Alcohol Consumption Actually Depresses the Term Paper

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Alcohol also affects the stomach, the pancreas, and the large and small intestines. Because alcohol increases acid in the stomach, gastritis and/or stomach and intestinal ulcers can result (Dunlap). Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is vital in the regulation of sugar levels in the blood. Alcohol increases the blood sugar, which causes the pancreas to respond by producing insulin, leading to a rapid drop in blood sugar (Dunlap). It is estimated that up to 90% of alcoholics suffer from hypoglycemia as a long-term effect, with symptoms that include dizziness, headaches, loss of concentration, depression, tremors, heart palpitations, anxiety, and loss of coordination (Dunlap). When prolonged alcohol consumption, the pancreas may stop producing insulin, resulting in diabetes (Dunlap).

Hormones are controlled by the endocrine system, and includes the pineal, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands, as well as the ovaries and testes. Because alcohol sedates these glands, hormones react by under-producing, resulting in an increase to allergies (Dunlap). Alcohol can decrease the frequency of erections in men, even leading to a shrinkage of sex glands, while in women, it can interfere with the normal processes of sexual stimulation, often prohibiting orgasmic response (Dunlap).

Alcohol consumption over a long period of time can also result in infertility in both men and women (Dunlap).

Depending on the individual's age, weight, size, sex, and the amount of alcohol intake, short-term effects of alcohol include dizziness, talkativeness, slurred speech, blurred vision, disturbed sleep, nausea, and vomiting (Alcohol 2006). Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, thus interfering in activities such as driving a car, and can lead to aggressive behavior, such as spousal abuse and child abuse (Alcohol 2006).

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Another common short-term effect includes a hangover, which may consists of headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and an increased thirst (Alcohol 2006). Long-term effects of alcohol can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver, and the cessation of alcohol after prolonged use often leads to tremors, hallucinations, convulsions, malnutrition, and severe anxiety (Alcohol 2006).

Excessive drinking has been linked to liver failure, nerve damage, epilepsy, heart failure, cancer, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, loss of brain cells, vitamin deficiency and obesity (Sensible 2006). Binge drinking (consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time) can result in loss of consciousness, coma and even death. Moreover, if vomiting occurs while the individual is unconscious, asphyxiation can occur, leading to death (Sensible 2006). Furthermore, alcohol consumption by the mother during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, which includes mental retardation and other irreversible physical abnormalities (Alcohol 2006).

Individuals consume alcohol for various reasons. The majority of adolescents believe alcohol makes it easier to socialize, thus they are subject to peer pressure. Adults often drink alcohol to cope with stress, and although laboratory data demonstrates that alcohol dampens responses to stress, alcohol also increases anxiety in some individuals (Why 2000). Research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are more likely to become alcoholics.

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