Alcoholism

Alcoholism is actually an addiction, so it is important to know about alcoholism facts. There are many facts you need to know and they include information on the physical dependence that occurs, the psychological dependence that occurs, as well as the depression to the body’s functions. Many results occur from alcoholism including tension, decreased activity, anxiety, and loss of inhibitions.

Fact #1 Alcoholism Affects the Whole Body
Alcoholism affects the entire body. Many things occur over time including irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, erosion of the stomach lining, erosion of esophagus, vomiting, nausea, and bleeding.

Fact #2 Decreased Absorption
Another of the important alcoholism facts includes that when you are an alcoholic your body will not be able to absorb vitamins properly. This means that if you continue to abuse alcohol over time it could lead to nutritional deficiencies in the body. That is why many people end up with liver disease and even cirrhosis of the liver. Heart muscles may be negatively impacted as well. Another fact is that sexual dysfunction is quite common and men may find it difficult to get an erection while women may no longer have their menstrual cycle.

Fact #3 Abuse
Of all the drugs and substances in the world, alcohol is one the most abused. The other most abused substance is caffeine.

Fact #4 Types of Alcoholism
When it comes to alcoholism, there are two types. These include dependence and abuse. When an individual is dependent on alcohol this is really serious because it requires more alcohol to intoxicate them. Then, should the alcoholic stop drinking alcohol or lower his intake then he will go through withdrawal. This is serious and help is needed. Abuse is also dangerous, but it has not yet reached the dependence stage.

Fact #5 Attitude Toward Alcohol
The way a person drinks alcohol for the rest of their life is impacted by the attitude the take towards alcohol before they turn 20 years old. Their attitude is shaped by their parents and how they treat alcohol as well as their friends, other family members, and even society.

Fact #6 Problems of Alcoholism
Dependency and alcohol abuse as well as the problems relating to these are also increasing. There are about 12 million men and women in the United States today who are problem drinkers. This means that about 15% are problem drinkers, a number that continues to rise.

Fact #7 Teen Drinkers
It is amazing, but there are more than 20% of teens that are problem drinkers. This means that teens are getting drunk, abusing alcohol, and getting into other problems. This includes alcohol related accidents, trouble with the police or family and friends, and even trouble at school.

Fact #8 Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol begins affecting the drinker as fast as 10 minutes after drinking it. The effects generally peak around 40 to 60 minutes after drinking. The liver must break down the alcohol and it will remain in your system until this occurs. As alcohol is imbibed faster than the alcohol can be processed by the liver then the concentration of blood alcohol content increases.

Fact #9 Blood Alcohol Content
Every state has laws against drinking and driving. However, the blood alcohol content limit differs in different states. Most states have a legal alcohol limit between 0.08 to 0.10.

Fact #10 Help Exists
It is another alcohol fact that there is help out there. Alcoholics can get the help they need and turn their lives around. It is important for family members to support their loved ones who are alcoholics. It is difficult, but in time an alcoholic can recover and quit drinking.