alcoholism causes and effects essay

Alcoholism: Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms

Introduction, causes of alcoholism, effects of alcoholism, works cited.

The term alcoholism may be used to refer to a wide range of issues associated with alcohol. Simply put, it is a situation whereby an individual cannot stay without alcohol. An alcoholic usually drinks alcohol uncontrollably and persistently.

Alcoholism usually leads to ill health, and it affects relationships between the individual and the people around him. It may also be considered as a disease and may be referred to as an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol abuse may also cause damage to vital organs in the human body, including the brain and heart (Mukamal et al. 1965). Therefore, it may lead to psychiatric and medical issues. Psychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia, may occur.

Others include phobias, dysthymia, mania, and depression. Alcoholism may also cause neurologic deficits. These deficits may be manifested through certain impairments such as brain damage and memory loss. Such individuals also have difficulty executing certain functions and may experience issues with body balance and gait.

The brain might be affected as certain changes occur in its structure and chemistry. With time, a person develops physical dependence and tolerance. This causes the inability to stop drinking and causes complications as one tries to stop the habit.

This is particularly referred to as alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Identifying alcoholics for the purpose of treatment may be difficult since such individuals may avoid seeking help due to stigmatization. However, certain factors influence the risk for the condition.

These factors include mental health, depression, age, gender, ethnicity, and family history (Mukamal et al. 1965). This paper will discuss the genetic and environmental factors that cause alcoholism and highlight the complications, conditions, and diseases associated with the disorder.

The main causes of this disorder may be categorized into two. These include genetic and environmental factors. The genetic material that determines the metabolism of the drink also influences the risk of the disorder. Persons with a family history of the disorder may also develop it.

A particular study argued that the expression of genes was influenced if an individual started using alcoholic beverages at an early stage in life (Agrawal et al. 69). This increased the risk of alcohol dependence among such individuals.

Persons with a genetic disposition to the disorder would most probably start drinking at an early stage. Individuals who start drinking at an early stage are also more likely to develop alcoholism. It is also argued that 40% of alcoholics misuse alcohol by the time they are in their late adolescent stage. However, certain researchers disagree with this idea (Schwandt et al., 74).

Individuals who do not receive support from family and friends are highly likely to develop alcoholism. Therefore, some social and emotional factors may cause an ex-drinker to start drinking again. For example, mental and emotional stress can contribute to alcoholism.

An individual under the influence of alcohol may not be able to feel the pain associated with stress. With the normal alcohol intake, an individual’s brain might be at some equilibrium. When the individual tries to quit, the brain responds. This response may come in terms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

These feelings cause chemical imbalances that force an alcoholic to go back to drinking in order to feel better. Social and cultural pressures from media and other sources may also affect the drinking habits of an individual. The media’s portrayal of alcohol as a pleasurable and beneficial drink may encourage individuals to start drinking or cause ex-drinkers to return to their old habits (Bierut et al. 237).

The damaging effect of alcohol on the nervous system is more profound among adolescents and those with a genetic disposition to the disorder. These effects may cause the degeneration of the cerebral cortex. Consequently, this increases impulse behavior that may lead to alcoholism.

Despite the severe damages to the central nervous system due to alcoholism, it is possible to reverse some of the damages through withdrawal from the drug. Another risk factor is the availability of alcohol. This drug is most commonly abused. In terms of popularity, beer may come next after water and tea.

The difference in genetic characteristics also determines the risk of developing the disorder. This is mainly because different races have certain different genetic characteristics.

Therefore, they differ in terms of alcohol metabolism. The difference in genetic makeup may explain the difference in the rate of alcohol dependence among the different races.

The genetic component that determines the rate at which alcohol metabolizes is referred to as the alcohol dehydrogenase allele. The Native Americans and African Americans are said to have an allele that is not highly associated with alcohol dependence. The Native Americans, on the other hand, are more likely to develop alcohol dependence.

The effects of alcohol abuse are diverse. Consumption of excess alcohol may lead to several diseases and complications. For example, it may lead to the inflammation of the pancreas, liver disease, and cancers. Alcohol-related cancers are believed to form as the elements in the alcoholic drink are converted into acetaldehyde. This is a potent carcinogen.

Different parts of the body may host the cancerous cells. These areas include the liver, breast, and mouth. The larynx and the throat are also likely to be affected. Alcoholics who take tobacco have an increased risk of cancers (Bierut et al. 237).

Liver cirrhosis is another condition that may occur as a result of excessive drinking of alcohol. This is manifested through the scarring of the organ to such an extent that it cannot perform its functions. However, some individuals who drink moderately have also been shown to suffer from the disease (Mukamal et al. 1965).

Pregnant alcoholic mothers may also cause problems for the unborn. Fetal alcohol syndrome may result from such habits. Excessive use of alcohol may cause impaired brain development and brain shrinkage. Although the brain normally shrinks in old age, excessive use of alcohol increases this rate. With the increased rate, such individuals are likely to develop dementia and have memory issues.

Alcoholism also increases the risk of cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders. Excessive use of the beverage may cause an increase in the level of toxic amino acid in the plasma. This may be the reason why some individuals suffer from withdrawal seizures.

Alcohol abuse may also cause issues with memory and may impair learning. Alcoholism may also greatly affect the brain. For example, brain lesions are likely to occur. Alcohol-related brain damage comes about due to a combination of several factors.

Alcoholism may also cause heart attacks and strokes. Abuse of alcohol increases the risks of a heart attack. Some studies have shown that drinking alcohol in moderation may offer some level of protection to individuals against heart attack (Mukamal et al. 1965).

This applies specifically to individuals who had suffered a heart attack before. Prolonged use of alcohol in large quantities also causes alcohol cardiomyopathy. This disease affects the muscles of the heart. As the heart muscles fail, this may lead to heart failure.

Alcoholism is also associated with alcohol-related death. Many deaths worldwide have been attributed to the excessive use of alcohol (Doll et al. 199). Individuals who use alcohol excessively are at a higher risk of death than those who take alcohol moderately. Individuals with diseases that may be augmented by the excessive use of alcohol are also at great risk of alcohol-related death. Such diseases include oral cancers and liver disease.

Another effect of alcoholism is anemia. Excessive use of alcoholic beverages causes a reduction in the number of erythrocytes. This condition is referred to as anemia. Since red blood cells are used to transport oxygen around the body, the low level of oxygen due to low numbers of the cells leads to fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Alcoholism may either be caused by genetic or environmental factors. Persons with a genetic disposition to the disorder are likely to start drinking and become alcoholics. Genetic variations may determine the difference in alcohol metabolism.

The environmental factors that may cause alcoholism include the availability of alcohol and sociocultural pressures. Certain environmental factors lead to depression that may encourage alcoholism. The effects of alcoholism are diverse. Alcoholism may lead to diseases such as liver disease, heart disease, and cancers. Excessive use of alcohol may affect almost all vital organs of the body and may eventually lead to death.

Agrawal, Arpana, et al. “Evidence for an interaction between age at 1 st drink and genetic influences on DSM-IV alcohol dependence symptoms.” Alcoholism Clinical & Experimental Research 33.12 (2010): 67-80. Print.

Bierut, Laura, et al. “Co-occurring risk factors for alcohol dependence and habitual smoking.” Alcohol Research & Health 24.4 (2000): 233-241. Print.

Doll, Richard, et al . “Mortality in relation to alcohol consumption: A prospective study among male British doctors.” International Journal of Epidemiology 34.1 (2005): 199-204. Print.

Mukamal, Kenneth, et al. “Prior alcohol consumption and mortality following acute myocardial infarction.” JAMA 285.15 (2001): 1965-1970. Print.

