Alcohol is a type of beverage which humans have been consuming for millennia, as a fermented or distilled drink. In alcoholic beverages, the most commonly consumed type is a form known as ethanol. This chemical has depressive actions on the central nervous system and lowers inhibitions. For this reason, it is often used as a social lubricant at parties and social events.
Alcohol Information
It is fermented from some type of sugar. The sugar can be cane sugar, honey, or some other type of sugar. Alcoholic beverages can vary greatly in alcohol content, coloration, and taste. The classification for each type of alcoholic beverage depends upon what the final product is fermented from and the added ingredients. Alcohol fermented from grapes is called wine; when fermented from honey, it is called mead; beer is fermented from grains. Some types are made using the process of distillation. This group includes whiskey, rum, brandy, and vodka. Various liquors are prepared by infusing flavors from herbs, fruits, and spices into distilled spirits. One example of such a drink is gin. Gin is made by infusing berries from the juniper tree into a neutral grain alcohol. The use of alcoholic beverages sometimes leads to substance abuse. Proper alcohol information can help prevent this condition.
Alcohol Substance Abuse Symptoms
There are a number of effects stemming from the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol substance abuse is not uncommon in many parts of the world. The intoxicating effects are felt in the brain and body, including slurred speech, delayed reflexes, clumsiness, and increased urination. We know from modern alcohol information that alcoholic substance abuse can cause excessive insulin production, which increases the rate of glucose metabolism. This can cause low blood sugar, provoking irritability and increasing the risk of death for diabetics. Alcohol poisoning can prove fatal. From what we know of alcohol information, consuming alcoholic beverages also decreases the production of vasopressin from the hypothalamus gland, as well as hormone secretion from the pituitary gland. It also results in a higher concentration of water in urine and vomit, along with the severe thirst from a hangover. Excessive long-term consumption of alcoholic beverages is a form of substance abuse which can lead to numerous problems. Central nervous system damage can stem from long-term alcoholic substance abuse. It can also lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, alcoholism, pancreatic, liver disease, and cancer.
Alcohol Substance Abuse Treatment
We know from modern alcohol information that excessive alcoholic beverage consumption can result in alcoholism- the addiction or dependency upon consuming large amounts of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic substance abuse has been regarded as a disabling addictive disorder since the late twentieth century. It presents as an uncontrolled and compulsive consumption of alcoholic beverages, typically damaging the drinker's health, social standing, and relationships. Alcohol information shows that alcoholics are often addicted to other drugs, in addition to alcoholic beverages. These other drugs may prove addictive as well and require their own form of treatment. Treatments for alcoholism are varied since there are a number of different approaches to alcoholism. Some medical professionals regard alcoholism as a medical condition, others as a social choice. Most programs try to help sufferers stop their alcoholic beverage intake, followed with social support and life training to help them successfully resist the future temptation to drink. There are also a number of medications available for alcoholism, with varying degrees of effectiveness. They include: antabuse, temposil, naltrexone, and campral. Alcoholics may need treatment for other drug addictions. The most commonly seen drug addiction in alcoholics seems to be dependence upon benzodiazepines.
