Alcohol and its effects on the body

Alcohol affects people in many different ways. Some experience intoxication with just one drink, others are able to consume 3 to 4 drinks before they begin to feel its effects. Regular consumption of alcohol has numerous negative side effects. It is a toxin and the abnormalities it can cause are many. A few are listed below:

1. Alcohol reduces energy levels, strength, and affects muscle growth.

2. Alcohol and its abuse or over use can cause damage to the liver, pancreas, kidneys and the central nervous system.

3. It causes metabolic damage and affects our immune system.

4. Excess use of alcohol can shorten life span.

5. Long term use of alcohol can cause reduced coordination, balance and a number of sexual dysfunctions like diminished sperm production, reduced libido and menstrual abnormalities in women.

6. Over use of alcohol interferes with the absorption of nutrients leading to anemia and B complex deficiencies.

Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, but, is not a nutritional source of energy.

Statistical studies have revealed that there is an increased number of women turning to alcoholism these days.
Society can no longer afford to hide the rise in women alcoholics and evading its consequences is definitely not a solution. Statistics show that there is a steady rise of 54% in women alcoholics. Treatment programs and therapists in particular need to look at the realities of women's lives before they treat this addictive disorder.

Alcoholic women are at increased risk for sexual assault, unplanned sex, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases. Women of child-bearing age who drink heavily experience more menstrual disturbances and pregnant women are at increased risk for miscarriages, spontaneous abortions, birth abnormalities and damage to their unborn child. They also give birth to babies with lower birth weights. This can lead to growth retardation or stunting of growth with deformities of the joints and limbs.
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After knowing about this issue of women alcoholics there are a few things that one should know about while treating the sufferer.

Being an alcoholic is like being a person who is suffering from a disease and like all other diseases this too needs to be treated by professionals. Family and friends definitely play a huge part of the program, but they independently without consulting professionals are not competent to cure this disease.

There are many support groups and counseling centers that help women that are suffering from alcoholism. It is necessary to bring awareness about such programs.

Dealing with an alcoholic is a full time job and a long drawn process. Talking to the affected person at length, having several counseling session with the addict as well as the addict’s family and friends is extremely important. Joining a support group where the addict can openly discuss her/ his fears to her/ his fellow friends will go a long way in helping them to de-addict.
What is of utmost importance is to remember that an addict needs continuous supervision. Sometimes, even after a counseling program or rehabilitation which is also an option, she/he can hide their addiction and get hooked on to alcohol again. So be supportive, don’t look down upon the addict and help them fight the battle.