Schwandt, Melanie, et al. “Alcohol response and consumption in adolescent rhesus macaques: Life history and genetic influences.” International Biomedical Journal 44.1 (2010): 67-80. Print.

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The Cause and Effects of Drinking Alcohol, Essay Example

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Alcohol is widely abused across the world and the effects of excessive alcohol intake can be devastating. When not taken in moderation, alcohol can be harmful to the health and social life of the individual, as well as harmful to the individual’s family. These devastating effects can result in alcohol related disease, outcast from social circles and loss of friends and a breakdown in the family.

Excessive alcohol consumption is extremely harmful to the health of a person. Alcohol abuse can lead to heart disease, liver failure and rapid aging. Many deaths are caused by alcoholism. Excessive drinking also increases the decision to take risky actions, including drinking and driving. Drinking and driving causes many deaths every year and is a major problem among those of all ages. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause memory loss and other psychological issues.

Consuming alcohol at a high rate can also cause social problems. This can include loss of friends and being outcast from your community. This happens because of the bad choices that come with alcoholism and most people do not want to associate with those who drink excessively. It is not just harmful to the drinker, but harmful to their friends and family.

In relation to loss of friends, it is likely that excessive drinking can cause a breakdown in family. Alcoholism is devastating for families. Many times an excessive drinker will not keep up with their responsibilities within the family. This means that they are likely to not finish school or college, lose their jobs and not participate in taking care of their children. This can lead to financial problems and the inability to take care of the themselves of the family.

There are many reasons why excessively consuming alcohol is dangerous and harmful. Drinking in moderation or abstaining from alcohol altogether is important to live a happy and healthy life. Among the effects of drinking alcohol, the most obvious are major health problems, loss of friends and social status and a breakdown in the family unit.

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Alcoholism cause and effect essay

Table of Contents

Introduction

There are several terms that have been developed to define alcoholism, including alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. As Roh (2015) demonstrates, today alcoholism is referred to as alcohol use disorder that occurs when a person consumers so much alcohol that the body becomes addicted and dependent on alcohol. Alcoholism manifests through addition, which makes alcohol the most important thing in the life of the alcoholic. Inasmuch as the negative consequences of alcohol use disorder are well defined, people with the disorder continue to consume alcohol, a factor that leads to negative effects on their overall livelihoods.

This is a research paper whose theme is alcoholism. This paper aims at answering the following research questions: What are the statistical facts related to alcoholism? Which body systems are affected by alcoholism? Based on the statistics on the prevalence and information on the body systems affected by alcoholism, what are the interventions that can be implemented to reduce the effects and prevalence of alcoholism? By answering these questions, this research aims at proving that there is a relationship between multidisciplinary approaches to alcohol abuse prevention and successful interventions to minimize alcoholism.

There have been several studies that have been conducted to determine the exact causes of alcoholism. Across these studies, Powers, Berger, Fuhrmann and Fendrich (2017) highlighted that there are no specific emergent causes of alcoholism, though the risk factors of alcoholism continue to be defined. According to Roh (2015), there is a thin line between moderate alcohol consumption and excessive consumption, with the latter being attributed to addiction. In an attempt to ascertain this, Allamani (2012) classified males who consume more than 15 drinks weekly and women who take more than 12 drinks weekly as highly at risk of alcoholism. However, Opačić, Oreb and Radat (2017) explained that alcoholism can purely be linked to social and psychological issues. Peer pressure is among the leading social issues associated with alcoholism, while depression, anxiety and mental abuse are the psychological issues that are attributed to alcoholism.

As of 2015 in the US, alcohol use disorder was prevalent across 6.2% of the population aged above 18 years, based on the report by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The prevalence of this disorder was higher among men (8.4%) compared to women (5.3%). On the other hand, 2.5% of youths aged between 12 and 17 were reported to have alcohol use disorder (niaaa.nih.gov, 2018). However, the disorder was prevalent among the females in this age group (2.7%) compared to the 2.3% of the males. The NIAAA further reports that approximately 88,000 deaths occur annually due to alcoholism. Men constitute the larger proportion of these deaths. On the global scale, there are 3.3 million deaths annually that accrue from alcoholism, translating to nearly 6% of the total deaths globally.

The effects of alcoholism on the body have been well documented by Bernstein (2012), who writes that inculcated behavior of excessive alcohol consumption leads to disorders of the digestive system, the circulatory system, the central nervous system and the endocrine system. The most common body part affected by alcoholism is the liver. In 2015, nearly 47% of the liver disease deaths in the USA were attributed to alcoholism (niaaa.nih.gov, 2018). Besides, alcohol has been identified as a leading cause of cirrhosis, a chronic disease of the liver that manifests through inflammation and cell degeneration. Alcoholism was identified by the NIAAA as the major cube of the cirrhosis deaths, as it contributed 48% of these deaths in 2015.

The statistics of alcoholism prevalence and the effects of alcoholism on the body paint a picture of the need to develop appropriate interventions to prevent it. According to Opačić, Oreb and Radat (2017), the prevention measures of alcoholism are aimed at reducing the abuse of alcohol as well as its consequences. As such, legislators, healthcare providers, the community and the potential addicts should all be included in the efforts directed towards preventing alcoholism. Legislators play a critical role in reducing alcohol consumption through increasing the taxes levied on alcohol and increasing the minimum age that is legally accepted for drinking. Besides, legislators also create laws that oblige alcohol manufacturers to inform and warn the drinkers of the effects of alcohol abuse.

Health care providers play the role of promoting the recovery efforts of those diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. Doctors and nurses are influential in enabling the addicts overcome the effects of withdrawal, while psychological health experts enable the addicts to develop a positive attitude towards life. The communities are pivotal in developing programs and educational interventions for saving the lives of the addicts. The communities include the citizen advocacy groups, media, business enterprises, the police and schools. In all these interventions, the input of addicts should be embedded, as Roh (2015) demonstrates that such inclusion increases the suitability of the programs among the populations at high risk of alcoholism.

In this discussion, the statistics of alcoholism prevalence have been provided, indicating that alcoholism is highly prevalent among men than women. The study also establishes that the liver is the body organ that is largely affected by alcoholism, an argument that is supported from the data detailing the number of liver disease deaths associated with alcoholism. The solutions to alcoholism listed in this paper include policy interventions, healthcare prevention approach and community based programs. In conclusion, there is a relationship between multidisciplinary approaches to alcohol abuse prevention and successful interventions to minimize alcoholism.

• Allamani, A. (2012). Alcohol Consumption Policies and the Prevention of Alcohol Consumption-Related Problems: Needs, Duties, and Responsibilities*.  Substance Use & Misuse ,  47 (12), 1252-1259. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2012.716483
• Bernstein, D. (2012). Alcoholic Liver Disease.  Clinics In Liver Disease ,  16 (4), xiii-xiv. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cld.2012.09.009
• niaaa.nih.gov. (2018).  Alcohol Facts and Statistics | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) .  Niaaa.nih.gov . Retrieved 29 January 2018, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
• Opačić, A., Oreb, T., & Radat, K. (2017). Characteristics and Significance of Professional-Led Support Groups in the Treatment of Alcoholism.  Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly ,  35 (4), 359-371. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07347324.2017.1350541
• Powers, G., Berger, L., Fuhrmann, D., & Fendrich, M. (2017). Family history density of substance use problems among undergraduate college students: Associations with heavy alcohol use and alcohol use disorder.  Addictive Behaviors ,  71 (9), 1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.02.015
• Roh, S. (2015). New Directions in Healthcare for Alcohol Use Disorder.  Health Care : Current Reviews ,  03 (02). http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2375-4273.1000144
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The Risks Associated With Alcohol Use and Alcoholism

Alcohol consumption, particularly heavier drinking, is an important risk factor for many health problems and, thus, is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. In fact, alcohol is a necessary underlying cause for more than 30 conditions and a contributing factor to many more. The most common disease categories that are entirely or partly caused by alcohol consumption include infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes, neuropsychiatric diseases (including alcohol use disorders), cardiovascular disease, liver and pancreas disease, and unintentional and intentional injury. Knowledge of these disease risks has helped in the development of low-risk drinking guidelines. In addition to these disease risks that affect the drinker, alcohol consumption also can affect the health of others and cause social harm both to the drinker and to others, adding to the overall cost associated with alcohol consumption. These findings underscore the need to develop effective prevention efforts to reduce the pain and suffering, and the associated costs, resulting from excessive alcohol use.

