, which leads to ulcerations. Perforation of the stomach and intestines is a very life threatening issue. Inflammation of the digestive system means that the food is not properly digested or absorbed.
Inflammation and infections are associated for many reasons such as;  poor diet, malnutrition, lifestyle changes, accidents and self neglect. Diseases include: pneumonia, kidney and urinary tract infections, kidney failure and pancreatitis.

Malnutrition

Alcohol abuse can cause vitamin deficiency is due to the inability to absorb vitamins or a lack of various vitamins. Wernicke's disease and Korsakoff's syndrome are characterized as memory disorders  that are caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, also called thiamine.

Cardiovascular Problems

Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure  can damage your heart muscle and cardiovascular system, putting you at an increased risk of a heart failure or stroke.

Sexual Problems

Alcohol abuse has been known to cause erectile disfunction problems that are very common with men.

Cancer

People who are alcoholics or heavy drinkers have been linked to having a higher risk of cancer in the esophagus, larynx, colon and the liver.