What is Alcoholism and How Does it Affect the Human Body?
Alcoholism is a condition characterized by frequent alcohol abuse and an individual’s inability to manage their drinking habits. People who suffer from alcoholism continue to drink despite the negative side effects that come with consuming too much alcohol. Regardless of physical, social, or psychological ramifications, the addicted person will continue to seek out and drink alcohol.
The prioritization of alcohol by a person suffering from an alcohol use disorder is highly concerning because of the many ways alcohol affects the human brain and body. For example, consuming large amounts of alcohol consistently can lead to a higher tolerance. This is dangerous as addicted individuals over time have to drink higher quantities of alcohol to continue to feel the desired effects of the substance, exacerbating any problems caused by their frequent consumption.
How Alcohol Affects the Body
Consuming vast quantities of alcohol, like any drug, can lead to a variety of different health conditions. Excessive drinking in particular has a profound and damaging effect on human health. When misused, alcohol is shown to produce both short-term and long-term side effects — some of which may be irreversible. In the short term, the following side-effects can occur due to consuming too much alcohol:
- Hangovers
- Blurry vision
- Restlessness
- Falls or accidents
- Alcohol poisoning
- Difficulty breathing
- Lowered inhibitions
- Interpersonal conflict
- Reduced brain activity
- Risky or violent behavior
- Poor reflexes and slow reaction time
What may be more concerning than short-term side effects are the long-term effects of alcohol abuse. While the severity of symptoms depends on the frequency of consumption, the amount consumed, hydration levels, or whether the person was eating food, serious and persistent health effects may still occur. The long-term effects of alcohol on the body include the following:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cognitive impairment
- Cardiovascular disease
- Folate deficiency or malnutrition
- Disease of the liver such as cirrhosis
- Increased risk for cancers such as those of the esophagus, breast, or mouth
Alcohol abuse is considered to be one of the four leading causes of preventable death. This puts it in the same category as other health-damaging substances such as cigarettes. Moreover, alcohol can affect more than a person’s physical health. Every aspect of a person’s life may be impacted by abusing alcohol, such as mental health, work performance, financial stability, and interpersonal relationships.
How Alcohol Addiction Affects the Brain
Not only does alcohol abuse and misuse substantially affect a person’s body, the human brain also experiences alterations in function. As alcohol enters the brain, it increases the levels of dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) being released. These chemical messengers create a feel-good effect that reinforces the consumption of alcohol so that you continue experiencing the pleasurable sensations caused by alcohol.
Unfortunately, the frequent abuse of alcohol can take a tremendous toll on the brain and produce negative cognitive side effects over time, such as:
- Dementia
- Memory loss
- Problems with learning
- Hindered mental functioning
- Worsening of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression
The Dangers of Binge Drinking
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, can develop from bad habits surrounding alcohol use. Binge drinking, an act that can lead to a dependency on alcohol, refers to when a person drinks large quantities of alcohol quickly with the intention of getting intoxicated in a short period of time. While this may seem like a harmless way to get the most out of your alcohol, it is actually a very dangerous practice.
Binge drinking is associated with a number of consequences including hangovers, alcohol poisoning, violent behavior, crime, and accidents in the short term. In the long term, the development of alcohol addiction can occur as an individual’s body becomes more and more accustomed to handling large amounts of alcohol. This can cause the misuse of alcohol to develop into a fully realized addiction that leads to many of the health consequences previously mentioned.