Alcohol consumption has been identified as an important risk factor for illness, disability, and mortality ( Rehm et al. 2009 b ). In fact, in the last comparative risk assessment conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the detrimental impact of alcohol consumption on the global burden of disease and injury was surpassed only by unsafe sex and childhood underweight status but exceeded that of many classic risk factors, such as unsafe water and sanitation, hyper-tension, high cholesterol, or tobacco use ( WHO 2009 ). This risk assessment evaluated the net effect of all alcohol consumption—that is, it also took into account the beneficial effects that alcohol consumption (primarily moderate consumption) can have on ischemic diseases 1 and diabetes ( Baliunas et al. 2009 ; Corrao et al. 2000 ; Patra et al. 2010 ; Rehm et al. 2004 ). Although these statistics reflect the consequences of all alcohol consumption, it is clear that most of the burden associated with alcohol use stems from regular heavier drinking, defined, for instance, as drinking more than 40 grams of pure alcohol per day for men and 20 grams of pure alcohol per day for women 2 ( Patra et al. 2009 ; Rehm et al. 2004 ). In addition to the average volume of alcohol consumption, patterns of drinking—especially irregular heavy-drinking occasions, or binge drinking (defined as drinking at least 60 grams of pure alcohol or five standard drinks in one sitting)—markedly contribute to the associated burden of disease and injury ( Gmel et al. 2010 ; Rehm et al. 2004 ). This article first defines which conditions necessarily are caused by alcohol use and for which conditions alcohol use is a contributing factor. It then looks more closely at the most common disease risks associated with excessive alcohol use, before exploring how these risks have influenced guidelines for drinking limits. The article concludes with a discussion of the alcohol-related risk of harm to people other than the drinker.

Disease and Injury Conditions Associated With Alcohol Use

Conditions for which alcohol is a necessary cause.

More than 30 conditions listed in the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD–10) ( WHO 2007 ) include the term “alcohol” in their name or definition, indicating that alcohol consumption is a necessary cause underlying these conditions (see table 1 ). The most important disease conditions in this group are alcohol use disorders (AUDs), which include alcohol dependence and harmful use or alcohol abuse. 3 AUDs are less fatal than other chronic disease conditions but are linked to considerable disability ( Samokhvalov et al. 2010 d ). Overall, even though AUDs in themselves do not rank high as a cause of death globally, they are the fourth-most disabling disease category in low- to middle-income countries and the third-most disabling disease category in high-income countries ( WHO 2008 ). Thus, AUDs account for 18.4 million years of life lost to disability (YLDs), or 3.5 percent of all YLDs, in low- and middle-income countries and for 3.9 million YLDs, or 5.7 percent of all YLDs, in high-income countries. However, AUDs do not affect all population subgroups equally; for example, they mainly affect men, globally representing the second-most disabling disease and injury condition for men. In contrast, AUDs are not among the 10 most important causes of disabling disease and injury in women ( WHO 2008 ).

Disease Conditions That by Definition Are Attributable to Alcohol (AAF = 100%)

Note: ICD codes in italics represent subcodes within a main code of classification.

Abbreviations: AAF = alcohol-attributable fraction.

Alcoholic liver disease and alcohol-induced pancreatitis are other alcohol-specific disease categories that are of global importance. However, no global prevalence data on these disease categories exist because they cannot be validly assessed on a global level. Thus, these conditions are too specific to assess using verbal autopsies and other methods normally used in global-burden-of-disease studies ( Lopez et al. 2006 ; pancreatitis can be estimated indirectly Rajaratnam et al. 2010 ). Nevertheless, via the prevalence of alcohol exposure the prevalence of alcohol-attributable and relative risk for the wider, unspecific liver cirrhosis and alcohol-induced disease categories ( Rehm et al. 2010 a ).

Conditions for Which Alcohol Is a Component Cause

Disease and injury conditions for which alcohol consumption is a component cause contribute more to the global burden of disease than do alcohol-specific conditions. Overall, the following are the main disease and injury categories impacted by alcohol consumption (listed in the order of their ICD–10 codes):

• Infectious disease;
• Neuropsychiatric disease;
• Cardiovascular disease;
• Liver and pancreas disease; and
• Unintentional and intentional injury.

For all chronic disease categories for which detailed data are available, those data show that women have a higher risk of these conditions than men who have consumed the same amount of alcohol; however, the differences are small at lower levels of drinking ( Rehm et al. 2010 a ). The following sections will look at these disease categories individually.

Individual Disease and Injury Conditions Associated With Alcohol Use

Infectious diseases.

Although infectious diseases were not included in the WHO’s comparative risk assessments for alcohol conducted in 2000 ( Rehm et al. 2004 ) and 2004 ( Rehm et al. 2009 b ), evidence has been accumulating that alcohol consumption has a detrimental impact on key infectious diseases ( Rehm et al. 2009 a , 2010 a ), such as tuberculosis ( Lönnroth et al. 2008 ; Rehm et al. 2009 c ), infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ( Baliunas et al. 2010 ; Shuper et al. 2010 ), and pneumonia ( Samokhvalov et al. 2010 c ). In fact, recent studies (Rehm and Parry 2009 ; Rehm et al. 2009 a ) found that the overall impact of alcohol consumption on infectious diseases is substantial, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

One of the pathways through which alcohol increases risk for these diseases is via the immune system, which is adversely affected by alcohol consumption, especially heavy drinking ( Rehm et al. 2009 c ; Romeo et al. 2010 ). As a result, although risk for infectious diseases does not differ greatly for people drinking less than 40 grams of pure alcohol per day compared with abstainers, this risk increases substantially for those who drink larger amounts or have been diagnosed with an AUD ( Lönnroth et al. 2008 ; Samokhvalov et al. 2010 c ). In addition, alcohol consumption is associated with poorer outcomes from infectious disease for heavy drinkers by way of social factors. Thus, people with alcohol dependence often are stigmatized and have a higher chance of becoming unemployed and destitute; as a result, they tend to live in more crowded quarters with higher chances for infection and lower chances of recovery ( Lönnroth et al. 2009 ).

