What damage does alcohol do to our bodies?

We all know that drinking too much alcohol is bad for us. It gives us hangovers, makes us feel tired and does little for our appearance - and that is just the morning afterwards.

And in long term the risk can be far greater and deadlier which includes a long list of health conditions including breast cancer, oral cancers, heart disease, strokes and cirrhosis of the liver.

The damages are not only to the person who consume alcohol but ot affect others too. According to an article published in Hindustan Times it explains that 19 Indians die daily on road due to drink-driving . 

Govt data reveal that 6,755 people died and 18,813 were injured in drink-driving accidents in 2015. These numbers are only for people who die due to driving after consuming alcohol. The numbers are far greater for people who die after getting affected by alcohol.

According to WHO Alcohol kills 2.6 lakh Indians every year either by causing liver cirrhosis, cancer or leading to road accidents caused by drunk driving only in mumbai.

What causes alcoholism?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can stem from different factors. After a long period of drinking, your brain begins to rely on alcohol to produce certain chemicals. This is what makes it difficult for heavy drinkers to quit and can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The causes of alcoholism can be classified in various factors:-

Biological Factors -

Research has proven a close link between alcoholism and biological factors, particularly genetics and physiology, besides that there are also certain chemicals in the brain that can make you more susceptible to alcohol abuse.

Environmental Factors -

Studies have explored a possible connection between your environment and risk of AUD.  For example People who live closer to alcohol establishments are said to have a more positive outlook on drinking and are more likely to participate in the activity.

Social Factors -

Social factor are more likely to play role towards your drinking habits. Your culture, religion, family and work influence many of your behaviours, including drinking. Social factor is the main reason why college students are attracted towards consumption of alcohol and cigrate too.

Psychological Factors -

people with high stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions are more vulnerable to developing alcoholism. In these types of circumstances, alcohol is often used to suppress feelings and relieve the symptoms of psychological disorders.

Six health risks of chronic heavy drinking:- 

Liver disease -

Alcohol is mostly metabolised in the liver, which is why the liver is particularly at risk of damage. drinking alters the liver’s metabolism of fats, and excess fat accumulates in the liver.

Cancer -

Excess alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing different cancers, including cancers of the mouth, oesophagus, larynx, stomach, liver, colon, rectum, and breast.

Immune system dysfunction -

Each episode of heavy drinking reduces the body’s ability to ward off infections. Higher consumption of alcohol can lead to reduction of white blood cell in body and weakens Immune system making the body vulnerable to infectious diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Brain damage -

Consuming alcohol can alter the brain receptors and neurotransmitters, and interferes with a person’s cognitive function, moods, emotions, and reactions on multiple levels which causes difficulty with processing information and poses challenges with solving simple problems.

Heart disease and cardiovascular health -

Everyone might have heard that alcohol consumption can lead to heart failure and stroke and this is because of heavy consumption of alcohol which can cause blood pressure to be high by triggering the release of certain hormones that cause constriction of blood vessels. 

Pancreatitis -

Did you know Around 70 percent of cases of pancreatitis affect people who regularly drink large amounts of alcohol. And consuming alcohol in excess quantity can lead to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that often requires hospitalization.

Now that you know why you should not drink share this information with people who really need to know as this might help them to get out of their consumption cycle. Make sure you subscribe and follow this blog as i will be sharing how you can be free from Alcohol. You can also check out my other blog where i have shown how you can stop smoking “Smoking kills”.

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