Essay, Research Paper: Alcohol

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.