Effects
of Alcoholism
What are its long-term effects of alcoholism?
Heavy
and persistent use of alcohol can result in addiction. Other long term effects of alcoholism when
combined with poor eating habits, can lead to permanent damage
to vital of the brain and kidneys and cirrhosis of the liver.
What are its short-term effects of alcohol
abuse?
The short term effects of alcohol can depend on an a number
of factors, such as size and body weight, food consumed, and amount
of alcohol consumed. Alcohol lowers inhibitions,
making it one of the reasons it is commonly used in social setting. Effects
of more casual alcohol use can include slurred speech, nausea,
vomiting, and disturbed sleep.
How To Overcome Alcoholism
If you feel you
are suffering from alcoholism, please contact a treatment professional. For
your courtesy, you can use this contact form to have free access
to a treatment specialist who will direct you to a sober living
home or alcohol treatment facility.
General Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is considered a “down” that reduces activity
in the central nervous system. The alcohol intoxicated person exhibits
loose muscle tone, loss of fine motor coordination, and often has
a staggering "drunken" gait.
Eyes- often appear glossy and pupils are
usually slow to respond.
Vitals- When inebriated, alcohol can slow
the heart, lower blood pressure and respiration rate, and result
in decreased reflex responses and slower reaction times.
Skin- may be cool to the touch (but the
user may feel warm), profuse sweating may accompany alcohol use.
Observation- Loose muscle tone, loss of fine
motor coordination, odor of alcohol on the breath, and a staggering "drunken" gait.
Effects after using Alcohol
The most common
effect of alcohol after use is commonly referred to as a hangover.
Hangovers usually occur after large amounts of alcohol are consumed,
and usually comes with the following symptoms: headache, nausea,
thirst, dizziness, and fatigue. The best way to eliminate
hangovers is to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed and remain
hydrated?
Is craving an effect of alcoholism?
Yes, cravings
frequently occur with people who abuse alcohol. People habituated
to using alcohol frequently experience these cravings and can
include sweating, increased heart rate, and irrational thoughts
regarding the need to use drugs or alcohol.
Other Long Term Effects of Alcoholism:
Impaired
mental functioning
Liver disorders
Gastrointestinal problems
Heart disease and stroke
Lung disorders
Cancer
Skin, muscle, and bone disorders
Pregnancy and infant development
complications
Increased risk for other addictions
Pregnant Women who
consume alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with
fetal alcohol syndrome. Infants
with fetal alcohol syndrome may be afflicted with physical and
mental abnormalities.
Effects of Alcoholism Treatment for Teenagers
There
is mounting evidence that repeated exposure to alcohol during adolescence
leads to long-lasting deficits in cognitive abilities, including
learning and memory, in humans. Much of this work has been pioneered
by Drs. Susan Tapert and Sandra Brown, alcohol researchers at
the University of California , San Diego (UCSD). Drs. Tapert
and Brown have conducted a series of studies examining the impact
of alcohol abuse on neuropsychological functioning in adolescents
and young adults. In one such study (Brown et al., 2000), adolescents
in an in-patient substance abuse treatment program, at least
three weeks sober, were compared to controls from the community
on a battery of neuropsychological tests. Ages ranged from 15-16.
Frequent drinkers (100 or more total drinking sessions), particularly
those that had experienced alcohol withdrawal, performed more
poorly than controls on several tests, including tests of learning,
memory, and visuospatial functioning.
See Related Articles:
Alcohol
Detoxification
About Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol Withdrawal
Symptoms
Ten Warning Signs
of Alcoholism
Symptoms of Alcoholism
Sober
Living Homes
Effects
of Alcoholism
Sources NIAA, Indiana University, Duke University |
