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The Effects Of Alcohol On The Brain And Body

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Alcohol causes many psychological and physiological problems in heavy drinkers and light drinkers alike. A few well-known consequences of alcohol on the brain and body have been proven. This includes: cognitive mood and memory disturbances, injury to the gastrointestinal and intestinal tracts, and injury to cardiovascular, all of the body’s normal functions. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a growing problem. Fetal alcohol syndrome occurs when expectant mothers drink during pregnancy. This condition afflicts over 5,000 infants a year causing mental retardation, constant confusion, withdrawal after delivery, and many visible physical defects. Cirrhosis of the liver is the most common alcohol related health problem. Approximately 10,000 to 24,000 …show more content…

Since alcoholics can portray there is no problem, it is often difficult to spot a person in trouble, mostly while coming home from clubs or bars. In 1996 there were 1,893,700 drunken driving arrests in the United States. It is estimated that upwards of 75% of those arrested are alcohol abusers. In our nation, more than 20,000 people die annually in alcohol related car accidents. Despite the effect on motor skills and other normal brain functions, drunks still believe they are able to drive, resulting in many innocent deaths. Alcoholism also devastates families and loved ones of the addicted individual. Of the approximate 18 million alcoholics in the United States, each one adversely affects at least four other people. Families of alcoholics suffer the same symptoms of the disease as the alcoholic. Excessive use of alcohol claims at least 100,000 lives each year, either through accidents or health problems. This is 25 times more loss of life than all illegal drugs combined. Alcoholism and related problems cost taxpayers an overwhelming $85.8 billion in mortality and reduced productivity. However, alcohol is still looked upon as a non-threatening dilemma.

There are many methods of treatment for alcoholics to use to try to kick their habit. One approach is Alcoholics Anonymous or AA. AA is a twelve-step program designed to make the person realize their problem, and also allow them

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