The Harmful Effects on the Body from Alcohol.

Essay by sriniputtaHigh School, 10th gradeA+, November 2003

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The Harmful Effects on the Body from Alcohol

There are many types of alcohol and are used in different ways. Contrary to popular belief that alcohol is not a stimulant, but alcohol falls under the category of Depressants, which are known as a type of drug. Depressants are drugs that slow down the central nervous system and all body systems. This is why alcohol causes drowsiness, and slows down the human body. Alcohol is found in many drinks such as wine, beer, whiskey, and liquor, which people drink at special occasions, or in their leisure time. The cause for them to drink is to feel relaxed, and their tensions and anxiety are to be relieved. The only way alcohol enters the body is by swallowing. Furthermore, alcohol is used in a different way throughout the world, a way that is harmful to the body. The excessive amount of intake of alcohol will cause severe short-term effects, long-term effects, and withdrawal symptoms, which are all harmful effects to the body.

An over dosage of alcohol will cause severe short-term effects to the body that are injurious. The organ most affected is the brain, and as the blood level rises, the concentration of ethanol in the brain increases. Some of the short-term effects

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are that the drinker's judgment and thinking become dulled. Intoxication develops as the blood levels are high, about 0.10%, and the signs are clumsy movements, slurred speech, and difficulty in maintaining balance. "At 0.30%, the drinker is confused and close to unconsciousness, 0.45% the person may be in a coma, and at 0.70% the drinker usually dies." (516 Meyer) One of the popular short-term effects of an alcoholic is a blackout. Blackouts occur during heavy drinking, and later cannot remember anything. In addition, Alcohol affects other organs...