Drink Alcohol example essay topic

. Hangover. Drinking and driving. Do something you might regret. Argument with friend or significant other. Unplanned / unprotected sex. Ride with someone who is also binge drinking.

Missed school. Injuries. Arrested. Alcohol poisoning. Make a fool of yourself Short term.

Hangover -- headache, intense thirst, nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and noise, blurry vision, shakiness, and exhaustion. Loss of consciousness. Falling or running into things, causing injury or death. Inability to make good decisions. Unplanned and / or unsafe sexual activity. Increased risk of sexual assault.

Getting into trouble with authorities. Damaging property. Behaving aggressively and getting into fights. Alcohol poisoning -- nausea and / or vomiting; can progress to unconsciousness, coma, or death. Respiratory arrest. Choking to death on vomit.

Sudden death from stroke. Increased risk of drowning. Loss of reasoning ability, movement control, and reaction speed -- all of which make you deadly behind the wheel of a car. Ten hours after you "sober up" your reasoning ability, movement control, and reaction speed are still limited!!

Long-term Effects. What are the long-term health consequences of using alcohol? Birth Defects. Liver Damage. Heart Disease. Bone Damage.

Cancer. Brain Damage. Other Long-term Effects. Birth Defects.

Liver Damage. Heart Disease. Bone Damage. Cancer. Brain Damage. Other What are the long-term health consequences of using alcohol?

Years of heavy drinking can cause major, permanent damage to your body. The type and extent of damage that alcohol causes depends on many factors, including the duration and severity of the abuse. The gender and age of the drinker also come into play. Men are more likely than women to develop an alcohol abuse or dependence problem. In fact, two-thirds of alcohol-abusing or alcohol-dependent individuals are men.

Interestingly, even though they make up only a third of problem drinkers, women experience more alcohol-related diseases than men; they experience greater physical damage after fewer years of heavy drinking; and those diseases progress more rapidly in women than in men. Female alcoholics have death rates 50 to 100 percent higher than those of male alcoholics. Liver disease in particular is more rapidly severe in women. Alcohol is also especially dangerous for young people.

Recent brain imaging studies in teens and young adults who drank heavily have shown shrinkage in an area of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning, which indicates that these young people's ability to learn and remember suffers. Alcohol can also prevent teens from growing to full-size. Heavy drinking in teens has been shown to interfere with muscle and bone growth. In addition, people who drink as teenagers have a greater chance of osteoporosis later in life. Mixing alcohol with other drugs, including acetaminophen (Tylenol, ) heroin, cocaine, and barbiturates doubles the damaging effects of alcohol.

This can cause slowed breathing, heart attack, and death. The physical damage caused by heavy drinking includes: . Birth Defects - Drinking any alcohol while pregnant can do severe, permanent damage to the child. A woman who could be pregnant must not drink any alcohol! Alcohol use during pregnancy is the #1 cause of nonhereditary mental retardation... The child may exhibit lifelong hyperactive behavior and learning disabilities...

Liver Damage -- The liver processes nutrients and filters the blood, among other things. The liver suffers the most life-threatening damage from alcohol: . Fatty liver - Accumulation of fat in the liver slows its function... Alcoholic hepatitis - Liver cells swell and cause blockage.

This is 10 -30% fatal... Cirrhosis - Heavy scarring of the liver prevents bloodflow. Cirrhosis is usually fatal... Liver cancer... Pancreas Damage -- The pancreas helps to regulate the body's blood sugar levels by producing insulin, and has a role in digesting the food we eat... Pancreatitis -- Inflammation of the pancreas causes severe abdominal pain, unwanted weight loss, and can cause death...

Heart Disease. Hypertension (high blood pressure. ). Enlarged heart - cannot be repaired...

Coronary heart disease - narrowed arteries lead to heart attack and death... Irregular heartbeat, which can lead to heart attack and death... Decreased bloodflow to the arms and legs... Stroke - Blocked bloodflow to the brain or bleeding in the brain.

