Effects of alcohol abuse

Alcohol consumption may cause different reactions in different people. The same amount of alcohol can cause varied reactions in different people. Funnily, the very same person too may have different reactions to the same amount of alcohol on different occasions. Alcohol consumption thus causes a wide range of health problems and affects each and every body system.

The central nervous system, made up of the spinal cord and brain, has an important role to play in the functioning of human body. The effects of alcohol take place on many parts of this system. A low dose of alcohol reduces tension and lowers inhibitions. It may slow reflexes and reduce coordination powers. In medium doses alcohol can alter emotions and make one sleepy. A high dose of alcohol can produce breathing difficulties and unconsciousness. Sometimes it can be even fatal. Prolonged use of alcohol can damage the frontal lobes of the brain and cause a reduction in brain size. It may result in tolerance to the effects of alcohol and lead to Alcoholism


Alcoholism and depression

Alcoholism and depression tend to co-exist and both may transmit genetically as well. Many studies show that depressive syndrome is higher among alcoholics than among non-alcoholics. Alcohol induces biological changes similar to that of depression. Sometimes alcohol misuse can be considered as a symptom of depression also. Suicide is a significant risk in people who have alcohol related problems. In fact, presence of alcohol is detected in about 60% of the suicide victims at the time of death. A study shows that alcoholics are twice as likely as others to commit suicide in the home.