Alcohol is the most widely used and accepted drug in our society. Also known as ethyl alcohol, ETOH, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. A depressant drug changes the body in various ways: slowing the heart rate, slowing breathing, and in large doses can even put certain body systems to “sleep”, causing them to stop functioning for a period of time. In addition to depressing physical activities, alcohol causes a change in emotions, judgment, and rational thinking.
Methods of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is almost always drunk. While it is possible to raise one’s blood alcohol level through skin absorption, the effect would be very minimal and slow, not to mention socially unacceptable (imaging soaking your feet in a gallon of brandy). Because the digestion process is vital to regulating the amount of actual alcohol making it to the bloodstream, any intravenous use could be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
Alcohol has many negative short and long-term effects on the body. Upon drinking, alcohol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and speeds to the brain in approximately two minutes. Once alcohol reaches the brain we begin to experience the familiar relaxed sensation and euphoria which alcohol can produce. Being a depressant and an irritant, all body systems are affected by alcohol. In the short term, the digestive system is irritated, increasing production of gastric juices, the liver is essentially “hijacked”, metabolizing only alcohol until it is completely out of the system, potentially causing hypoglycemia, but most prominently the central nervous system is effected. Acute alcohol intoxication causes a mild delirium, thinking becomes impaired, memory loss can occur, and judgment is affected and motor skill coordination decreases. Long term, heavy use of alcohol is attributed to many kinds of cancer and potentially irreversible brain, kidney, and liver damage.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use
The most common signs of acute alcohol intoxication are: slurred speech or difficulty expressing a thought intelligibly, lack of coordination, poor balance, inability walk a straight line or focus, red eyes or flushed face, morning headaches, nausea, weakness, sweatiness or odor of alcohol on breath or in sweat. Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse in teenagers include lying, making excuses, breaking curfew, staying in their room, becoming verbally or physically abusive toward others, having items in their possession that are connected to alcohol use, mood swings, stealing, and changes in friends.
Dangers of Alcohol Use
In spite of society’s approval, alcohol is a dangerous drug. It is possible to overdose and die from excessive alcohol use. Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking). A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these functions. It is common for someone who drank excessive alcohol to vomit since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach. There is then the danger of choking on vomit, which could cause death by asphyxiation in a person who is not conscious because of intoxication.
You should also know that a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) could continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine by sleeping it off. A person can enter an alcohol coma with a blood alcohol content of .35, which can be achieved, depending on the persons sex and weight, in as many as 15 drinks. If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, contact 911 immediately.
Alcohol withdrawal, Alcohol Detox
Withdrawal from alcohol can be extremely dangerous or even fatal. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal vary greatly depending on the amount the individual has been drinking and the regularity. These can include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat and the “shakes”. About 25% of those withdrawing form alcohol can experience mild to true hallucinations, both auditory and visual. Seizures can occur, mild and grand mal. It is advisable to seek medical aid for withdrawal or detoxification from alcohol.
If you or a loved are abusing alcohol, get help now, call Pathway 877-921-4050.