Some side effects of alcohol addiction
Medically speaking, alcoholism is a condition that results in persistent consumption of alcoholic drinks, regardless of any unpleasant consequences. One should be aware that drinking often does not necessarily constitute alcoholism, as alcohol addiction is defined through the quantity and constancy of the alcohol consumption.
The consequences of alcohol addiction are categorised into short-term effects and long-term effects. Most of us know that alcohols, particularly ethyl alcohol – or ethanol – are sedatives. The toxicity level also depends on many other factors. For instance, the toxicity level is lower when alcohol is consumed after having lunch compared to the when alcohol is consumed with an empty stomach. In case of hydration, the level of toxicity is less if water is added to alcohol before intake. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or without water is more likely to lead to addiction than taken with food and water, as it is more toxic and absorbed into the body quicker.
Alcohol is a depressive – a sedative – and is likely to make you feel calmer. If you are already feeling a little upset, it is likely to make you feel worse, and more upset than before. In the same way, it can make you feel happier if you are already happy, but only in small quantities. After excessive consumption, alcohol makes people sleepy, with blurred vision and slurred speech and with slower motor functions.
Alcohol addiction can lead to heart disease, liver and kidney failure, cancer and lung disease. Although it is often drunk as a recreational drug in small quantities, it can have serious and fatal consequences if it becomes an addiction.
