Alcohol Addiction

What is alcohol?

What most people usually refer to as alcohol is actually ethanol (chemically C2H5OH) which is just one of the types of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can be consumed by itself or mixed with other drinks (cocktails).

What are the effects of alcohol?

Alcohol has an effect on the motor functions, so when large amounts of alcohol are consumed, it leads to problems with coordination. Other effects include blurred vision and dehydrogenation. Initially, feelings of euphoria, courage, confidence and cheerfulness arrive. In cases of excessive drinking, unconsciousness can occur or even lead to alcohol poisoning. Intoxication with alcohol could be described in various stages depending on the alcohol concentration in the blood. These progress from euphoria, in-coordination, ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), confusion, stupor to finally coma and death.

What are the risks?

In regards to the physical health, alcoholics have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, malabsorption, chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and even cancer.
In addition to these, some sources suggest correlation between heavy and /or long-term alcoholism and mental health problems (such as alienation, mood swings, anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts and attempts). Similarly, like any other addiction, excessive long-term drinking also affects not only the individual but his family and can make any other social relationship difficult to maintain.

Withdrawal symptoms differ depending on the user (frequency of drinking, length of drinking etc.). Withdrawal symptoms of a physical character are: sweating, headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, sleeping difficulties (bad dreams), palpitations (rapid heart rate), tremor of the hands etc. People, who stop using alcohol after a long period of time, may also experience psychological symptoms of withdrawal such as: irritability and general nervousness, fatigue, mood swings, insomnia, etc.

What does the law say?

Alcohol consumption is illegal under the age of 18. However, underage drinking and drink driving are one of the major alcohol-related problems that UK faces. The consequences of drink driving (if alcohol consumption is above the allowed limit) include disqualification from driving for the minimum of a year and a fine.