Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What is alcohol?
The better way of understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking can be found in the clear definition of the substance. In simple terms alcohol is a drug by all standards. It is derived from the fermentation of sugar by yeast. It is important to appreciate that the main psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic drinks is the ethanol, or ethyl alcohol. Therefore on consumption of alcohol, the ethanol element dissolves quickly in water and is absorbed into the blood streams. Up on the dissolution in just a short term and in smaller doses, it acts on the receptors of the brain to make users feel uninhibited and provides and provides a general sense of well-being. From the experts point of view when an individual drinking becomes more often, with time alcohol will starts to affect the general balance and the speech center of the brain. This therefore means that if you drink regularly, the brain’s receptors adapt to the alcohol and prompting the need for higher doses to cause the same effect. This is what then causes one to be addicted to the substance according to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD and the founder of the establishment. Doctor Akoury says that it is important to appreciate that alcohol is a depressant and instead of acting as a stimulant, it is likely to have the opposite effects on the individual abusers of the substance.
Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What happens when you drink alcohol?
Alcohol is quickly soaked up through the lining of the stomach and the upper part of the gut (intestine) and into your blood stream. The higher the concentration of alcohol, the faster it will be absorbed like for instance elements like whisky will be faster than beer. From there the journey continues to the liver and then to other organs of the body tissues. However the brain will be affected specifically by the flow of alcohol which acts on the central nervous system to alter your physical coordination and mental judgments.
Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What happens to the liver if you drink too much?
It is important to note that the function of the liver is not to store alcohol. Its role is to metabolize (processes) about 90% of the alcohol you drink to eliminate it from your body. It then breaks down the alcohol into water, gas (carbon dioxide) and fat. However with the central nervous system the liver becomes the biggest casualty from alcohol consumption. This is because the liver can only handle up to a certain amount of alcohol in any given time (one unit an hour). Meaning that if you are drinking quickly, your liver cells will have to work overtime to process the alcohol. When this is more than the liver can handle, the excess is transported to the rest of your organs. And for this to be done, the liver will need water to be effective in its delivery. Nonetheless, since alcohol acts as a diuretic, it dehydrates the body thereby forcing the liver to divert water from other sources.
Remember that when the liver is processing alcohol, it produces a substance called acetaldehyde. This has a toxic effect on the liver itself, as well as the brain and stomach lining. This is what causes your hangover. Acetaldehyde is subsequently broken down into chemical called acetate, which is broken down further into carbon dioxide and water outside the liver. Therefore the heavy drinkers can strain or disrupt this process which is likely to cause some live infections.
Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What are the recommended safe limits of alcohol drinking?
Even though alcohol is not good for your health, people will always consume this substance. Therefore to put some ceilings scientific research has established that consumption of alcohol is very much different in terms of gender as follows:
Men should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week (and no more than four units in any one day).
Women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (and no more than three units in any one day).
Pregnant women – There is no known safety consumption of alcohol when it comes to pregnant women. Therefore doctor Akoury’s advice is that pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant should not drink at all. If you do choose to drink when you are pregnant then limit it to one or two units, once or twice a week however it would be healthy for you and your baby if you abstain from drinking completely.
In general, the more you drink above the safe limits, the more harmful alcohol is likely to be. And remember, binge drinking can be harmful even though the weekly total may not seem too high. For example, if you only drink once or twice a week, but when you do you drink 4-5 pints of beer each time, or a bottle of wine each time, then this is a risk to your health. Also, even one or two units can be dangerous if you drive, operate machinery, or take some types of medication.
Finally we know that the effects of alcohol can be very devastating, and we also know that once you have started drinking, stopping can be very difficult. These are known facts and if they are your point of concern, then you are justified. The good news about all these concerns is that, they are doable. If you or any one you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, then this is the right place to be for the commencement of your recovery treatment. All that stands between you and your total recovery is that one phone call to doctor Dalal Akoury. Call her today to schedule for an appointment and you will never regret it all the days of your life.
Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What is alcohol?
