Alcohol is an organic compound that carries a hydroxyl group bound to a carbon atom. Its primary component, ethanol, is used as a drug and is the main ingredient in alcoholic drinks. However, drinking alcohol in excess can be detrimental to your health. It can cause damage to your brain and lead to depression.
Moderate drinking can be healthy
Research shows that moderate drinking of alcohol is healthy, but it's also important to understand the risks. Alcohol consumption is often associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease. However, this risk can be reduced with other methods, such as maintaining a healthy diet, physical activity, and not smoking.
The benefits of moderate alcohol consumption depend on the type of alcohol that's consumed, and how much is consumed. Alcohol consumption can help protect against cardiovascular disease, as it raises levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) in the blood. It also improves blood clotting factors and insulin sensitivity. Moderate drinkers also tend to have healthier lifestyles, including more physical activity and less smoking.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. This is equivalent to about six pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of low-strength wine. However, drinking more than this amount may still be harmful to your health. While the benefits of moderate drinking outweigh the risks, it's important to keep in mind that drinking more than the recommended amount can harm your health.
Heavy drinking can cause permanent brain damage
The effects of heavy drinking on the brain are long-lasting. Excessive drinking causes degeneration of brain cells called neurons. Damaged neurons have difficulty relaying messages to other brain cells. These cells are vital to the functioning of the brain. If not repaired, these degenerations may lead to memory loss, confusion, and muscle coordination.
Depending on the part of the brain affected, symptoms of brain damage may vary. Memory problems, physical coordination, and thinking skills can all be affected by alcohol damage. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) provides online resources to learn more about the effects of alcohol on the brain. Most effects, however, can be reversed.
Heavy drinking during pregnancy can damage the brain and other organs in the developing baby. This can cause a condition called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, or FASD, which interferes with brain development and results in lifelong issues. Fortunately, early detection of fetal alcohol syndrome can help improve the development of the child. Research has linked alcohol use during pregnancy to the shrinking of the hippocampus and smaller prefrontal lobes.
It can be a distraction from reality
Alcohol is a good way to escape from reality, but it can also be a dangerous distraction. Alcohol can make you feel better temporarily by numbing you to uncomfortable emotions, but this is only a short-term solution and can create problems of its own. Instead of alcohol, try learning to cope with your feelings.
For example, if you drink to combat boredom, you may experience strong cravings while idle. This is why it is important to keep yourself busy. Engaging in activities that you enjoy will help you avoid drinking urges and keep your brain stimulated. Some activities include learning new skills, taking up a new hobby, or even taking part in outdoor activities.
It can increase your risk of depression
Although alcohol is a social substance and can help people relax, it can also increase the risk of depression. People with depression who self-medicate with alcohol are at a higher risk for suicide and other serious injuries. Alcoholism and depression often co-occur, making it important to seek treatment for both problems.
One-third of people suffering from severe depression abuse alcohol. Alcohol reduces the levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin, which regulate our moods. When these chemicals are low, a person who is depressed can become even more depressed. Alcohol also blocks the effects of stress hormones, depressing the brain and nervous system.
Alcohol can increase the side effects of antidepressants and may even increase the symptoms of depression. The combination of alcohol and antidepressants can make these drugs ineffective. People with severe depression should consult their doctor before using antidepressants.
It can increase your risk of heart disease
Heavy drinking can increase your risk of heart disease and is linked to high blood pressure. It can also damage the heart muscle, causing it to weaken and become less efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. This poor blood flow can damage the heart's organs and tissues. As a result, alcohol abuse increases your risk of heart attack by 40 percent.
In a study of over three hundred and seven thousand people, researchers found that alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the effects were unequal between men and women. The authors suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may be protective in some people, while heavy drinking may increase your risk by two to six times.
