A small amount of alcohol will relax you and make you feel less anxious. But alcohol is a depressant of the central nervous system. In increasing amounts it suppresses the part of your brain that controls judgement, resulting in a loss of inhibitions. It also affects your physical co-ordination, causing blurred vision, slurred speech and loss of balance. Drinking a very large amount at one time (binge drinking) can lead to unconsciousness, coma, and even death. Vomiting while unconscious can lead to death by asphyxiation (suffocation).

Alcohol is involved in a large proportion of fatal road accidents, assaults and incidents of domestic violence.

Alcohol can be a dangerous drug. Drinking too much too often will cause physical damage, increase the risk of getting some diseases, and make other diseases worse. Excessive drinking over time is associated with:

• hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver
• gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• high blood pressure (which can lead to stroke)
• certain types of cancer, including mouth and throat
• damage to the brain
• heart failure
• neurological problems such as epilepsy
• certain types of vitamin deficiency

Excessive drinking has also been linked to:

• obesity
• sexual problems
• infertility
• muscle disease
• skin problems

Alcohol and pregnancy

Women who drink heavily during pregnancy are at risk of having babies with a condition called fetal alcohol syndrome. This can result in growth deficiencies, nervous system problems, lowered intelligence, and facial abnormalities in the child. It is also called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder - all the symptoms are not always present and can vary in how serious they are.

There is some evidence that pregnant women who drink 10 to 15 units a week are more likely to have underweight babies. It is not known if there is an absolutely safe limit for drinking during pregnancy, but research indicates that it may be wise to avoid alcohol altogether.

Comments

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