The truth about ethyl alcohol. Alcohol with its negative effect on the body is similar to poison

Dedicated to alcohol lovers…

Dedicated to all those who have come out of the New Year's binge ...

The whole country celebrated the beginning of the New Year 2015 in a big way. With new hopes, wishes of success and prosperity, the citizens of Russia entered the new year. At the same time, many could not deny themselves the use of alcohol, believing that without it life is not the same and there is no holiday. The problem is, and consumption even once a year, for example, a glass of champagne on New Year's Eve, is already its first stage. And you should not delude yourself in this regard, since a step along this disastrous path has been taken, and after it there will be another and another until this path is tragically cut short, or until you go in another direction - to sobriety.

We have repeatedly written on the topic of alcohol, see the article “Drunk does not understand sober”, we also analyzed the strategy of sobering up Karelia. According to doctors, only the preservation of self-control and the absence of physical dependence among most of the celebrants distinguishes "New Year's alcoholism" from the classic binge. However from a clinical point of view, people who drink for many days in a row develop a syndrome that is essentially a transitional form between a hangover and withdrawal.

Sad statistics confirm the views of doctors: it is during the New Year holidays that many domestic drunkards become alcoholics, and for the period from January 8 to 20, most of the registered deaths are associated with alcohol consumption. And this statistic is equally true for people who died at home, on the street and in hospitals.

In addition, the New Year's burden on the body is aggravated by another circumstance. The celebration of the new year falls on darkest in a year, a period of time with a day length not exceeding 7-7.5 hours per day. During this period, due to the lack of daylight, the body intensively produces melatonin, so the ability to process is reduced. Artificial lighting at the same time does not save the situation at all. In turn, a low metabolic rate reduces the body's ability to digest food and detoxify alcohol. Thus, the period of the minimum capacity of the body to process food and alcohol in our country corresponds to the maximum consumption of both.

A person always has a choice, even when it seems that there is none. It depends on the person whether to limit their abilities or not, to drink alcohol or not. But often people are held captive by various myths and stereotypes. So around alcoholic beverages there is a huge number of myths and misconceptions that serve as a rationalization for those who cannot resist the "green serpent". The website "Petersburg Narcologist" published 8 myths about alcohol.

Small doses of alcohol are harmless

It is widely believed that in small doses alcohol is not only harmless, but also useful. However, alcohol dependence develops with the regular use of any dose of alcohol. As a rule, first there is a psychological dependence, forcing you to increase the dose, and then it develops and physical addiction when a person drinks no longer to feel good, but to stop feeling bad. In addition, scientists have found that regular use of even small doses of alcohol for 3-4 years leads to atrophy of brain cells and, as a result, to personality degradation.

Drinking alcohol is a Russian tradition

Many advocates of the "green serpent" argue that the use of strong alcoholic beverages is an original Russian tradition. Allegedly, he drank from time immemorial, and the refusal of alcohol, especially on holidays, is a violation of traditions.

In fact Active alcoholization of the population has been observed only in the last few decades. This is especially facilitated by long New Year holidays - as statistics show, a lot of people consume alcohol these days. Thank God that in recent years, alcohol consumption has begun to fall, especially among young people who consciously choose sober lifestyle.

Small doses of alcohol stimulate appetite

This rationalization is used by a great many so-called "hidden" alcoholics. They usually do not drink alcohol in large doses, but they regularly "take on the chest for appetite."

However, this habit has no less harmful effect on the human body than typical alcoholism. , especially taken on an empty stomach, causes irritation of the gastric mucosa and intensive production of gastric juice and enzymes. This creates the illusion of increased appetite - a person "seizes" alcohol to reduce the discomfort that has arisen in the stomach.

Alcohol relieves stress

This misconception is based on the ability of alcohol to cause euphoria and dull all sensations, including unpleasant ones. However, this illusion is short-lived - after the intoxication passes, the stress only intensifies, plus the feeling of guilt is added.