The relationship between alcohol consumption and HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is different from that with other infectious diseases. To become infected with HIV, people must exchange body fluids, in most cases either by injecting drugs with a contaminated needle or, more commonly in low-income societies, engaging in unsafe sex. Thus, although significant associations exist between alcohol use, especially heavy drinking, and HIV infection via alcohol’s general effects on the immune system ( Baliunas et al. 2010 ; Kalichman et al. 2007 ; Shuper et al. 2009 , 2010 ), it cannot be excluded that other variables, including personality characteristics, psychiatric disorders, and situational factors may be responsible for both risky drinking and unsafe sex ( Shuper et al. 2010 ). Researchers frequently have pointed out that personality characteristics, such as a propensity for risk-taking, sensation-seeking, and sexual compulsivity, may be involved in the risk of HIV infection. Indeed, a recent consensus meeting determined that there is not yet sufficient evidence to conclude that alcohol has a causal impact on HIV infection ( Parry et al. 2009 ). However, it can be argued that experimental studies in which alcohol consumption led to a greater inclination to engage in unsafe sex indicate that some causal relationship between alcohol and HIV infection exists (e.g., George et al. 2009 ; Norris et al. 2009 ).

Once a person is infected with HIV, alcohol clearly has a detrimental impact on the course of the disease, especially by interfering with effective antiretroviral treatment ( Pandrea et al. 2010 ). A recent meta-analysis found that problem drinking—defined as meeting the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)’s criteria for at-risk drinking or having an AUD—was associated with being less than half as likely to adhere to antiretroviral treatment guidelines ( Hendershot et al. 2009 ). Because the level of adherence to the treatment regimen affects treatment success as well as outright survival, alcohol consumption clearly is associated with negative outcomes for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Recently, the Monograph Working Group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that there was sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of alcohol in animals and classified alcoholic beverages as carcinogenic to humans ( Baan et al. 2007 ). In particular, the group confirmed, or newly established, the causal link between alcohol consumption and cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectum, and female breast. For stomach and lung cancer, carcinogenicity was judged as possible but not established. For all sites where alcohol’s causal role in cancer is established, there is evidence of a dose-response relationship, with relative risk rising linearly with an increasing volume of alcohol consumption ( Corrao et al. 2004 ).

The molecular and biochemical mechanisms by which chronic alcohol consumption leads to the development of cancers of various organs are not fully understood. It has been suggested that these mechanisms differ by target organ and include variations (i.e., polymorphisms) in genes encoding enzymes responsible for ethanol metabolism (e.g., alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450 2E1), increased estrogen concentrations, and changes in folate metabolism and DNA repair ( Boffetta and Hashibe 2006 ; Seitz and Becker 2007 ). In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer group concluded that acetaldehyde—which is produced when the body breaks down (i.e., metabolizes) beverage alcohol (i.e., ethanol) but also is ingested as a component of alcoholic beverages— itself is carcinogenic. It likely plays an important role in the development of cancers of the digestive tract, especially those of the upper digestive tract ( Lachenmeier et al. 2009 ; Seitz and Becker 2007 ).

The relationship between alcohol consumption and diabetes is complex. A curvilinear relationship exists between the average volume of alcohol consumption and the inception of diabetes ( Baliunas et al. 2009 )—that is, lower alcohol consumption levels have a protective effect, whereas higher consumption is associated with an increased risk. The greatest protective effect has been found with a consumption of about two standard drinks (28 grams of pure alcohol) per day, and a net detrimental effect has been found starting at about four standard drinks (50 to 60 grams of pure alcohol) per day.

Neuropsychiatric Disorders

With respect to neuropsychiatric disorders, alcohol consumption has by far the greatest impact on risk for alcohol dependence. However, alcohol also has been associated with basically all mental disorders (e.g., Kessler et al. 1997 ), although the causality of these associations is not clear. Thus, mental disorders may be caused by AUDs or alcohol use, AUDs may be caused by other mental disorders, or third variables may be causing both AUDs and other mental disorders. This complex relationship makes it difficult to determine the fraction of mental disorders actually caused by alcohol consumption (see Grant et al. 2009 ).

The relationship between alcohol and epilepsy is much clearer. There is substantial evidence that alcohol consumption can cause unprovoked seizures, and researchers have identified plausible biological pathways that may underlie this relationship ( Samokhvalov et al. 2010 a ). Most of the relevant studies found that a high percentage of heavy alcohol users with epilepsy meet the criteria of alcohol dependence.

Cardiovascular Diseases

The overall effect of alcohol consumption on the global cardiovascular disease burden is detrimental (see table 2 ). Cardiovascular disease is a general category that includes several specific conditions, and alcohol’s impact differs for the different conditions. For example, the effect of alcohol consumption on hypertension is almost entirely detrimental, with a dose-response relationship that shows a linear increase of the relative risk with increasing consumption ( Taylor et al. 2009 ). A similar dose-response relationship exists between alcohol consumption and the incidence of atrial fibrillation 4 ( Samokhvalov et al. 2010 b ). On the other hand, for heart disease caused by reduced blood supply to the heart (i.e., ischemic heart disease), the association with alcohol consumption is represented by a J-shaped curve ( Corrao et al. 2000 ), with regular light drinking showing some protective effects. Irregular heavy drinking occasions, however, can nullify any protective effect. In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effects of different drinking patterns in people with an overall consumption of less than 60 grams of pure alcohol per day, Roerecke and Rehm (2010) found that consumption of 60 grams of pure alcohol on one occasion at least once a month eliminated any protective effect of alcohol consumption on mortality. The authors concluded that the cardio-protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption disappears when light to moderate drinking is mixed with irregular heavy-drinking occasions. These epidemiological results are consistent with the findings of biological studies that—based on alcohol’s effects on blood lipids and blood clotting—also predict beneficial effects of regular moderate drinking but detrimental effects of irregular heavy drinking ( Puddey et al. 1999 ; Rehm et al. 2003 ).

Global Burden of Alcohol-Attributable Disease in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) (in 1,000s) by Sex and Disease Category for the Year 2004

NOTE: M = men; W = women; T = total.

SOURCE: Rehm et al. 2009 a,b .

The effects of alcohol consumption on ischemic stroke 5 are similar to those on ischemic heart disease, both in terms of the risk curve and in terms of biological pathways ( Patra et al. 2010 ; Rehm et al. 2010 a ). On the other hand, alcohol consumption mainly has detrimental effects on the risk for hemorrhagic stroke, which are mediated at least in part by alcohol’s impact on hypertension.

Overall, the effects of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease are detrimental in all societies with large proportions of heavy-drinking occasions, which is true for most societies globally ( Rehm et al. 2003 a ). This conclusion also is supported by ecological analyses or natural experiments. For example, studies in Lithuania ( Chenet et al. 2001 ) found that cardiovascular deaths increased on weekends, when heavy drinking is more common. Also, when overall consumption was reduced in the former Soviet Union (a country with a high proportion of heavy-drinking occasions) between 1984 and 1994, the death rate from cardiovascular disease declined, indicating that alcohol consumption had an overall detrimental effect on this disease category ( Leon et al. 1997 ).

Diseases of the Liver and Pancreas

Alcohol consumption has marked and specific effects on the liver and pancreas, as evidenced by the existence of disease categories such as alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic liver cirrhosis, and alcohol-induced acute or chronic pancreatitis. For these disease categories, the dose-response functions for relative risk are close to exponential ( Irving et al. 2009 ; Rehm et al. 2010 b ), although the risks associated with light to moderate drinking (i.e., up to 24 grams of pure alcohol per day) are not necessarily different from the risks associated with abstention. Thus, the incidence of diseases of the liver and pancreas is associated primarily with heavy drinking.

It is important to note that given the same amount of drinking, the increase in the risk for mortality from these diseases is greater than the increase in risk for morbidity, especially at lower levels of consumption. This finding suggests that continued alcohol consumption, even in low doses, after the onset of liver or pancreas disease, increases the risk of severe consequences.

