Nowadays as science and technology develop rapidly, traditional theory of explaining drinking addiction is under challenge. More and more neuroscientists, psychologists and biologists contribute to the exploration of chemical mechanisms working behind alcohol and addiction. As one of the most well-known neuroscientist, Marc Lewis (2011) offers his point of view is that alcohol ultimately affects the brain, which is the source of all our experience (p.22). As we all know, brain is the primary organ of mind, the crucial center of control, and the ultimate foundation of ideas. Even subtle changes in brain can directly lead to the alteration in a person’s mood, cognition and behaviours. Based on the knowledge that I learned in …show more content…
Neurotransmitters carry information and transmit chemical signals throughout the body. This corresponds to what Lewis introduces- a crucial inhibitory neurotransmitter-GABA and the change of firing rate of neurons in the cortex. Contrary to common beliefs, alcohol is actually a depressant. By enhancing GABA’s transmission, alcohol slows down our thoughts, impede our behaviours and weakens our judgements. Scientifically saying, “the brain’s electrical activities are decreased” (Connor, 2014). This is why Lewis feels “different- light and breezy, but then hugely clumsy when he [tries to] reach for the bottle too quickly” when he gets drunk for the first time (Lewis, 2011, p. 19). His consciousness is clear, but his body movement is limited, which tells us that the interactions between neurotransmitters are eliminated. This situation is also listed in the effects of drinking section in Teen Health textbook, stating that coordination and movement may be affected by alcohol (Mc-Graw Hill, 2004, p. 569). Also, the chapter 13 of Al-Anon book revolves around an event about helping a teenage to curb her violent temper. In the story, the girl says, “I knew that my violence against my mom was never a voluntary act. I didn’t want to hurt her, but I didn’t know how to stop, how to break the pattern” (Al-Anon, 1995, p.478). From her words, we can tell that
This electrophysiological study showed that the possible cause of neuronal deficit is by back-propagation of action potentials (bAPs) and Ca2+ transient currents altered after chronic alcohol exposure in vitro model. These electrophysiological changes affect metaplasticity and signal transduction in hippocampal neurons (Patrick et al, 2015). Immediate and early gene studies implicate the role of Hippocampus dependent and hippocampus independent amnesic features in alcohol induced memory impairment animal models. The repeated doses of ethanol (.5mg-2mg/kg/i.p) interacting with neurotransmitter system (GABA) of hippocampus and generated the behavioural deficits. They concluded that elucidation of neurotransmitter systems is most important in alcohol related cognitive disorders. (Ryabinin et al., 1998). Similar studies have focused the effects of psychotrophic drugs and drugs of abuse such as cocaine, opioids, nicotine and alcohol on hippocampal neurogenesis. They have shown the negative results of neural proliferation and cell survival. (He et al,
Individuals plagued with alcohol and other substance-abuse problems face numerous barriers along the way to their recovery (Cunningham, Sobell, Sobell, Agrawal & Toneatte, 1993). At the micro-level, some of the primary barriers relate to the potential threat to their employment and income as a result of acknowledging their problems. They include the financial risks associated with disclosure of the problem to employers. At the macro-level, there are relatively few high-quality opportunities for community-funded programs, particularly for middle and upper-middle-class working individuals. Those barriers include the relative unavailability of publicly-funded programs that are well-regulated and staffed by professionals with licenses in substance abuse fields. At the psychosocial level, there are significant barriers in the form of societal behavioral norms that pose barriers of different types based substantially on gender (Beckman & Amaro, 1986). They include general societal behavioral norms that promote alcoholism and substance abuse and particular psychosocial interpersonal dynamics at work and in the home that present different types of barriers to effective treatment based largely on gender (Beckman & Amaro, 1986; Jessup, Humphreys, Brindis & Lee, 2003).
Many adults can enjoy a drink or two from time to time without any issues, but just one drink can cause over seventeen million Americans’ lives to spiral out of control. Though most people do not have issues with drinking alcoholic beverages, many have a condition which causes their brain to function differently when they consume alcohol. This disease can be deadly for both the alcoholic and those around them. Alcoholism can control someone’s life, and even though it is a societal issue that is still being addressed, more people are seeking treatment to better themselves. Alcoholism, excessive consumption of alcohol that results in dependence, is caused by genetics and environmental factors that result in harmful effects on the body of the drinker and the safety of society; however, therapy and support groups are helping alcoholics recover today, and medications undergoing trial could allow them to live normal lives in the future.
The term “alcoholism” describes a drinker who is mentally and physically dependent on alcohol, and who would most likely have withdrawal symptoms upon trying to quit. This dependence prevents most alcoholics from being able to control when they drink and how much they drink. For that reason, alcoholics usually drink to excess despite the consequences. Alcoholism, like any addiction, is a chronic disorder which involves continued use despite negative consequences and requires ongoing treatment and management. This research paper will cover many aspects of alcoholism including the causes and effects of drinking and different treatment approaches.
However, if an individual was a regular binge drinker, they might continue to have that desire of pleasure that alcohol gives them. This desire is due to the Endorphin levels being elevated so often."It is further believed that the basal ganglia, which are involved in compulsive behaviors, may lead to a greater demand of alcohol, regardless of the reason and consequence." (pg 148). This in itself can adversely affect the person's life overall. It can create bad relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and ultimately send someone spiraling down the wrong path. In regards to brain chemistry, the adverse affects of sudden disuse is a level of depression and mood swings, anxiety, tremor, insomnia even profuse sweating. Since the brain then needs that constant feeling of pleasure, the unbalanced brain chemistries tell the user to continue drinking, or they cannot feel well again.