Drinking alcohol improves performance

Stupefying the brain, gives rise to a variety of illusions. One of them is performance improvement. It seems to a person in a state of alcoholic intoxication that his mental and motor reactions have become aggravated and increased.

However, in fact, taking even a small amount of alcohol inhibits all reactions, negatively affects mental and creative abilities, and reduces the quality of inferences.

Alcohol in small doses normalizes blood pressure

Alcohol is really capable of dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure for a while - this is precisely the reason for the prevalence of this misconception. However, this effect is short-lived and is quickly replaced by vasospasm. This leads to sudden pressure drops and threatens with such serious complications as a brain or myocardial infarction.

Moreover, regular alcohol consumption leads to toxic damage to the cardiovascular system, which leads to the development of hypertension, myocardial dystrophy, arrhythmia and heart failure.

Quality alcohol is not harmful

As studies show, all alcoholic drinks have a toxic effect on the human body, regardless of their quality. However, the effect of poor quality is exacerbated by the harmful effects of fusel oils and other toxic impurities.

It is generally accepted that drinking a small amount of alcohol can cause a beneficial effect on the body. But scientists, recently, refute this assumption on the basis of research.

The results of these studies showed that alcohol is a cellular poison that damages the heart muscle (the cells that make it up), which in turn leads to pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

Today's cardiology describes this process as follows:

• When five to seven hours pass after drinking alcohol, it continues to circulate in the blood, as a result of which the heart at this time works with increased stress. The pulse during such periods can increase to one hundred beats per minute. Consequently, metabolic processes begin to be disturbed in our body, blood circulation in the capillaries slows down. Because of this, the capillaries shrink and burst, which in turn leads to oxygen starvation.

Modification of the heart muscles helps accumulated fat. They begin to show flabbiness due to loss of elasticity. All these processes make their work difficult. In people with these problems, the risk of developing atherosclerosis or hypertension at a young age occurs very often.

It is also very important to note that if a person then refuses to drink alcoholic beverages, it is likely to eliminate the pathologies that have arisen (and very often with almost no consequences).

If you regularly drink alcohol (even if it is "harmless" red wine) - you can work your way directly to cardiac arrhythmia. Also, such alcohol consumption can cause sudden death from myocardial infarction. And even more, there is such a concept in the theory of medicine "alcoholic heart" (alcoholic cardiomyopathy). This syndrome can develop when the following factors exist:

The basis of any alcohol is toxic substances and compounds that, when they enter our body, begin to break down into many small fractions that have a detrimental effect on the myocardium.

First of all, getting into the body, alcohol affects the liver. Because of this, protein synthesis slows down, which again leads to a deterioration in the functioning of the heart muscle. It is also worth noting that in a person who often drinks alcohol, all B-group vitamins are absorbed in small quantities, and they are needed for the normal functioning of the heart muscle.

The following signs indicate serious disorders of the cardiovascular system.

1. First of all, the pain that some people feel the next day after drinking alcohol.
2. Further, violation of thermoregulation, which leads to increased sweating.
3. Another sign is shortness of breath (which can occur even at rest).

The very first thing to do in the treatment of heart pathologies associated with alcohol is to completely abandon it. Only then the treatment will give positive results. Otherwise, the treatment will not eliminate the disease, but suppress the symptoms that have arisen.

Almost no celebration, not only in Russia, but throughout the world, is complete without the use of alcohol. Toasts with wishes of good health to the hero of the occasion or to all members of the feast are in some contradiction with the nature of alcohol. But, nevertheless, the festive mood, joy and happiness in our country are strongly associated with a drinking cup. And it is the psychological attitude and traditional influence that makes alcohol, inherently dangerous, a welcome guest of every holiday.

Alcohol is a poison, or why it is called a slow poison

In official documents, ethyl alcohol is called a potent psychoactive substance, which contributes to the occurrence of excessive excitation of the nervous system and can cause paralysis.

It is precisely the possibility of alcohol that has an exciting effect on the nervous system, and drinking alcohol is caused.

