Alcohol is a sedative hypnotic drug that depresses the central nervous system, making you feel more relaxed. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your body's responses in all kinds of ways. Just enough can make you feel sociable; too much and you’ll have a hangover the next day, and may not even remember what you got up to; and way too much alcohol in a single session could put you in a coma or even kill you.
Alcohol gives reduced feelings of
anxiety and inhibitions, making you feel more sociable .Some exaggeration of
whatever mood you're in when you start drinking. It cause a wide range of
physical health problems, either as a result of binge drinking or from drinking
most days of the week over recommended levels. The problems caused by alcohol
include cancers, heart problems, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease,
and falls and other accidents
The effects of alcohol can be
divided into short-term affects and long-term affects .
Short-term affects
The short-term effects of
alcohol are dependent on the amount consumed and can vary enormously from
person to person and from one situation to another. The main effect is on the brain, which can result in:
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Unsteadiness when standing or walking
- Impaired attention and judgment
- Loss of inhibition
- Sleep
Long-term affects
- The cumulative effects of excessive alcohol consumption, especially when associated with a poor diet, affect every part of the body. The two main sites of damage are the liver and the nervous system.
- The liver may become progressively damaged through a condition known as cirrhosis, which may lead to liver failure, liver cancer and death.
- The nervous system may be damaged at many levels. Damage to the brain can interfere with intellectual function, and increase the risk of anxiety and depression confusion and damage. Damage to the peripheral nervous system can lead to loss of balance, impotence, numbness of the feet and hands, tremor and blindness.
- Alcoholism is also implicated in diabetes, inflammation of the pancreas, internal bleeding, weakening of the heart, high blood pressure and stroke. Alcohol intake during pregnancy harmful to an unborn baby
The Ways to stop drinking and protect life
Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. At
times, it may even feel impossible. But it’s not. If you’re ready to stop
drinking and willing to get the support you need, you can recover from alcoholism and
alcohol abuse—no matter how bad the addiction or how powerless you feel.
Most people with alcohol
problems do not decide to make a big change out of the blue or transform their
drinking habits overnight. Recovery is usually a more gradual process. In the
early stages of change, denial is a huge obstacle. Even after admitting you
have a drinking problem, you may make excuses and drag your feet. It’s
important to acknowledge your ambivalence about stopping drinking. If you’re
not sure if you’re ready to change or you’re struggling with the decision, it
can help to think about the costs and benefits of each choice. Once you’ve made the decision to change, the next step is establishing clear drinking goals. The more specific, realistic, and clear your goals, the better.
- Do you want to stop drinking altogether or just cut back? If your goal is to reduce your drinking, decide which days you will drink alcohol and how many drinks you will allow yourself per day. Try to commit to at least two days each week when you won’t drink at all.
- When do you want to stop drinking or start drinking less? Tomorrow? In a week? Next month? Within six months? If you’re trying to stop drinking, set a specific quit date.
- Get rid of temptations. Remove all alcohol, barware, and other drinking reminders from your home and office.
- Announce your goal. Let friends, family members, and co-workers know that you’re trying to stop drinking. If they drink, ask them to support your recovery by not doing so in front of you.
- Be upfront about your new limits. Make it clear that drinking will not be allowed in your home and that you may not be able to attend events where alcohol is being served.
- Avoid bad influences. Distance yourself from people who don’t support your efforts to stop drinking or respect the limits you’ve set. This may mean giving up certain friends and social connections.
- Learn from the past. Reflect on previous attempts to stop drinking. What worked? What didn’t? What can you do differently this time to avoid pitfalls?
Withdrawing from alcohol
When you drink heavily and frequently, your body becomes physically dependent on alcohol and goes through withdrawal if you suddenly stop drinking. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal range from mild to severe, and include:- Headache
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Stomach cramps and diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
Alcohol
withdrawal symptoms usually start within hours after you stop drinking, peak in
a day or two, and improve within five days. But in some alcoholics, withdrawal
is not just unpleasant—it can be life threatening. One should not lose
dedication to lead Alcohol free life by fearing from Alcohol withdrawal
symptoms, if necessary take help of a
doctor or health councilor, and turn your life beautiful and get real enjoyments.
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