subject: Alcohol Consumption [print this page] Short-term effects Short-term effects
Alcohol can provide stimulation to areas of the brain which are responsible for thought and for the seeking of pleasure. The stomach rapidly absorbs alcohol which enters the blood stream and penetrates the tissues. There are individual factors which influence its effects such as gender, age, size and weight.
Because that the parts of the brain that seek pleasure receive this stimulation explains why a person who is drunk displays certain manifestations as losing inhibitions and enthusiasm both through speech and physical movement. They aren't the only effects, however, as body relaxation, an urge to engage in conversation, and dizziness are also traits that often rear their head when drunk. With larger amounts of alcohol consumption, there are further effects to add to the list and less desirable ones such as sleep problems, slurred speech, vomiting and nausea.
A hangover is an effect which can be caused by even moderate quantities of alcohol consumption. Symptoms of a hangover commonly include a headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and thirst.
Long-term effects
High quantities of alcohol consumer over an extended period of time can produce a valid case of addiction. If the addict is then forced to withdraw from alcohol, the withdrawal symptoms can be severe. These symptoms take the form of tremors, anxiety, convulsions and hallucinations. What can make matters worse is that alcoholics tend to neglect good nutrition which doesn't work well with the excessive amounts of alcohol in the system. This is what can cause damage in the brain or liver. Women who are pregnant bear added risk with a chance that their baby will be born with fetal alcohol syndrome. It is possible that will be born with irreversible physical abnormalities and/or mental retardation.
There are other potential long-term effects of alcohol abuse which include coronary heart disease, neuropathy, brain degeneration and damage to the nerves. Not to mention increased damage to the individual's personal and professional life.
