While alcohol may have some benefits when taken in moderation, the risks of alcohol abuse are numerous. Virtually every organ of the body can be affected by alcohol abuse with many deaths resulting from accidents, respiratory failure and breathing-in of vomit.
Alcoholism causes a lot of embarrassment to the immediate family due to violent behaviour which follows alcohol abuse and loss of consciousness in most embarrassing locations.
IF YOU MUST TAKE ALCOHOL, THEN TAKE IT IN MODERATION ONLY; SAY A GLASS OF WINE A DAY OR A CAN OF BEER A DAY. IF YOU TAKE SPIRIT, THEN ONLY A GLASS MEANT FOR SUCH TYPE OF ALCOHOL PER DAY.
The discussion of today is meant to draw attention to the avoidable HEALTH PROBLEMS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE.
1. Accidents/Violence.
Alcohol abuse contributes to violent behavior and traffic accidents. Violent behaviour can lead to unnecessary fights which can lead to maiming or death. Persons who are drunk are not allowed to drive, because alcohol impairs brain function. It causes loss of nerve sensation and nervous system control of muscles. Rising alcohol level in the blood impairs vision, balance and judgement.
2. Cirrhosis of the Liver
Alcohol when consumed in large volume and for long, damages the liver directly and indirectly by encouraging the release of certain chemical agents which cause damage to the liver. The Liver becomes chronically inflamed. Cirrhosis occurs after about ten years of heavy consumption of alcohol. It can lead to cancer and liver failure.
3. Cancer
Alcohol abuse is associated with cancer of the liver, throat, mouth, stomach, intestines and breast. This could be due to direct damage and also loss of some minerals and vitamins which are protective to the body. Alcohol damages the inside of the stomach which can lead to ulcer, and then cancer.
4. Heart Disease/High Blood Pressure/Stroke
Alcohol damages the heart muscles which can lead to heart failure. It can also raise our blood pressure, disorganize our heartbeat and cause stroke.
5. Obesity
Alcohol encourages fat deposit in the abdomen. There are so many men who appear pregnant, most times it is due to fat deposit in the abdominal region. This type of fat deposit is associated with diabetes and high blood cholesterol.
6. Reduction of Body Resistance
Our bodies normally resist infections, we only fall sick if this resistance is defeated. Alcohol abuse reduces our ability to fight against diseases. Consequently, alcoholics are prone to infection because of low immunity.
7. Impotence.
One of the known causes of impotence is alcohol. When taken in small quantities, it gives the drinker a feeling of happiness and also increases sexual desire and maybe performance but after a certain volume (which depends on the individual) alcohol becomes a depressant.
The drinker may have the sexual desire but will not be able to perform. Alcohol dulls performance. This failure if not properly managed can lead to impotence.
According to Shakespeare in Macbeth, “It (alcohol) provides the desire but takes away the performance”.
