How it is consumedAlcohol is a depressant, implying that it is capable of interfering with crucial functions. Notably, there are various kinds of alcohol, which include ethyl alcohol is utilized beverages. Different drinks, such as wine and beer contain varying degree of alcohol. The content ranges from 2% to 20% while distilled drinks contain more that 40% (Kissin, 2013). It is consumed as a drink, although, its contents vary.
The pharmacology of alcohol
It is important to state that alcohol is consumed and absorbed into the human body through “small blood vessels in the walls of the small intestine” (Kissin, 2013, p. 50). After drinking it, it is transported to the brain from the stomach. It is approximated that about 20% of alcohol is absorbed through the stomach while the rest is transported to the stomach. It is also carried by the blood stream to the liver, which in turn eliminates it from the blood through metabolism, where it is converted to nontoxic substance. Notably, the liver can metabolize some amount at a particular time, leaving the extent to circulate through the body. The implication is that the magnitude of the effect on the body is related to the amount that is consumed. Equally, after alcohol reaches the liver, its molecules are converted into acetaldehyde by ADH that is present in the liver cells (Kissin, 2013). Due to its toxicity, acetaldehyde is converted into acetate by another enzyme. It is then converted into carbon (IV) and water in which a lot energy is utilized.
After the absorption of alcohol is into the bloodstream, it begins to impact on the body. Notably, the substance is distributed to the waters in the body that constitute sixty percent. Early alcoholic drinking may is characterized by loss of muscle, gastritis, anemia, cardiac arrhythmia, hypoglycemia, among others. Pharmacological actions of the alcohol include pain, inflammation, and necrosis. According to Kissin (2013), the degree at which alcohol is metabolized is influenced by an individual’s genes.
Physiological effects of alcohol
The consumption of alcohol may result in sclerosis of the liver, which eventually results in death. Besides, it closes the blood-brain barrier that protects it from receiving harmful substances (Kissin, 2013). As a consequence of the closing the walls, neurotransmitters, and receptors of the brain are affected. It is important to state that when people consume alcohol that is concentrated, blood brain barriers become weak because tight junctions of blood vessels in the brain are damaged (Kissin, 2013). When taken in high concentration, it acts as a vasoconstrictor, implying it increases blood pressure, which in turn severely affects the brain, leading to stroke. Fast changes in blood pressure are associated with other disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Nevertheless, increased consumption of alcohol may result in vitamin deficiency and can damage the brain (Kissin, 2013). Due to brain damage, memory loss, emotional disturbance, gait problems and ataxia become common in people who take alcohol. Above all, the user of the drug can become physiologically addicted. In adolescent girls, the consumption of alcohol decreases the level of estrogen in the body. Additionally, there is a reduction in luteinizing hormone and testosterone in boys, implying other physiological processes will be affected (Kissin, 2013). People who consume a lot of alcohol have lower bone mineral density than those who abstain.
In conclusion, alcohol consumption should be avoided at all costs. Although many people take it as a stimulant, its adverse effects show that it is important to abstain from it. Effects, such as damaging the brain barriers, causing liver sclerosis, causing vitamin deficiency, among others, are convincing reasons people should stop consuming it. Although many people compare it to water, in fact, it does more harm than good. Therefore, people should put efforts and stop it.
- Kissin, B. (Ed.). (2013). The Biology of Alcoholism: Volume 1: Biochemistry. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Science & Business Media.
