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ALCOHOL
Almost everyone witnesses the out-of-control antics of a problem drinker. But do you know when drinking becomes a problem?
Some of the danger signs, which suggests that a person may have drinking problems:
• Turn to drinking when there are problems at home or work.
• Does not remember events that occurred when he was drinking.
• Starts drinking before attending social events.
• Gulps his drinks quickly and always orders a second drink before he has even finished his first.
• Hides his liquor and drink secretly.
• Drinks before breakfast.
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking.
Regularly drinking too much alcohol also can cause major,life-threatening, emotional and behavioral problems including:
• Marital and family problems.
• Acts of violence. All people who drink too much alcohol lose proper judgment.
• Vehicle accidents.
Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the:
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Mouth
• Liver damage
• Tongue
Alcohol can create a deficiency of thiamine, which can disrupt the functioning of the nerves. This deficiency can cause:
• Eye movement disturbance
• Coma
• Causing pain
• Weakness in the legs and hands
• Confusion
• Short-term memory loss
• Speech disturbances
• Affects the nerves in the brain
• Numbness
• Walking disturbances
• Spinal cord
• Cramps
Heart and circulatory problems:
• Heart failure can be caused by a lack of thiamine.
• Excessive alcohol use may contribute to high blood pressure and strokes.
• Alcohol is toxic, or harmful, to heart tissue and can lead to heart muscle disease.
The irritating effects of alcohol may cause:
• Gastritis (inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the stomach)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Peptic ulcer (a raw area in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract)
• Blood sugar levels to increase and therefore diabetes to worsen.
• Interactions with medications taken.
• Worsening of most other medical problems (heart disease, kidney disease, circulation problems).
• Injuries from falls and other accidents.
Psychological and emotional problems can include:
• Anxiety (feelings of uneasiness and fear)
• Depression (feelings of sadness and hopelessness, a loss of interest in life, and a reduced feeling of well-being)
• Confusion (both short-term and permanent)
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