Alcoholism is perhaps the most common form of drug abuse in North America today. Scientists report that the reason alcohol is so popular to people is because it is pleasant, relaxing, and is considered a "social beverage." But what individuals often do not take in to consideration is the fact that alcohol dulls the brain and confuses physical reactions. This can lead to numerous injuries, accidents, and death. Alcohol affects every part of an alcoholic's life: their body, their mind and their family life. The body has a natural chemical that gives a feeling of a "natural high". It happens in the presence of a life-endangering situation. This chemical is adrenaline, which is meant to prepare the body for defense in
Alcoholic beverages are served in many restaurants, sold in many stores, and acceptably consumed in many populations. Although alcohol can become a drug of abuse, not many view it that way. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2014), about 7.2% of adults in the United States ages 18 and over have an alcohol use disorder. A variety of environmental and genetic factors contribute to the development of alcohol addiction. The variability in the causes of alcohol addiction generates variability in the response to treatment. However, what is common among all alcohol addictions is the high risk of relapse. This risk is potentially caused by the lasting changes in the brain that occur when voluntary alcohol use becomes an addiction. The neural changes that are a result of an alcohol addiction potentially put a recovered alcoholic at high risk of relapse until these circuits can be erased and replaced with healthier circuits.
Over several years, the scientific research of alcohol and its affects on the human body and brain have gradually progressed. Most people who indulge in alcoholic beverages do not think of the consequences it may have on their bodies over time. Alcohol can affect the nervous system, as well as the peripheral nervous system, which controls the nerves throughout your entire body. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol over an extended period of time can lead to a series of problems that impair the muscle tissue and brain. Neuroimaging and advanced technology has shown changes in blood flow in and around the brain, the brains metabolism, and the neurophysiological measures in the brain. Alcohol remains a poisonous toxin that affects the nerves
While the choice to use alcohol and drugs is initially voluntary, alcohol and/or drug addiction arises because the normal functioning of the brain is impaired so that alcoholism and drug addiction become a “chronic relapsing disease of the brain” (National Institute of Drug Abuse, Drugs, Brains and Behavior. The Science of Addiction. 2014, 5). Drugs impact the pathways of the brain by flooding the circuit with dopamine, which disturbs and distorts normal communication between the brain’s neurons. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain which regulates movement, emotion, motivation and feelings of pleasure. Over stimulating the system with drugs produces euphoric effects which strongly reinforce the behavior of drug use teaching the user to repeat drug use. Continuing alcohol and drug use despite the adverse consequences of such use results in abusers experiencing some or all of the following symptoms: mental stress, impulsive behavior, anger, disorganized thinking, poor coping skills, inadequate decision making and inflexible cognitive response patterns.
The biggest problem is money, its money that defines all Americans life style. The world wouldn’t make sense if you don’t make a dime. People getting paid less doesn’t bother to care about their performance in the work force. With outdated equipment the job can’t be done correctly and budget cuts less hands on the project will have. This is causing a lot of pain as there are less cop forces on the streets and people getting hurt. It’s also causing a lot of distress as well because nothing is getting solved and people are starting to get angry. It’s the main reason why families break apart, individual misery and the root of alcoholism is money problems.
Alcoholism is a very complex disorder. It is believed that genetics and several other biological factors are likely involved in the materialization of alcohol dependence, along with cognitive behavior, temperament, psychological and sociocultural factors. Alcohol use patterns including alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are “familial” in nature (cf. Heath et al., Kendlerm Heath, heath Neale, Kessler & Eaves, 1992; Hesselbrock, 1995) Alcohol abuse is a drinking pattern that results In significant and recurrent adverse consequences. People suffering from alcoholism (technically known as alcohol dependence) have lost reliable control of their alcohol use. Neither the amount or kind of alcohol that an alcohol dependent person consumes
Alcohol abuse is the most common addictive behavior that is brewing amongst teens and adults. It is widely concerning and threatening to one’s family and social life. Many have tried to guest and speculate that alcohol abuse is due to many factors that include genetics, social, mental and emotional, and even how people around you raised you. Many also have speculated that people that we associates with that are alcoholics can be a factor also. It can be family and friends, schoolmates, and colleagues. Some also say that it can be due to emotional and psychological disorders such as depression, bipolar, or anxiety are factors of someone to drive to drinking to forget problems and to feel that disconnect from the disorders. Whatever the
The drinking habit is ubiquitous in human societies, and notable for the best and worst reasons. More and more evidence that documents the effects of alcohol on the human organism continues to be gathered by scientists. As is usual with prolific research about one specific subject, there are some surprising and seemingly counterintuitive findings that leave scientists scratching their heads in confusion. One of the unexpected discoveries about the effects of alcohol is the seeming improvement of memory recall of recently learned information (specifically before the drinking event). This ironic observation contrasts with the prevailing literature documenting the detrimental effects of the substance to neurological health.
Alcoholism is a very serious disease, which can cause illness, death, injuries, schooling problems, family breakups, and crime. It is a proven fact the alcohol kills more people than any other illegal drugs combined. However, alcohol courses freely through American society, from college bars to corporate lunches. In a recent journal article by The Scientist, it is stated, "Technology shows alcohol abuse changes brain's molecular programming and circuitry? (Scientist). Thus revealing that alcohol is a quick fix that will hurt us all in the long run.
Alcoholism has been a major problem in society for a number of years. In fact, alcoholism should be compared to a virus. This is because a person can never be completely cured from alcoholism; they can only fight the battle, day to day, hoping not to relapse. When it comes to the etiologies, or causes, of alcoholism, there seems to be three distinct origins of alcoholism. These causes are genetic factors, dependency caused by brain chemical imbalances after long-term use, and social and emotional factors.