Quick Facts on Alcohol
Consumption of fermented beverages dates back thousands of years and alcohol is today considered the most widely used drug in the world. Whether you are a heavy or light drinker, many health risks and side effects result from the consumption of alcohol. Half of all Americans, including underage drinkers, have had at least one type of alcoholic beverage. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Types of Alcoholic Drinks
-
Alcohol is found in three types of drinks: beer, wine and liquor. Beer contains the least of the three types with amounts of 3 to 6 percent alcohol content value. It is made primarily from water and fermented grains which make up more than 90 percent of the beverage. Wine contains 11 to 14 percent alcohol content value and, when consumed in moderation, is said to be beneficial to the heart. Fortified wines have an alcohol content of 18 to 20 percent. Liquor contains the highest percentages of alcohol of any type of alcoholic drink. Each state has its own laws regulating the maximum alcohol content allowed in a bottle of liquor. Although most liquor products contain 40 to 50 percent alcohol, some can range from 80 to 90 percent and are illegal in some states.
Demographics
-
People of all age groups, cultures and socioeconomic groups are affected by the consumption of alcoholic beverages. According to the Do It Now Foundation, abuse and overuse of alcohol is most common among youth between the ages of 18 and 25. In the United States, 15.9 million Americans are classified as "heavy" drinkers and 27.4 percent of underage high school drinkers admit to being drunk at least once in the past month of the conducted survey.
-
Effects of Alcohol Consumption
-
Alcohol consumption results in both long-term and short-term effects. Effects that occur immediately or soon after drinking include distorted vision and coordination, abnormal emotions, impaired judgment and hangovers in certain cases. Although short-term effects subside after a day or two, abuse of alcohol by excess consumption can lead to life threatening long-term damages. Effects from heavy drinking are heart and liver disease, cancers of the mouth and throat and pancreatitis. Liver is an important organ in the processing of alcohol and too much consumption can lead to scarring and failure of the vital organ. Moderate drinking of alcohol can be beneficial in preventing heart attacks, but overindulgence can lead to high blood pressure and heart attacks or failures.
Effect of Alcohol on Pregnant Women
-
Pregnant women should never participate in the consumption of alcohol for any reason. Drinking can lead to growth retardation and future development problems of the baby. Fetal alcohol syndrome is caused by heavy drinking during the first few months of fertilization and as a result can lead to physical and mental abnormalities for the baby. Abnormalities include deformation of facial features, organ defects, small skulls and weak bone structures. Heavy drinkers who suffer withdrawal from lack of alcohol consumption during pregnancy should seek help from family and professionals.
-
References
- Photo Credit glass of alcohol image by Gleb Semenjuk from Fotolia.com
