Alcohol

Alcohol- Information , Symptoms, And Side Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol a common recreational drug taken as alcoholic drinks to relax, reduce inhibitions and increase social interactions. Alcohol is that some grown-ups seem to be able to enjoy it occasionally with no problems. Other people, though, can become alcoholics . An alcoholic is someone whose mind and body crave alcohol. The person has little control over his or her drinking and can't stop without help. A person who starts drinking alcohol at a young age is more likely to become an alcoholic.

Alcoholism is chronic, which means it continues over time. It often gets worse, too, because the person may start experiencing health problems related to drinking. In addition to causing liver problems, long-term drinking can damage the pancreas, heart, and brain.

Symptoms of Alcohol

• Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
• Loss of control: The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
• Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
• Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get high.

Side Effects of Alcohol

Heart disease : Moderate drinking can have beneficial effects on the heart, especially among those at greatest risk for heart attacks, such as men over the age of 45 and women after menopause. But long-term heavy drinking increases the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and some kinds of stroke.

Cancer : Long-term heavy drinking increases the risk of developing certain forms of cancer, especially cancer of the esophagus, mouth, throat, and voice box. Women are at slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer if they drink two or more drinks per day. Drinking may also increase the risk for developing cancer of the colon and rectum.