alcohol

alcohol is a substance containing ethanol, an organic compound that can be used as a topical agent to prevent skin infections, in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and perfumes. it is also found in alcoholic beverages, and is the compound that drives intoxication, or the feeling of “being drunk.” while ethanol has many uses, even in the health world, it can negatively harm your health if consumed in high amounts. in some cases, people that drink alcohol regularly can develop addiction to the substance, also known as alcoholism.

when alcohol is used in excess, it can harm many areas of the body, leading to disease and chronic health ailments. some negative long-term effects of too much alcohol include:
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• stroke
• liver disease
• digestive issues
• certain types of cancer
• mental health disorders

alcohol also drives negative short-term effects on the body, including:
• impaired judgement
• poor balance or coordination
• mood swings
• lowered inhabitations
• injuries due to falls or accidents
• engaging in risky behaviours, such as unsafe sex
• alcohol poisoning
• an increased risk of conflict with others

if a person develops alcoholism, they may experience harms to their health and their lives, such as job loss and the breakdown of personal relationships. people may also continue to drink even after being diagnosed with an alcohol-related disease or after losing their job. if alcohol is used in excess for long periods of time, a person may develop a high tolerance and have to consume more to feel the same effects. when they try to stop drinking, they will also experience withdrawal symptoms, including:
• tremors
• alcohol cravings
• insomnia
• vivid dreams
• anxiety
• hypervigilance
• irritability
• loss of appetite
• nausea and/or vomiting
• headaches
• increased sweating

alcoholism, like other addictions, can be treated using a variety of techniques. some of the best includeb ehavioural treatments, such as therapy or counselling to address the underlying causes of alcohol use, medications to help reduce or stop a person from wanting to drink and support groups, such as alcoholics anonymous and other 12-step programs.

alcoholism can be prevented if a person is exposed to the right education on risk factors, negative health effects both in the short- and long-term, and the harmful interpersonal effects a person’s life can go through if they develop alcoholism.