by Lauren Beyenhof

Created on: November 03, 2008

Alcohol, or at least some forms of fermented drink, have been around as long as humans have. Historically it has been used for antiseptics, mood alteration and even disinfectant. As a food product alcohol has the potential to induce drunkenness and a loss of sobriety when consumed in improper amounts. This is because of how quickly it manages to reach the blood stream. Unlike other foods, alcohol skips the digestion process altogether and goes straight for the stomach lining where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. This is why it's unwise to drink on an empty stomach.

Meanwhile, the liver attempts to filter alcohol, breaking it down into particles that can be easily metabolized. Depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours before the "buzz" of an alcoholic beverage is felt in the brain and the body.

What is Abuse?

The generally accepted definition of alcoholism is chronic drinking that interferers with a person's family or professional life. Although for some people alcohol is a harmless beverage to have at a party, it's important to understand that alcohol is easily abusedand not just by adults.

Types of Alcoholism

Some alcoholics only drink alone. They believe that by hiding their addiction, they are better in control of it. Some people can become alcoholics with just one drink which is why some people abstain completely from alcohol based solely on principle.

Other alcoholics are binge alcoholics. This is the type of behavior you see going on at many college, highschool, and sadly, even junior high campuses today. These types of alcoholics are able to withstand weeks without a drop of alcohol or even an urge for the stuff. But come Saturday night when all their friends are gathers, a raucous binge-drinking party can ensue.

The Physical Toll of Alcoholism

Overuse and abuse of alcohol takes its toll on every aspect of a person's lifetheir family, job, physical well-being, mental capacityall of it is altered. Below are a few examples of changes that may occur in a person who is struggling with alcohol abuse:

-susceptible to depression

-increase in violent behavior

-secretive behavior

-failing to show up on time or missing events altogether

What Happens to the Physical Body?

Don't be fooled by that beer-belly. People who suffer from alcoholism may in fact be malnourished. This is because in some cases, people who are addicted to alcohol may be oblivious to the idea of what it means to eat healthy foods. Additionally,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>