Unintentional Injuries

The link between alcohol and almost all kinds of unintentional injuries has long been established. It depends on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and shows an exponential dose-response relationship ( Taylor et al. 2010 ). Alcohol affects psychomotor abilities, with a threshold dose for negative effects generally found at BACs of approximately 0.04 to 0.05 percent (which typically are achieved after consuming two to three drinks in an hour); accordingly, injury resulting from alcohol’s disruption of psychomotor function could occur in people with BACs at this level ( Eckardt et al. 1998 ). However, the epidemiological literature shows that even at lower BACs, injury risk is increased compared with no alcohol consumption ( Taylor et al. 2010 ).

The acute effects of alcohol consumption on injury risk are mediated by how regularly the individual drinks. People who drink less frequently are more likely to be injured or to injure others at a given BAC compared with regular drinkers, presumably because of less tolerance ( Gmel et al. 2010 ). This correlation was demonstrated with respect to traffic injuries in a reanalysis ( Hurst et al. 1994 ) of a classic study conducted in Grand Rapids, Michigan ( Borkenstein et al. 1974 ). It also is important to realize that even if the absolute risk for injury may be relatively small for each occasion of moderate drinking (defined as drinking up 36 grams pure alcohol in one sitting), the lifetime risks from such drinking occasions sums up to a considerable risk for those who often drink at such a level ( Taylor et al. 2008 ).

Intentional Injuries

Alcohol consumption is linked not only to unintentional but also to intentional injury. Both average volume of alcohol consumption and the level of drinking before the event have been shown to affect suicide risk ( Borges and Loera 2010 ). There also is a clear link between alcohol consumption and aggression, including, but not limited to, homicides ( Rehm et al. 2003 b ). Several causal pathways have been identified that play a role in this link, including biological pathways acting via alcohol’s effect on receptors for the brain signaling molecules (i.e., neurotransmitters) serotonin and γ-aminobutyric acid or via alcohol’s effects on cognitive functioning ( Rehm et al. 2003 b ). Cultural factors that are related to both differences in drinking patterns and beliefs and expectations about the effects of alcohol also influence the relationship between drinking and aggression ( Bushman and Cooper 1990 ; Graham 2003 ; Leonard 2005 ; Room and Rossow 2001 ).

Implications of Alcohol-Related Risks for Drinking Guidelines

Overall, the various risks associated with alcohol use at various levels can be combined to derive low-risk drinking guidelines. Such analyses found that overall, any increase in drinking beyond one standard drink on average per day is associated with an increased net risk for morbidity and mortality in high-income countries ( Rehm et al. 2009 ). Moreover, at any given consumption level this risk increase is larger for women than for men. NIAAA has translated the epidemiological findings into low-risk drinking limits of no more than 14 standard drinks per week for men and 7 standard drinks per week for women ( NIAAA 2010 ). These guidelines also specify that to limit the risk of acute consequences, daily consumption should not exceed four standard drinks for men and three for women ( NIAAA 2010 ).

Overall Global Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Burden of Disease

The most recent systematic overview on the effects of alcohol on global burden of disease was based on data for the year 2004 ( Rehm et al. 2009 a , b ) (see table 2 ). The analyses found that although AUDs (which constitute the major part of the neuropsychiatric disorders listed in the table) clearly are important contributors to global burden of disease, they only account for less than one-third of the overall impact of alcohol consumption. Almost equally important are the acute effects of alcohol consumption on the risk of both unintentional and intentional injury. In addition, alcohol has a sizable effect on the burden of disease associated with infectious diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver cirrhosis. However, alcohol consumption also has beneficial effects on the burden of disease, mainly on diabetes and the ischemic disease subcategory of cardiovascular diseases. Yet these effects are by far outweighed by the detrimental consequences of alcohol consumption.

Effects of Alcohol on People Other Than the Drinker

So far, the discussion has centered on alcohol’s effects on health as measured by indicators that primarily are based on the records of hospitals and health systems. Reflecting the information contained in those records, most of the effects considered refer to the health of the drinker. However, this analytic approach omits two large classes of adverse consequences of alcohol: social harm to the drinker and social and health harms to others that result from the drinker’s alcohol consumption. According to the Constitution of the WHO ( WHO 1946 ), health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (p. 100); this definition therefore takes into account not just physical and mental harms but also social harms, both for the drinker and for others.

A few examples of harm to others are included in the analysis of alcohol’s contribution to the global burden of disease listed in table 2 . These include perinatal conditions attributable to the mother’s drinking during pregnancy and injuries, particularly assault injuries. However, the scope of alcohol-related social harm and of harm to others stretches well beyond these items. Thus, a recent study in Australia ( Laslett et al. 2010 ) identified the following harms to others associated with drinking:

• Harms identified based on records—these included deaths and hospitalizations (e.g., attributed to traffic injuries because of driving under the influence), child abuse or neglect cases involving a caregiver’s drinking, and domestic and other assaults; and
• Harms based on survey reports—these included negative effects on coworkers, household members, other relatives and friends, strangers, and on the community as a whole.

These effects were quite prevalent. Thus, the researchers estimated that within 1 year, more than 350 deaths were attributed to drinking by others, and more than 10 million Australians (or 70 percent of all adults) were negatively affected by a stranger’s drinking ( Laslett et al. 2010 ).

Social Harm

Drinkers also experience a range of social harms because of their own drinking, including family disruption, problems at the workplace (including unemployment), criminal convictions, and financial problems ( Casswell and Thamarangsi 2009 ; Klingemann and Gmel 2001 ). Unfortunately, assessment of these problems is much less standardized than assessment of health problems, and many of these harms are not reported continuously. Social-cost studies provide irregular updates of alcohol-attributable consequences in selected countries (for an overview, see Rehm et al. 2009 b ; Thavorncharoensap et al. 2009 ). These studies regularly find that health care costs comprise only a small portion of the overall costs associated with alcohol use and that most of the alcohol-associated costs are attributable to productivity losses. In total, the costs associated with alcohol use seem to amount to 1 to 3 percent of the gross domestic product in high-income countries; the alcohol-associated costs in South Korea and Thailand, the only two mid-income countries for which similar studies are available, were at about the same level.

Conclusions

As this review has shown, alcohol use is associated with tremendous costs to the drinker, those around him or her, and society as a whole. These costs result from the increased health risks (both physical and mental) associated with alcohol consumption as well as from the social harms caused by alcohol. To reduce alcohol’s impact on the burden of disease as well as on other social, legal, and monetary costs, it therefore is imperative to develop effective interventions that can prevent or delay initiation of drinking among those who do not drink, particularly adolescents, and limit consumption to low-risk drinking levels among those who do consume alcohol. The remaining articles in this journal issue present several such intervention approaches that are being implemented and evaluated in a variety of settings and/or are targeted at different population subgroups. Together with alcohol-related prevention policies, the implementation of specific interventions with proven effectiveness can help reduce the pain and suffering, and the associated costs, resulting from excessive alcohol use.

Acknowledgments

Financial support for this study was provided by NIAAA contract HHSN267200700041C to conduct the study titled “Alcohol- and Drug-Attributable Burden of Disease and Injury in the U.S.”

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agency.

F inancial D isclosure

Jürgen Rehm, Ph.D., received a salary and infrastructure support from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

1 Ischemic diseases are all conditions that are related to the formation of blood clots, which prevent adequate blood flow to certain tissues.

2 In the United States, a standard drink usually is considered to contain 0.6 fluid ounces (or 14 grams) of pure alcohol. This is the amount of ethanol found in approximately 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. However, many drinks, as actually poured, contain more alcohol. Thus, for example, a glass of wine often contains more than 5 fluid ounces and therefore may correspond to one and a half or even two standard drinks.

