Having a drink too much is not good for you. You can actually make yourself ill by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. In fact, some people are more likely to develop alcoholism than others, and there are genetic factors that can increase your vulnerability to it.
Binge drinking
Whether you are considering starting a binge drinking habit or have already committed to it, you should be aware of the potential negative side effects of this dangerous addiction. Thankfully, there are treatments available. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism, it is important to take steps to improve your health.
Binge drinking is defined as consuming at least five drinks for men, and four for women within two hours. This is a big increase from a usual drink or two, and can lead to serious medical problems. It can also result in legal and social problems.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as "a pattern of drinking that raises the blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 grams per liter or more." If your BAC is over.08, you are a binge drinker.
While the binge drinking craze has been around for centuries, the modern trend is much more common among young adults. Older adults are less likely to be involved in the binge drinking craze, although it is still commonplace.
Long-term effects of heavy drinking on health
Whether you're a heavy drinker or just someone who drinks a lot, alcohol can have a negative impact on your health. Not only can you get a hangover, but you can also be at risk for serious health conditions.
Several factors contribute to drinking too much. One is the increased risk of heart disease and obesity. Another is that drinking can make it more difficult for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs to function.
If you're pregnant, drinking alcohol can damage your unborn baby. It can also cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can result in physical problems for your child throughout his or her life.
Excessive alcohol use can also harm your brain. It can affect the way your body processes information and it can make it difficult to think and plan. It can also affect your cognitive functions, including memory and attention.
Long-term heavy drinking can damage your body's organs, which can lead to illnesses like cirrhosis of the liver. It can also damage your pancreas, which can lead to ulcers. If you have an ulcer, you could experience dangerous internal bleeding.
Genetic factors that make some people vulnerable to alcohol dependence
Several genes have been found to play a role in alcoholism. While the specific gene has not been determined, the combination of several genes has been shown to be significant.
The most important gene in alcoholism is probably the one related to the molecule GABA. This is because this protein is believed to play a role in regulating alcohol levels.
The ADH1B and ALDH2 genes are also considered to be important. This is because these genes affect how quickly your body converts alcohol into acetaldehyde. The effects of these variants are well-studied and are associated with a reduced risk of alcoholism.
The ADH1B*370Cys is a genetic variant that is associated with a lower risk of alcoholism. This is a functional variant of the gene that speeds up the conversion of alcohol to acetaldehyde. It is not uncommon for people with this variant to experience nausea, headaches and rapid heartbeat when they consume alcohol.
In addition, the ADH1B*48His has been shown to reduce the risk of alcoholism in Europeans and Asians. The effects of these variants are not as large as those of the ADH1B*370Cys.
Treatment for alcoholism
Choosing the right treatment for alcoholism depends on many factors. Some factors include the patient's age, gender, family history, previous attempts to stop drinking, level of physical dependence, and any co-occurring medical conditions.
For some patients, medications may help them with addiction and psychological symptoms. Physicians usually recommend medication in combination with therapy. Antianxiety agents are commonly prescribed after detoxification. Some drugs, such as gabapentin, can reduce cravings. Mood-altering medications are also used for depression. These medications can be helpful for some people, but there are some limitations.
Some studies have found that mixing alcohol and drugs increases the risk of an overdose. The risk is especially high when the two substances are combined. It is not recommended to combine alcohol with depressants.
Some treatment programs focus on specific causes of alcoholism, such as depression or anxiety. These treatments include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDRT), behavioral conditioning therapies, and cognitive behavior therapy.
Some inpatient programs also use experiential therapies and educational therapies. They offer individual counseling and group sessions. Some facilities also provide training on proper nutrition and health.
