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  • Alcohol Abuse

    Alcohol abuse is drinking to the extent that it affects your responsibilities at home, at work or in school. It also affects your relationship with other people. Excessive drinking also impairs your judgement, making it dangerous for you to drive. There are those whose drinking affects their relationship with other people including their spouse. For youths, the impact of drinking is much more damaging given that their body is not fully developed to metabolise alcohol. They are also more prone to brain damage and other medical problems.

    Alcohol abuse does not involve physical dependence on alcohol. But if it is not treated, alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol dependence.


    Alcohol dependence

    Alcohol dependence is what we often refer to as alcoholism. Alcoholics are addicted to alcohol and do not have control over their drinking. They develop a tolerance to alcohol and experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop.

    Alcohol is a depressant drug. In small amounts, it can induce a pleasing effect. However, being a depressant, it can eventually cause the person to feel down and depressed.

    Cirrhosis of the liver is one of the most common effects of alcohol abuse. Cirrhosis stops the liver from being able to remove toxins from the body. Alcohol abuse can also cause stomach ulcers that lead to internal bleeding.


    Sensible Drinking

    If you choose to drink – do so within limits. Follow these guidelines for low risk drinking:
    • Men should limit alcohol use to two standard drinks per day
    • Women should not consume more than one standard drink per day
    • Pregnant women should abstain from alcohol completely, as it could adversely affect the development of the child