3 The condition referred to as “harmful use” in the ICD–10 loosely corresponds to “alcohol abuse,” as defined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diseases, 4th Edition (DSM–IV).

4 Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm involving the two upper chambers (i.e., atria) of the heart.

5 A stroke is the disruption of normal blood flow to a brain region. In the case of an ischemic stroke, this is caused by blockage of a blood vessel that prevents the blood from reaching neighboring brain areas. In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, rupture of a blood vessel and bleeding into the brain occurs, which prevents normal blood supply to other brain regions.

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Essay on Alcoholism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Alcoholism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Alcoholism

Understanding alcoholism.

Alcoholism is a serious issue. It is a disease where a person cannot control their desire to drink alcohol. They keep drinking even when it causes harm.

Alcoholism can be caused by genetics, environment, and mental health. Some people are more prone to it because of their family history. Others might start drinking due to stress or depression.

The Effects

Alcoholism can lead to health problems like liver disease. It can also cause problems at work, school, or with relationships. It’s important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling.

250 Words Essay on Alcoholism

Introduction.

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by an inability to control or abstain from alcohol use despite its negative consequences. It is a pervasive global issue with significant health, social, and economic implications.

Causes and Risk Factors

The etiology of alcoholism is multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Genetic predisposition accounts for about 50% of the risk for AUD, with certain genes influencing how alcohol affects the body and brain. Environmental factors such as cultural norms, peer pressure, and stress can also contribute to the onset of alcoholism.

Impacts and Consequences

The impacts of alcoholism are far-reaching. Physiologically, it can lead to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and neurological damage. Psychologically, it can result in depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide. Socially, it can disrupt relationships, lead to job loss, and contribute to social isolation.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for alcoholism typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support groups. Prevention strategies include education about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption, early intervention for at-risk individuals, and policies to limit alcohol availability.

Alcoholism is a complex disease with a multitude of contributing factors and consequences. Understanding its causes, impacts, and treatment options is key to addressing this pervasive issue. As future leaders, we must advocate for effective prevention strategies and accessible treatment services to combat alcoholism.

500 Words Essay on Alcoholism

Alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by an inability to control or abstain from alcohol use despite its negative repercussions. It is a multifaceted disease, with complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Genetic Underpinnings of Alcoholism

Scientific research has established a strong genetic component to alcoholism. Certain genes can make individuals more susceptible to alcohol addiction, demonstrating that alcoholism is not merely a result of personal weakness or lack of willpower. It is estimated that genetics accounts for about 50% of the risk for AUD. However, having a genetic predisposition does not guarantee the development of alcoholism, indicating the significant role of environmental factors.

Environmental Factors and Alcoholism

Environmental influences play a critical role in shaping an individual’s risk for alcoholism. These include cultural attitudes towards drinking, peer pressure, stress, early exposure to alcohol, and a history of physical or emotional abuse. Socio-economic status and mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, also contribute to the risk. Understanding the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors can help in developing effective prevention strategies.

The Psychological Impact of Alcoholism

Alcoholism inflicts significant psychological damage. It can lead to a range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide. Furthermore, alcoholism can negatively impact cognitive functions, impair judgment, and lead to behavioral changes. It is also closely linked to social problems, such as domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of crime.

Treatment and Recovery

Alcoholism is a treatable disease, with various therapeutic strategies available. These include behavioral treatments, medications, and mutual-support groups. Behavioral treatments aim to change drinking behavior through counseling, while medications can help to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. Mutual-support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide a supportive community for individuals recovering from alcoholism.

Prevention is Better than Cure

Prevention strategies are crucial in combating alcoholism. These include enforcing age restrictions on alcohol sales, regulating alcohol advertising, providing education about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption, and implementing screening programs to identify individuals at risk.

Alcoholism is a complex, multifaceted disease that requires a comprehensive approach for its prevention and treatment. Understanding its genetic, environmental, and psychological dimensions can inform effective strategies to combat this pervasive public health issue. While alcoholism is a serious disease, recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. Therefore, it is essential to foster a supportive environment for those struggling with this disorder, free from stigma and judgment.

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Heavier drinking during Covid led to 2,500 more deaths from alcohol in 2022 – ONS

Official UK figures show 33% jump in deaths from alcohol-specific causes from 2019 – the highest since records began in 2001

Alcohol killed a record number of people in 2022 as heavier drinking in the Covid pandemic took its toll in the UK, official figures have revealed.

Nearly 2,500 more people died from drinking than in 2019 (7,565 deaths), the year before the virus hit and caused already heavy drinkers to increase their intake, the Office for National Statistics said.

That 33% jump in deaths from alcohol means 10,048 people died from alcohol-specific causes – the highest level since records began in 2001 and a sharp increase on the pre-pandemic trend that had been steady since 2012. Scotland and Northern Ireland recorded more deaths than England per capita.

“Research has suggested that people who were already drinking at high levels before the pandemic were the most likely to have increased their drinking during this period,” said David Mais, a health statistician at the ONS. “This is likely a factor in the increase in alcohol-specific deaths registrations we have seen in 2022. Alcoholic liver disease was the leading cause of these deaths, and as with previous years, rates are much higher among men [around double the rate].”

In England , the north-east was the worst-affected region.

As the pandemic hit and pubs and restaurants closed, people in England bought 12.6m extra litres of alcohol from off-licences in 2020 to 2021 compared with 2019 to 2020. Between March 2020 and March 2021, there was also a 57% increase in the proportion of respondents drinking at increasing risk and higher risk levels, according to previous research by Public Health England, now replaced by the UK Health Security Agency and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

No restrictions were placed on buying alcohol in the UK while countries such as South Africa, Thailand, India, Kenya and Barbados curbed sales for reasons including reducing socialising that could spread the virus and cutting hospital admissions from drink-fuelled violence.

“Each one of those deaths is a tragedy, representing a person who has had their life cut short and has left behind people who are grieving and miss them every day,” said Dr Richard Piper, the chief executive of Alcohol Change UK. “Years of inaction on alcohol harm has led to this, and the heartbreaking thing is these deaths were totally avoidable. Our government has the responsibility and the power to put preventative measures in place, including proper regulation of alcohol marketing, clearer alcohol labelling, and a minimum price for a unit of alcohol.”

The number of people in treatment for alcohol in England rose only slightly – 2% – in the year to March 2023 but there are concerns some people with drinking problems may not be getting help.

Piper said that from 2013–14 to 2020–21, the number of adults in England receiving treatment for problems with alcohol (and no other drugs) fell by 16%.

Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, the chair of Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said: “Alcohol is cheaper, more available, and more heavily marketed today than ever before. As the death toll reaches record levels, so do the profits of the multibillion-pound drinks industry. There’s clear public support for policies that tackle this crisis, despite what we hear from the industry about claims of a nanny state.”

• Office for National Statistics
• Coronavirus
• Northern Ireland

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Most viewed.

Does drinking soy milk cause men’s breasts to grow bigger?

Experts offer their research-based takes on claims swirling all over social media.

Is it true that drinking soy milk can cause men’s breasts to enlarge?

The idea is all over social media, but the answer is almost certainly no. “It’s highly unlikely that drinking soy milk promotes breast growth in men,” says Donald Hensrud, associate professor of nutrition and preventive medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. “I haven’t seen good evidence that soy milk has any feminizing effects on men.”

Concerns about soy’s effect on men probably arose because soybeans and other legumes contain isoflavones. These are phytoestrogens, or estrogen compounds structurally similar to human estrogen. However, “they have different biological properties than human estrogen and don’t promote harmful estrogen effects on the body,” Hensrud says. “In fact, they may be protective.”

