Causes and Effects of Alcohal Abuse - 1150 Words

The Causes and Effects of Alcohol Abuse For about 10% to 12% of the 140 million adults in the United States who drink, the use of alcohol develops into addiction. Alcoholism in men is approximately two to three times greater than in women (14% of male drinkers vs. 6% of female drinkers). In addition onset of alcoholism usually occurs at a younger age in men than in women (Fay, 1998). In terms of consumption 20% of drinkers consume 80% of all alcohol (Babor, 2010). There has been an abundance of research done on this topic. Family studies, twin studies, animal studies, and adoption studies are showing stronger and stronger genetic influences particularly in severe alcoholism (Black, 2010) A recent twin study that assessed†¦show more content†¦Alcohol limits the brain s ability to use glucose and oxygen, therefore killing brain cells as well as inhibiting message transmission. Low to moderate use does not seem to cause permanent functional loss whereas chronic high-dose use causes direct damage to nerve cells. Malnutrition can also injure brain cells and disrupt brain chemistry. (Babor, 2010). Both physical brain damage and impaired mental abilities have been linked to advanced alcoholism. Brain atrophy (loss of brain tissue) has been documented in 50% to 100% of alcoholics (Fishman, 2005). Breathing and heart-rate irregularities also may arise. Dementia (deterioration of intellectual ability, faulty memory, disorientation, and diminished problem-solving ability) is a further consequence of prolonged heavy drinking. One of the more serious diseases due to brain damage caused by chronic alcoholism and thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency is Wernicke s encephalopathy whose symptoms include delirium, visual problems, imbalance, and muscle tremors. The other serious condition that involves thiamine deficiency is Korsakoff s syndrome; its symptoms include disorientation, memory failure, and repetition of false memories (Babor, 2010). Alcoholism also effects th e reproductive system. While light drinking lowers inhibitions, prolonged use decreases desire and the intensity of orgasm. Chronic alcohol abuse can inhibitShow MoreRelatedThe Impact of Alcohol Abuse on Finance and Economy1737 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Alcohol abuse and its associated problems cost society many billions of dollars every year. Economics have attempted to calculate the monetary damage that has resulted from the alcohol abuse. These damages include expenditures on alcohol-related problems and opportunities that are lost because of alcohol. Two problems are particularly directly related to the case of alcohol abuse. First, researchers attempt to identify costs that are directly related to alcohol abuse. Second, many costsRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Illegal For Recreational Use?924 Words   |  4 Pagesbecause unlike other drugs such as heorin, cocaine, and even the currently legal alcohal, no one has ever died from an overdose of marajuana. Speaking of alcohal, while people driving while under the influence of that drug cause roughly ten-thousand deaths a year (in just the United States alone), the Canadian Senate Special Committe on Illegal Drugs concluded that, Cannabis alone,particularly in low doses,has little effect on the skills involved in automobile driving. Cannabis leads to a more cautious