| Alcohol abuse effects can be far-reaching and | | | | dazed and confused. |
| devastating. The effects of alcohol abuse not only | | | | 5. Coma - at a blood alcohol level of 0.50, a |
| have consequences for the drinker but those | | | | person is at risk for coma, which can be |
| around her or him as well. Alcohol abuse effects | | | | life-threatening. And at this level or higher, |
| can be both psychological and physical. Alcohol | | | | respiratory paralysis and death become very |
| consumption causes changes in behavior. The | | | | much a possibility. |
| physical effects of alcohol abuse can be | | | | Other alcohol abuse effects that are short-term |
| experienced with as little as one or two drinks. | | | | include nausea, hangovers, headaches and fatigue. |
| Impaired judgment and coordination needed to | | | | The longer a person abuses alcohol over time, the |
| operate a car safely may result in the drinker | | | | higher the chances of other alcohol abuse effects |
| having an accident. | | | | being experienced and alcohol dependency |
| Alcoholism is an illness where alcoholic beverage | | | | developing. The most severe form of alcoholism |
| consumption is at a level that interferes with | | | | is 'alcohol dependency'. Physical alcohol dependence |
| physical or mental health, and negatively impacts | | | | is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when |
| social, family or occupational responsibilities. Alcohol | | | | alcohol consumption is interrupted, by tolerance to |
| abusers are drinkers that may drink excessively | | | | the effects of alcohol abuse and by the presence |
| at various times with resulting immediate alcohol | | | | of alcohol-related illnesses. |
| abuse effects at the time of excess alcohol | | | | Malnutrition can develop from a reduced appetite |
| consumption. | | | | plus inadequate absorption of nutrients in the |
| The immediate physical effects of alcohol abuse | | | | intestinal tract and from consuming 'empty' |
| can be experienced as soon as ten minutes after | | | | calories in alcohol. Calories from alcohol are called |
| drinking begins. With continued alcohol consumption | | | | 'empty' calories since alcohol contains no beneficial |
| on that occasion, the immediate effects of alcohol | | | | nutrients, vitamins or minerals. |
| abuse worsen and become more serious. | | | | And with continued alcohol consumption and abuse |
| Here are five of the immediate physical alcohol | | | | over years, many of the body organs will be |
| abuse effects: | | | | affected. Alcohol is especially harmful to the liver |
| 1. Inhibitions Become Reduced - at a blood alcohol | | | | since the liver does most of the work of breaking |
| concentration of 0.05, changes in a person's | | | | down alcohol. Alcohol destroys liver cells, and it |
| behavior begins to be noticable. Alcohol abuse | | | | destroys the ability of liver cells to regenerate. |
| effects and reduced inhibitions can put a person | | | | This condition leads to progressive imflammatory |
| at higher risk for actions they would otherwise | | | | injury to the liver and eventually can result in |
| not participate in, such as sexual activity, | | | | cirrhosis of the liver. |
| continued drinking or illegal drug use. | | | | Additional long term alcohol abuse effects include |
| 2. Loss of Muscle Control - at the level of 0.10, | | | | damage to the brain, high blood pressure, heart |
| slurred speech will likely be evident. Impaired | | | | muscle damage, nerve damage, pancreatitis, |
| judgement and poor coordination are physical | | | | bleeding in the esophagus, erectile dysfunction in |
| effects of alcohol abuse that can lead to falls and | | | | men, fetal alcohol syndrome in the offspring of |
| accidents. | | | | alcoholic women, insomnia, depression and |
| 3. Memory Loss and/or Blackouts - since alcohol | | | | increased cancer risks. |
| depresses the brain's control mechanisms, as | | | | If you or someone you know may have |
| blood alcohol levels increase, periods of time and | | | | problems with alcohol and you'd like to learn more |
| certain situations and events may not be | | | | about alcoholism and perhaps seek help, there are |
| remembered afterward. | | | | proven resources available. It is never too late to |
| 4. Stupor - at a blood alcohol concentration of | | | | begin recovery from alcohol addiction and alcohol |
| 0.40, a person can hardly function, acting seriously | | | | abuse effects. |