Studies generally do not support the notion that drinking soy milk will cause men to grow breasts, or experience any other feminizing effects. Studies also refute the notion that soy increases the risk of breast cancer in women.

“I haven’t seen any data that leads me to believe that drinking soy milk or eating soy products promotes feminization in men, meaning breast growth, or any similar adverse health effects, such as breast cancer, in women,” says David Jenkins, university professor in the departments of nutritional sciences and medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto. “I recommend soy intake to my patients — both sexes. I don’t think it has any ill effects.” He added that no major health organization has warned of any dangers associated with soy consumption.

Get Well+Being tips straight to your inbox

At least two early studies each described a single case of soy consumption linked to feminizing effects in men, among them enlarged breasts, erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. But experts pointed out that the two subjects each consumed unusually high amounts of soy — in one instance, three quarts of soy milk a day — which is many times the intake in the average diet.

“That is a very large amount of soy milk on a consistent basis — most people don’t drink that much water daily,” Hensrud says. “These are two unusual cases, and they are not representative of the overall evidence on soy phytoestrogens.”

“Breast growth — gynecomastia — does occur occasionally in men and adolescent males,” he says, referring to other causes of gynecomastia in young men. “Most important, there is strong evidence that soy intake provides numerous health benefits with little risk.”

Many studies have also found that soy milk and other soy products may lower the risk of breast cancer, possibly accounting for the low incidence of breast cancer among Japanese women, whose traditional diets are heavy in soy. Soy intake also may lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence in women, according to studies.

Women who have estrogen-positive breast cancer may worry about soy, but Hensrud says data does not point to a greater risk. Other research indicates that breast cancer rates rise among Japanese women who reduce their soy consumption and adopt a Western diet.

Moreover, soy milk can have cardiovascular benefits by reducing blood pressure, inflammation and low-density lipoprotein (the bad) cholesterol, according to studies. Additional research shows soy appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and might prevent memory loss associated with aging and cognitive impairment.

What else you should know

Soy milk is a processed food that may contain added sugar, flavorings and other ingredients. Also, those who have a soy allergy should avoid it.

In addition to isoflavones, soy foods are rich in B vitamins, fiber, potassium and magnesium. Also, unlike some plant proteins, soy protein contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Soy foods can be unfermented or fermented, the latter meaning it has been cultured with beneficial bacteria, yeast or mold.

“Fermented soy milk may have even more health benefits, similar to other fermented foods,” Hensrud says.

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Drunk Driving — Cause and Effect of Drinking and Driving

Cause and Effect of Drinking and Driving

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Words: 846 |

Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 846 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Reasons why people drink and drive, effects of alcohol on driving, consequences of drunk driving.

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The Side Effects of Drinking Alcohol Cause and Effect Essay

Introduction, causes of drinking addiction, side effects of drinking alcohol, works cited.

Although the health effects of drinking have been a subject of great controversy, a keen examination of the issue reveals that alcohol consumption has more negative effects on health than it can possibly be beneficial to human health.

Drinking of alcohol has been proven to have adverse effects on the health of people with certain health conditions like the IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), liver problems, and even problems with digestion. That notwithstanding, excessive drinking can lead to development of a myriad of health complications (Tresca 1).

However, the side effects associated with alcohol normally vary from one person to another. These effects can either be short-lived or long-term. Some of these effects are reversible in cases where the person stops taking alcohol. However, continued consumption of alcohol leads to permanent health complications, or death. This paper is an in-depth exploration of the health effects that are associated with drinking alcohol.

Research has shown that people who are not addicted to alcohol may be lucky to escape health complications. On the other hand, alcohol seems to have more devastating effects on people who are addicted to alcohol. It is thus of essence that before a discussion of the side effects of alcohol consumption, a detailed analysis of the causes of addiction to alcohol be conducted.

One of the leading causes of addiction to alcohol is peer pressure. Social drinkers find themselves being addicted to alcohol due to the pressure that is characteristic of this kind of drinking. A social drinker may decide that he/she will never take alcohol again, but he/she may later be influenced by his/her friends to take alcohol.

Other causes of addiction to alcohol include psychological disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This is because psychological disorders like the stated PTSD make their victim to live in distress, and thus the victim may result to substance abuse in a bid to escape the depression associated with these disorders. Let us now have a look at the side effects of drinking alcohol.

Drinking little amount of alcohol has been associated with a couple of health benefits like the lowering of the probability of heart diseases. However, the side effects of drinking beat such benefits. Drinking is associated with a number of side effects affecting mental health. Some of these side effects include insomnia, depression, and even amnesia. Drinking alcohol is also associated with a number of short term side effects that depend on how much a person has taken.

These side effects include unconsciousness, vomiting and dizziness. Among the long-term effects of alcohol consumption, which are the most serious side effects of consuming alcohol, is depression, heart diseases, liver disease and diabetes. Alcohol addiction is also associated with increased risk of developing cancer in a variety of tissues in the body. Some of the tissues that are prone to cancerous growth after consumption of large amounts of alcohol include the throat, the liver, the esophagus, the mouth etcetera.

Alcohol abuse is also associated with a number of neurological effects on its victim. It normally leads to extreme numbness, dementia, twitching of muscles, and other neurological disorders. The neurological disorders are caused by the fact that alcohol interferes with the nervous system, and thus its continued intake may ultimately lead to the aforementioned disorders of the nervous system (Lietz 1). These are very serious conditions that every person who consumes alcohol should be aware of.

Alcohol is also known to have adverse effects on the intestinal lining of the alimentary canal. When a person drinks too much alcohol, the latter irritates the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract. This is the cause of the aforementioned vomiting, and other effects like nausea and even diarrhea.

Worse still, the lining of the gastro-intestinal layer may be irritated to an extent that the victim starts to bleed. The information on this paragraph is particularly useful for people suffering from IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). This is because people suffering from this disease experience the worst relative irritation of the GI tract by alcohol (Lietz 1). The latter even worsens the condition.

The aforementioned effect of alcohol consumption on the liver is exhibited by liver diseases like liver cirrhosis. When a person consumes alcohol excessively, he/she may develop alcoholic hepatitis. This is the condition that causes liver cirrhosis after an extended period of consuming alcohol. Cirrhosis is characterized by scarring of the liver due to constant healing, which eventually destroys the tissues of the liver.

Cirrhosis, caused by drinking of alcohol, has claimed a myriad of lives since time immemorial. Drinking too much alcohol is also associated with worsening of liver diseases that may exist before the victim starts abusing alcohol. This is caused by the fact that the liver is the organ responsible for removing toxic materials from the body, and also the fact that when a person is intoxicated with alcohol, the liver concentrates on removing alcohol from the body.

This leads to a build-up of undesirable materials like fatty acids in the liver, causing existing diseases to worsen. The liver can also get damaged by alcohol because alcohol can potentially alter or damage the cells of the liver. As stated above, a number of the medications prescribed for GI (Gastro-Intestinal) problems may react badly with alcohol (Marsh 1). This may make the liver unable to function properly in its role of removing toxins from the body.

Women who consume alcohol during their pregnancy make their babies develop a condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome, which is a serious combination of physical and mental disorders. Some of the disorders that such babies develop include birth defects, heart problems, eye defects, small heads, and the like (Lietz 1). These disorders make the child live a stressful life.

Making the personal choice to drink should be based on a clear understanding of the side effects of drinking. It is thus important for any person wishing to start drinking to evaluate the effects of drinking on the stomach, the liver and other body organs, and weigh these effects against the possible benefits that he/she may derive from drinking. However, many people get addicted to drinking even without knowing that they are becoming addicts.