The effect of alcohol

The effect of alcohol as a poison on the body is general toxic. When ethanol molecules get on the membranes of body cells, their permeability changes. The change in the lipid factor does not allow potassium and magnesium ions to properly interact with the nutrients and water entering the cells, causing a general metabolic disorder. Deficiency of nutrients and water has a negative effect on the activity of organ cells, which can cause a general disruption of metabolic processes in the body.

Alcohol molecules cause an increase in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. This allows the toxins that arise from the breakdown of alcohol to penetrate the membranes of brain cells and disrupt their work. These substances include not only the decomposition products of alcohols, but also fusel oils, sugars, dyes and flavors. In addition, water does not penetrate into the brain cells in the right amount, which causes a violation of the water-salt balance and causes a severe headache the next day. General dehydration of the body cannot be eliminated even in the case of increased consumption of water along with alcohol.

Interacting with the amino acids necessary for the construction of new body cells, ethyl alcohol releases esters and blocks protein synthesis.

In the liver cells, ethyl alcohol is converted into a highly toxic substance - acetaldehyde. The interaction of this substance with adrenaline and dopamine receptors in the brain can cause mental disorders. The person may experience behavioral changes and hallucinations. This phenomenon, leading in the initial stages of intoxication to a feeling of pleasure and euphoria, can subsequently lead to a disorder of consciousness, delirium or psychotic deviations.

Alcohol begins to poison the body the moment it enters the body. Its complete entry into cells and tissues occurs one hour after ingestion. Alcohol reaches its highest concentration in brain cells. Even with very strong intoxication, only 10-15% can be excreted unchanged from the body. The rest of the ethyl alcohol will participate in metabolic processes, destroying the body.

The most vulnerable, along with the nervous tissue and the brain, are the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the liver and kidneys.

When it enters the stomach, alcohol does not go through the stage of digestion and is not dissolved by digestive juices. It is absorbed directly by the wall of the stomach, causing irritation and burns. The speed of intoxication depends on the metabolic rate, that is, the absorption of alcohol by the wall of the stomach. That part, which nevertheless underwent dissolution by the gastric nipple, enters the small intestine, also irritating its wall. There, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and enters the liver with the bloodstream.

The rate of penetration of alcohol through the wall of the stomach is faster than through the small intestine. This is due to the rapid intoxication after alcohol taken on an empty stomach. But no tricks will be able to pass alcohol through the body without the fact that a significant part of it would not be perceived by the body.

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Regular intake of alcohol can cause irritation and swelling of the stomach wall. This can be the cause of chronic gastritis and the occurrence of stomach or duodenal ulcers. Drinking alcohol can disrupt intestinal motility, which can cause diarrhea.

Alcohol adversely affects the pancreas. She is very sensitive to ethyl alcohol. Regular consumption of alcohol leads to a violation of the production of enzymes and chronic pancreatitis. This disease is one of the first in a series of significantly reducing human life expectancy. Alcoholism can cause diabetes.

Ethyl alcohol has a huge effect on liver function. The elimination of alcohol breakdown products from the blood carries an additional excessive burden on this organ. Detoxification of alcohol causes impaired glucose production, which can lead to hypoglycemia and coma. In addition, there is a decrease in the oxidation of fatty acids. This causes the degeneration of liver cells according to the fatty type and provokes fatty degeneration of the liver. Permanent injury, which causes the neutralization of a large amount of acetaldehyde, leads to the formation of scar tissue, cirrhosis.

The penetration of alcohol into the blood causes agglutination of blood cells, as a result of agglutination of red blood cells, the blood forms blood clots, its ability to carry oxygen is reduced, which causes hypoxia of all organs and tissues. This is especially true for the myocardium. Ischemic heart disease is a characteristic phenomenon for all alcoholics. A decrease in myocardial contractility leads to a decrease in pressure, which leads to an increase in heart rate. Oxygen starvation, along with increased stress, carries the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Regular alcohol intake leads to a decrease in the production of leukocytes and granulocytes with low mobility. This is a strong blow to the immune system.

