Alcohol Does to You More Than Getting You Tipsy

avatar
(Edited)

I know you must have read, or seen many things about alcohol and maybe they look too complicated for you to understand but you really want to understand what alcohol does to the body, then go no further because I am here to help you on that journey in this post.

When you take that alcohol, you are drinking Ethanol also known as Ethyl Alcohol. No matter the brand or type you are taking, Ethanol is the only type that can be taken without immediate side effect on the body. Taking other types of alcohol such as Methanol can be very dangerous to the body. Still on Alcohol, you need to know that it is a depressant, meaning that when you take alcohol, it slows down the activity in the brain causing people to feel drowsy, sleepy, rested, and tired.


https://www.rawpixel.com

There are numerous effect of alcohol in the brain but one that is very significant is in the release of the chemical known as Dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that when released gives the feeling of pleasure, satisfaction, and the good feeling. Which is why when people take alcohol, they usually have this feel good pleasure. Although alcohol causes the release of dopamine, it also causes the release of another neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that also slow down activities in the brain.

When alcohol is consumed, it gets broken down in the liver into Acetaldehyde and Aceate. When the liver is overwhelmed and unable to break down all the alcohol coming to it, they can find their way into the bloodstream directly which can then reach the brain leading to alcohol poisoning. Alcohol crossing the blood-brain barrier can lead to alcohol poisoning.

People who abuse alcohol can suffer from a condition known as alcohol use disorder and this disorder can be genetic which means that if a person is abusing alcohol in a family, there is a tendency that it can be genetically transferred. Also, men are more likely to abuse alcohol than women. Alcohol is a risk factor for different conditions for both men and women including Cancer risk, liver disease, heart disease, and overall mortality. One reason why should stop alcohol amongst other things is that it is a high risk factor for dementia in adults and elderly.


https://commons.wikimedia.org

People who actually start drinking at an early age are more likely to be dependent on alcohol, and when people decide to withdraw from alcohol intake, the body can fight back alcohol withdrawal symptoms including seizures in severe cases or death. It is advisable to see a doctor before withdrawing if you are dependent on alcohol. It is advisable to know that there is no safe level for alcohol intake, which means that every ounce you take can possibly damage the body.

There is no safe level of alcohol consumption; every drink poses potential harm to your body. Understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions about alcohol consumption and its impact on your health. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, consider seeking professional help to ensure a safe and healthy path forward.



Reference



https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513311/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556147/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557381/
https://www.who.int/health-topics/alcohol
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482121/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826820/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923844/
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alcohol-metabolism
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/alcohol-and-the-brain
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/11/5717
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9204474/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7326150/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307043/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8447782/



0
0
0.000
2 comments
avatar

I am not a fan of alcohol because first I believe it is not sweet because I see how people give that unsweet look after gulping it, then they still act disgracefully under the influence. That's a lot to take before considering the health impact for me.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Thanks for your contribution to the STEMsocial community. Feel free to join us on discord to get to know the rest of us!

Please consider delegating to the @stemsocial account (85% of the curation rewards are returned).

Thanks for including @stemsocial as a beneficiary, which gives you stronger support. 
 

0
0
0.000