What starts as social drinking or even occasional drinking may result to very serious repercussions like chronic conditions, or even death. Although there has been substantial controversy over this issue, with some people arguing that drinking has some health benefits, research has proven that in most cases, alcohol is harmful to human health. This is especially the case with people who have certain conditions like liver disease, or people who are taking medication that can negatively react with alcohol.

Lietz, Jessica. “Side effects of drinking alcohol”. 1999. Web.

Marsh, Jennifer. “Alcohol addiction and its side effects”. 2009. Web.

Tresca, Amber. “ Effects of drinking alcohol on IBD ”. 2009. Web.

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"The Side Effects of Drinking Alcohol." IvyPanda , 21 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/the-side-effects-of-drinking-alcohol/.

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IvyPanda . 2024. "The Side Effects of Drinking Alcohol." February 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-side-effects-of-drinking-alcohol/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Side Effects of Drinking Alcohol." February 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-side-effects-of-drinking-alcohol/.

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Guest Essay

What Sentencing Could Look Like if Trump Is Found Guilty

By Norman L. Eisen

Mr. Eisen is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

For all the attention to and debate over the unfolding trial of Donald Trump in Manhattan, there has been surprisingly little of it paid to a key element: its possible outcome and, specifically, the prospect that a former and potentially future president could be sentenced to prison time.

The case — brought by Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, against Mr. Trump — represents the first time in our nation’s history that a former president is a defendant in a criminal trial. As such, it has generated lots of debate about the case’s legal strength and integrity, as well as its potential impact on Mr. Trump’s efforts to win back the White House.

A review of thousands of cases in New York that charged the same felony suggests something striking: If Mr. Trump is found guilty, incarceration is an actual possibility. It’s not certain, of course, but it is plausible.

Jury selection has begun, and it’s not too soon to talk about what the possibility of a sentence, including a prison sentence, would look like for Mr. Trump, for the election and for the country — including what would happen if he is re-elected.

The case focuses on alleged interference in the 2016 election, which consisted of a hush-money payment Michael Cohen, the former president’s fixer at the time, made in 2016 to a porn star, Stormy Daniels, who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump. Mr. Bragg is arguing that the cover-up cheated voters of the chance to fully assess Mr. Trump’s candidacy.

This may be the first criminal trial of a former president in American history, but if convicted, Mr. Trump’s fate is likely to be determined by the same core factors that guide the sentencing of every criminal defendant in New York State Court.

Comparable cases. The first factor is the base line against which judges measure all sentences: how other defendants have been treated for similar offenses. My research encompassed almost 10,000 cases of felony falsifying business records that have been prosecuted across the state of New York since 2015. Over a similar period, the Manhattan D.A. has charged over 400 of these cases . In roughly the first year of Mr. Bragg’s tenure, his team alone filed 166 felony counts for falsifying business records against 34 people or companies.

Contrary to claims that there will be no sentence of incarceration for falsifying business records, when a felony conviction involves serious misconduct, defendants can be sentenced to some prison time. My analysis of the most recent data indicates that approximately one in 10 cases in which the most serious charge at arraignment is falsifying business records in the first degree and in which the court ultimately imposes a sentence, results in a term of imprisonment.

To be clear, these cases generally differ from Mr. Trump’s case in one important respect: They typically involve additional charges besides just falsifying records. That clearly complicates what we might expect if Mr. Trump is convicted.

Nevertheless, there are many previous cases involving falsifying business records along with other charges where the conduct was less serious than is alleged against Mr. Trump and prison time was imposed. For instance, Richard Luthmann was accused of attempting to deceive voters — in his case, impersonating New York political figures on social media in an attempt to influence campaigns. He pleaded guilty to three counts of falsifying business records in the first degree (as well as to other charges). He received a sentence of incarceration on the felony falsification counts (although the sentence was not solely attributable to the plea).

A defendant in another case was accused of stealing in excess of $50,000 from her employer and, like in this case, falsifying one or more invoices as part of the scheme. She was indicted on a single grand larceny charge and ultimately pleaded guilty to one felony count of business record falsification for a false invoice of just under $10,000. She received 364 days in prison.

To be sure, for a typical first-time offender charged only with run-of-the-mill business record falsification, a prison sentence would be unlikely. On the other hand, Mr. Trump is being prosecuted for 34 counts of conduct that might have changed the course of American history.

Seriousness of the crime. Mr. Bragg alleges that Mr. Trump concealed critical information from voters (paying hush money to suppress an extramarital relationship) that could have harmed his campaign, particularly if it came to light after the revelation of another scandal — the “Access Hollywood” tape . If proved, that could be seen not just as unfortunate personal judgment but also, as Justice Juan Merchan has described it, an attempt “to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.”

History and character. To date, Mr. Trump has been unrepentant about the events alleged in this case. There is every reason to believe that will not change even if he is convicted, and lack of remorse is a negative at sentencing. Justice Merchan’s evaluation of Mr. Trump’s history and character may also be informed by the other judgments against him, including Justice Arthur Engoron’s ruling that Mr. Trump engaged in repeated and persistent business fraud, a jury finding that he sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll and a related defamation verdict by a second jury.

Justice Merchan may also weigh the fact that Mr. Trump has been repeatedly held in contempt , warned , fined and gagged by state and federal judges. That includes for statements he made that exposed witnesses, individuals in the judicial system and their families to danger. More recently, Mr. Trump made personal attacks on Justice Merchan’s daughter, resulting in an extension of the gag order in the case. He now stands accused of violating it again by commenting on witnesses.

What this all suggests is that a term of imprisonment for Mr. Trump, while far from certain for a former president, is not off the table. If he receives a sentence of incarceration, perhaps the likeliest term is six months, although he could face up to four years, particularly if Mr. Trump chooses to testify, as he said he intends to do , and the judge believes he lied on the stand . Probation is also available, as are more flexible approaches like a sentence of spending every weekend in jail for a year.

We will probably know what the judge will do within 30 to 60 days of the end of the trial, which could run into mid-June. If there is a conviction, that would mean a late summer or early fall sentencing.

Justice Merchan would have to wrestle in the middle of an election year with the potential impact of sentencing a former president and current candidate.

If Mr. Trump is sentenced to a period of incarceration, the reaction of the American public will probably be as polarized as our divided electorate itself. Yet as some polls suggest — with the caveat that we should always be cautious of polls early in the race posing hypothetical questions — many key swing state voters said they would not vote for a felon.

If Mr. Trump is convicted and then loses the presidential election, he will probably be granted bail, pending an appeal, which will take about a year. That means if any appeals are unsuccessful, he will most likely have to serve any sentence starting sometime next year. He will be sequestered with his Secret Service protection; if it is less than a year, probably in Rikers Island. His protective detail will probably be his main company, since Mr. Trump will surely be isolated from other inmates for his safety.

If Mr. Trump wins the presidential election, he can’t pardon himself because it is a state case. He will be likely to order the Justice Department to challenge his sentence, and department opinions have concluded that a sitting president could not be imprisoned, since that would prevent the president from fulfilling the constitutional duties of the office. The courts have never had to address the question, but they could well agree with the Justice Department.

So if Mr. Trump is convicted and sentenced to a period of incarceration, its ultimate significance is probably this: When the American people go to the polls in November, they will be voting on whether Mr. Trump should be held accountable for his original election interference.

What questions do you have about Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial so far?

Please submit them below. Our trial experts will respond to a selection of readers in a future piece.

Norman L. Eisen investigated the 2016 voter deception allegations as counsel for the first impeachment and trial of Donald Trump and is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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