With excessive alcohol intake, the excitation of the central nervous system turns into inhibition of the cells of the nervous tissue, which can serve as an oppression of the cerebral cortex and the respiratory center. This can lead to death.

Drinking alcohol is a Russian tradition

It cannot be argued that drunkenness is a Russian tradition. At all times, alcohol intake on holidays was moderate. In some cases, it has been completely banned. The general alcoholization of the population occurred in Russia mainly as a result of government reforms. We can recall two bright periods of alcoholization of the population - during the reforms of Peter I and during the post-war rule of the Communist Party of the USSR. The last outbreak of alcoholization of the population is associated with economic difficulties in the 90s. The impoverishment of the population and the lack of confidence in the future served as a significant rejuvenation of alcoholism. Recently, this wave has been on the decline. There is a change in the amount of alcohol consumed depending on the region. In the Northern regions of Russia, traditionally, alcohol is consumed a little more than in the Southern regions or regions populated predominantly by Muslims. Recently, regions where the Muslim population predominates have practically caught up with the rest of Russia in terms of alcohol consumption.

Is alcohol worse than drugs?

Alcohol dependence, like drug addiction, is a serious disease that has social roots. Any psychoactive substances are caused by persistent physical and mental dependence and require systematic targeted treatment. It cannot be argued that alcohol is more harmful than drugs. All these substances cause destruction of the body, harm the human psyche, and also lead to the emergence of a large number of crimes that arise as a result of the search for funds for the purchase of psychoactive substances or as a result of their intake.

Alcohol and drugs simplify the human psyche and serve to degrade the personality. The criminalization of communities leading the use of certain psychoactive substances is at the highest level.

From the point of view of physiology, alcohol destroys internal organs faster, but HIV, hepatitis and other deadly diseases are more common among drug addicts.

Alcohol is a poison to the body in any dose. If it seems to a person that nothing will happen from one glass of vodka or a glass of beer, then he is deeply mistaken. Even a small amount of alcohol has an impact on the health of the drinker. Within one hour, the poison spreads throughout the body. Ethanol and its breakdown products primarily affect the liver, heart, and brain. Frequent consumption of a small dose of alcohol causes a dangerous addiction and causes irreparable harm to health. This leads to the emergence of many ailments that require expensive treatment.

Why is alcohol so popular in the world

Alcoholic beverages can be classified as narcotic drugs. And one of the most dangerous. Manufacturers offer a huge variety of hot elixirs.

They differ in:

• alcohol content;
• endurance;
• composition;
• mind;
• name;
• color and smell.

Everyone has a preference for their favorite drink. But no matter how different they are, they still do harm.

The popularity of alcohol can be explained by its ability to relax and divert pressing problems into the background. This is very convenient for people who do not know how to solve serious issues.

Many people use it because they have nothing to do. In other words, out of boredom. So much for popularization in various advertisements of how alcoholic drinks liberate and make life easy, relaxed. Drink a can of beer and become "cool". Such influence on the masses and "brainwashing" leads to the development of alcoholism. Quite a common problem among young people.

How alcohol affects the human body

But internal changes are already beginning to occur:

1. Brain. There is a destruction of neurons and their connections. Simply put, brain cells are washed out with urine.
2. Vessels. They become clogged, losing their elasticity - blood clots form.
3. Heart. It increases, its work and the flow of blood to the organs and to the brain are disrupted.
4. Liver. A large amount of poison hinders the activity of this organ. As a result, the liver generally ceases to perform the functions assigned to it.
5. Stomach. Ethanol is quickly absorbed into the walls of the stomach, violating their integrity and functionality.
6. Cells. Their permeability deteriorates, membranes are destroyed.

If you drink often and in large doses, the destruction of the human body occurs in the shortest possible time. Changes affect internal organs and systems, appearance, memory and reaction speed, character traits. The onset of alcoholism is very difficult to stop. Even poor health does not slow down such people. As soon as they feel better, everything starts all over again.

