Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most used and misused drugs known to man.

One reason alcohol is misused is because it is accepted in society.

People drink to be sociable. Many restaurants offer some form of alcohol

on their menus. Alcohol is usually included at celebrations or family and

social gatherings.

Alcohol affects the nervous system by slowing the body's functions.

The effects that alcohol has on the body depends on the age, body

weight, and the amount a person drinks. The effects range from poor

judgement to memory loss, slurred speech and slow reflexes to

unconsciousness or even death. The feeling of being high is one of the

immediate results of alcohol and probably the reason most people get

addicted to it.

One of the risks of alcohol abuse is health problems. The leading

cause of death in America is cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is a result of liver

disease from chronic alcohol abuse. Alcohol also causes damage to the

brain, heart, kidneys, and digestive system. Cancer of the mouth, throat,

esophagus, liver, and stomach becomes a threat as well.

Another risk of alcohol abuse is societal problems. Alcohol is a

depressant. It depresses the nervous system and causes a loss of

coordination which makes a person more prone to accidents. Many

traffic accidents and fatalities are alcohol related. Family violence is

often a result of excessive drinking.

Alcohol is a mindaltering drug. It can cause many health problems

as well as accidental injuries and death. In Georgia it is an illegal drug for

anyone under 21 years old. The best way to avoid these problems with

alcohol is not to drink.