There are now, in the world, several legal and illegal drugs. The definition of legality is influenced from country to country and even over the years, given the wave of legalization of cannabis use throughout the world. However, being legal does not mean that a drug is not harmful.
And the two main examples of this are also the most consumed drugs in the world: cigarettes and alcohol. This second, inclusive, is responsible for one of the most destructive diseases: alcoholism. Want to know what alcoholism is and how it can be cured? So keep reading this post to find out!
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a type of chemical dependency, directly related to alcohol consumption. It is considered a disease by the WHO (World Health Organization).
The constant and uncontrolled ingestion of alcoholic beverages compromises, in addition to social and family life, the correct functioning of the body, leading to irreversible damage and possibly death.
Unlike alcoholism, alcohol abuse is not considered a disease but an exaggeration of intake. Alcoholism leads individuals to an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol, causing them to lose control of their actions and see themselves in a framework of physical dependence.
Alcohol Effects
Alcohol is a harmful substance, which is quickly absorbed by the body as it crosses the blood-brain barrier, a permeable and highly selective structure that protects the Central Nervous System from toxic substances. Thus, shortly after the start of ingestion, the concentration of alcohol in the brain is already at the same level as the concentration in the blood.
For those who are not used to drinking with a certain frequency, concentration levels between 50 mg/dl and 150 mg/dl of alcohol in the blood are already more than enough to cause the first effects, which will depend a lot on the speed and quantity of alcohol ingested.
We can observe various effects or symptoms caused by alcohol in individuals who drink it. The substance basically acts in the physical and psychological spheres of people. The main physical effects caused by alcohol are:
- sharp drop in reflexes;
- cancer of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, liver and/or gallbladder, caused by constant and long-term consumption;
- hepatitis;
- cirrhosis;
- gastritis;
- ulcers;
- permanent brain damage (if ingested in large amounts);
- malnutrition;
- heart and blood pressure problems;
- poor birth defects in pregnant women.
As harmful as the physical effects of alcohol, psychological damage can include:
- loss of inhibition, leading to aggressive situations;
- change in mood, which may evolve into behavior charged with violence, depressive and even suicidal feelings;
- memory loss;
- family problems;
- drop in physical and professional performance.
Can alcoholism be cured?
Although considered a treatable disease, alcoholism is an incurable condition. This means that, even if the individual is sober for a long time, he will always be subject to relapse cases. Therefore, it is essential to avoid any type of alcoholic beverages and in any dosage and join the Alcohol Rehab in Pune as soon as possible.
As much as reducing consumption reduces or delays some of the problems caused, it is still not enough, since abstinence is essential for a successful recovery. Relapse cases, although very common, do not mean failure of the dependent. Therefore, it is essential that the person take control of the situation and focus on their goal of staying sober, if possible with as much support as they can get.
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