Changes in personal qualities from taking strong drinks

The most interesting thing is that alcohol affects not only internal organs and systems. The poison destroys the human personality. When the withdrawal begins, all his thoughts are directed to only one thing - to get what he wants. At this moment, nothing else exists. Just me and alcohol.

Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages leads to the degradation of personality:

1. There is only one interest. How to get a bottle of hot liquid.
2. Ready for everything. For the sake of getting what he wants, the alcoholic will go to deceit, even crime.
3. Renunciation of the family. Under the influence of the poison, the name of which is ethanol, a person forgets about his relatives and friends.
4. Asocial personality. People who drink do not go to work, they are no longer perceived in society and no one takes them into account.
5. Suicidal tendencies. Under the influence of alcohol, a person dissatisfied with his life is able to "lay hands on himself."

Alcoholism is a very terrible disease. Nobody is immune from this. Anyone can be in the place of an unshaven man sleeping at a bus stop with a bottle of vodka.

Such people should be pitiful. After all, they have lost their place in a normal society. Therefore, before tipping another glass of alcohol, you should think carefully about what it can bring, except for trouble.

Negative effects of drinking alcohol

A poison such as alcohol, consumed daily, leads to negative consequences. The changes that occur in the body are initially invisible. Functionality is disturbed, immunity declines and at this moment negative consequences begin to appear.

The main ones include:

• persistent increase in blood pressure;
• an increase in the heart muscle;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• gastritis;
• poor circulation;
• memory loss;
• persecution mania;
• wilting of the skin;
• forgetfulness, inattention and aggressiveness.

Will there be consequences from drinking a glass of wine once a month? Of course not. "Even poison is useful in small amounts." But if you drink a lot and often, then everything is simple.

Negative elements accumulate without having time to be displayed. Gradually, various ailments develop - a deviation of physical health and mental disorders. Sooner or later, the poison will do its job and death will occur.

What is alcoholism

Alcoholism is an addiction to alcoholic beverages. When you use it, you get a narcotic effect. With an increase in the frequency of reception, the dependence grows. Incoming poison poisons the body. The person becomes powerless. Alcohol enslaves him, preventing him from thinking clearly.

Alcoholism is a disease that has several stages:

1. First stage. A person begins to experience cravings for alcohol. Not getting what you want, attraction disappears for a while. In the case of the use of strong drinks, the dose becomes uncontrollable. There is irritability, aggressiveness. And in some cases even memory loss. They begin to justify their rash actions.
2. Second stage. Alcohol is consumed in unmeasured doses. A person takes it absolutely calmly. There is a physical addiction. There is dizziness, nausea, heart problems, trembling of the hands or the whole body.
3. Third stage. In which people experience an irresistible craving for alcohol. They only need a small dose to get drunk. There is a complete degradation of personality. Mental disorders destroy a person.

With alcoholism, the poison in the body is in high concentration. Only timely seeking help can help overcome narcotic psychosis.

How not to cross the line

Alcohol is a fast-acting harmful poison that has a narcotic effect. Before you have time to look back, how you are in his dependence. But the poison completely poisons the human body. Each organ is negatively affected, collapsing and falling into decay.

To avoid the “death” of your mind and body, you need to be careful and always think soberly. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with its consequences.

Therefore, it is very important to remember a few basic rules:

• do not drink more than at least once a month;
• drink alcohol in small doses;
• give preference to proven drinks;
• do not be influenced by others;
• do not perceive alcohol as a harmless "pill" from a bad mood;
• seek help at the first sign of addiction.

Much depends on the nature of the person and his physiology. There are people who are chemically addicted. They only have to sniff ethanol vapors and a signal is triggered in the brain. Therefore, if you don’t have the strength to give up alcohol, it’s better to avoid situations that lead to drinking strong drinks altogether. Since the ethanol contained in alcohol is a poison of poisonous and destructive action. You should learn to deal with your addictions and not succumb to their influence.