What Are the Harmful Effects of Alcohol?
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Short Term Effects of Alcohol Use
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Alcohol is a substance that is created through fermentation and is present in many popular beverages, such as beer, wine and liquor. Alcohol has many effects on the human body and psyche, and its impact may vary from one person to the next. In the short term, alcohol use leads to delayed reaction times and decreased ability for precise motor function, which often leads to stumbling and accidental bruises or joint sprains. This makes it very dangerous for someone who has consumed alcohol recently to drive a car or operate any other machinery. Alcohol use also leads to impaired judgment, mood swings and in excessive amounts, vomiting, passing out and potentially death.
Drinking Disorders
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While many people consume alcoholic beverages responsibly as a social activity, others may consume it in dangerous quantities regularly, whether they are with other people or not. Binge drinking, which is when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol at one time in order to become drunk or buzzed, is a common issue. Reasons for binge drinking vary, but they are likely to include peer pressure, depression, lack of self esteem or ritual. Since alcohol is a depressant, it can exacerbate feelings of anger, loneliness or helplessness, leading to destructive behavior. Alcohol abuse is said to occur when excessive drinking leads to obvious problems yet the person continues to drink. Some people eventually feel dependent upon alcohol after repeated use and become unable to control when they use it.
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Long-term Effects of Alcohol Consumption
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Alcohol consumption is likely to increase the chances of several negative conditions over one's lifetime. Cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer are commonly associated with alcohol use, as are breast cancer and colon cancer. Alcohol also tends to lead to a fatty buildup in the stomach area, or "beer belly," and excess body weight tends to increase one's chances for heart disease. Alcohol use is also harmful during pregnancy and can lead to birth defects in a newborn. Alcohol is known to exacerbate or create sleep disorders and can lead to sexual problems, such as decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction.
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