Alcohol
1/10
» Any drink that contains ethanol is called an alcoholic beverage.
» Alcoholic beverages are classified into three types - distilled spirits, beers and wines.
» Alcohol has, for long, played an essential role in social interaction.
» But it is also known for its negative effects, most importantly for addiction.
» So, is alcohol good or bad?
Cheers to Health - Alcohol Benefit
2/10
» Several research studies have linked moderate drinking to reduced risk of heart disease.
» Longevity is improved in moderate drinkers than in heavy or non-drinkers.
» Instances of stroke, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, artery disease and even the common cold seem lesser in moderate drinkers.
Alcohol Benefits
3/10
Reports have suggested that sensible drinking helps prevent or lessen the impact of diseases like
» Digestive disorders, depression, duodenal ulcer, pancreatic cancer
» Hearing and memory loss, gallstones, erectile dysfunction
» Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis
Alcohol Benefits
4/10
» Lesser cases of hospitalization and general disability were reported among moderate drinkers.
» Risk of death after a heart attack seems reduced in sensible drinkers.
» Cholesterol levels are lower because alcohol raises HDL (good) cholesterol.
Alcohol Disadvantage
5/10
» Alcohol also has a terrible downside.
» Women, especially, suffer the more acute complications such as higher risk of liver disease and breast cancer than men.
» Definition of 'moderate drinking' is also disputed - it may mean drinks daily/weekly/at parties for different people.
Harmful effects
6/10
» Alcohol is a psychoactive drug and is known for its depressant effect.
» High intake of alcohol raises blood alcohol level - causing drunkenness.
» Drunken state slows reaction speed and reduces alertness.
Alcoholism
7/10
» Alcohol is addictive.
» Alcoholism/Alcohol abuse causes nerve disorders, muscle cramps, speeds up ageing, osteoporosis, appetite loss and depression
» A mental 'dependency' is also created, where individuals find it to difficult to function without alcohol ' as seen in other addictive behaviors.
Harmful effects
8/10
» Binge drinking can lead to atrial fibrillation, which increases risk of blood clots and stroke.
» Chronic increase in blood pressure has been noted, even in moderate drinkers.
» The liver takes time to process alcohol - hence, an excess of blood alcohol level can overwork the liver and cause long-term difficulties.
» Alcohol can cause serious complications in individuals suffering from certain diseases like hepatitis C, pancreatic disease, hemorrhagic stroke etc
Social Impact
9/10
» Alcohol abuse also has a negative impact.
» Alcoholism has been the root cause for several broken relationships, dysfunctional families, lost jobs, crimes, fatal road accidents and social isolation.
Is Alcohol Good or Bad?
10/10
» The benefits of alcohol mentioned here most apply to men over 40 years and women post menopause. So it's no excuse for binge drinking at young ages.
» Studies haven't been able to bring a balance between alcohol's benefits vis-a-vis its harms; so even moderate drinking is currently not advisable.
» As Dr. M. Robertson once said, "If half the pubs and bottle stores were closed, I guarantee that half the hospitals and jails will remain closed."