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Alcohol - The Drug |
What is Alcohol?
Ethyl alcohol is a mood altering substance, a psychoactive drug like cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy etc.
Alcohol:
- Is the oldest drug known to mankind,
- Profoundly influences moods and behaviour ,
- Affects every organ of the body
- Classified as a central nervous system depressant, and is
- Highly addictive.
Because alcohol has been around forever, we tend to just accept it’s presence. We tend to think of it as just a normal part of our lives. And, if used, moderately, with food, it can be regarded as fairly harmless for most of us. However, we forget that it is a toxic substance, a mood-altering substance that can have hidden dangers for certain “at risk” members of society.
- Pregnant mothers place their baby’s lives at risk of foetal alcohol syndrome if they drink heavily, and the foetus can suffer impaired growth and brain development even if they drink small amounts.
- People who have alcoholism in their family should be aware that they will probably be genetically predisposed to develop a problem. So many people who grew up in an alcoholic home, swore that they would never use alcohol. For some reason, usually emotional, they start drinking and very rapidly become addicted.
- People who are vulnerable through circumstances, trauma, loss, abuse or poverty turn to alcohol which is relatively cheap and accessible as a temporary escape. So often these people end up addicted or turning to heavier drugs.
The Effects of Alcohol
"In small doses alcohol relieves tension and anxiety, makes some people more talkative, helps them to lose their inhibitions and become more comfortable in social situations. However, large doses and prolonged use almost always lead to gradual deterioration in moods, behaviour and the general health of the drinker.
Alcohol acts on the central nervous system, the brain chiefly. First as a stimulant and then, as more is drunk, as a depressant. The immediate detrimental effects of alcohol relate chiefly to its depressant effects. These side effects can include impaired co-ordination and reflexes, slurred speech, unsteady movements, confused thought processes, drowsiness, loss of control, and uninhibited behaviour such as aggressiveness, recklessness and violence. Alcohol is a toxic substance and in excessive doses can cause stupor, unconsciousness, coma and even death." (Searll)
The Consequences of Alcohol Abuse
With chronic alcohol abuse, the costs to the individual, the family and society are enormous. Alcohol related accidents on the road, in the home and in the workplace claim many thousands of lives every year. Recent research in South Africa reveals that alcohol plays a role in the majority of motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian death, violent incidents and criminal activities such as fraud, theft assault, prostitution, vagrancy and manslaughter.
The law courts no longer consider alcohol intoxication as an extenuating circumstance and although it certainly can contribute to irresponsible behaviour and impaired judgment, it is nevertheless no longer regarded as an acceptable justification for criminal acts.
Alcohol abuse also has potentially devastating effects on the family unit, and is closely associated with problems such as child abuse, poverty, marriage problems, divorce, juvenile delinquency and assault.
Virtually every organ of the body is affected by chronic alcohol abuse. Malnutrition in alcoholics is common as a high percentage of an alcoholic’s calorie intake is in the form of alcohol, and the protein and vitamin intake is severely reduced.
Because any addiction begins in the brain, cognitive functioning is impaired. Memory, concentration and decision making is affected.
Naturally, the affected individual's social functioning is affected and they either become socially isolated or turn to other alcoholics for companionship. |
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