Stroke is a major killer... Bone Damage. The rapid bone growth that should be taking place in the teenage years is limited by alcohol... Older people who have been heavy drinkers suffer from severe back pain, spine deformity, and increased risk of wrist and hip fractures caused by osteoporosis... Cancer -- Alcoholism may increase a person's chances of having any of the following cancers: .

Mouth, pharynx, and esophagus... Breast... Pancreas and liver... Colon and rectum... Brain Damage. Lowered cognitive (thinking) abilities-even with moderate drinking!

Destruction of brain cells, producing brain deterioration and atrophy (shrinking. ). Mental disorders: increased aggression, antisocial behavior, depression, and anxiety... Heavy drinkers have more accidental injuries due to damage to the sense of balance.

Other health problems caused by drinking alcohol: . Weakened vision... Malnutrition (because heavy drinkers often drink rather than eat. ). Water retention (resulting in weight gain and bloating. ).

Skin disorders (such as middle-age acne. ). Dilated blood vessels near the skin causing "brandy nose". .

Heartburn, nausea, gastritis, and ulcers... Poor digestion and inflammation of the small and large intestines... Sexual problems in men and women... Reduced sperm count, less motile (active and quick) sperm, and abnormal sperm cells... Menstrual difficulties, irregular or absent cycles, and decreased fertility...

Early menopause. INTRODUCTION Alcohol is the most widely used recreational drug in Australia. Because it is so widely used and socially acceptable in our society, alcohol is often not considered to be a 'drug', nor is it considered to be particularly harmful. However, evidence from research shows that consumption of alcohol at harmful levels is increasing in Australia, particularly among young people. Furthermore, the prevalence of alcohol use among young people has increased in the past decade, the average age of first use being 14.1 Much of this drinking takes the form of 'binge drinking'. This fact sheet explains the risks and harms associated with binge drinking, and offers suggestions for avoiding these harms.

What is binge drinking? Binge drinking is a term widely used, but people tend to have quite different understandings of exactly what that means. Most definitions of binge drinking refer to the act of drinking heavily over a short period of time or drinking continuously over a number of days or weeks. Some common definitions of binge drinking / a binge drinker are: . drinking to get drunk-a 'bender'. occasional bouts of heavy drinking by young and / or non-dependent people. intermittent, or irregular, episodes of excessive drinking. 'a person who is normally restrained in their drinking habits but who at frequent intervals over-indulges to a marked degree'2. In this fact sheet, we use the term 'binge drinking' to refer to drinking, on any single occasion, significantly more than the low-risk levels advised by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC, see page 3).

3 Is binge drinking harmful? Binge drinking can be harmful for a number of reasons: . It can be immediately and directly harmful to your health... It can expose you and others to risk of injury, or even death (short-term harms)... The consequences of these can have long-lasting effects on both your health and well-being (long-term harms).

People who should take particular care with alcohol include those who: . have certain health conditions that are made worse by drinking (such as chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver). are taking certain medications (such as Valium or Sere pax) or who use other drugs (such as heroin or methadone). have a family history of alcohol-related problems. women who are pregnant. anyone who is about to undertake activity involving physical risk or a degree of skill, such as driving, flying, water sports or using complex, heavy or farm machinery. anyone under the age of 18. Short-term effects Binge drinking can result in acute intoxication (drunkenness). It can lead people to put themselves in dangerous situations and to take risks with their health and well-being. Common short-term effects of binge-drinking episodes are hangovers, headaches, nausea, shakiness and possible vomiting and memory loss. The short-term risks of binge drinking include the risks of harm such as falls, assaults and car accidents. Young people often are not aware of the dangers associated with acute intoxication, and are more likely to indulge in risky behaviour while intoxicated, such as swimming, driving, unsafe or unwanted sex, verbal or physical abuse.

Long-term effects If someone drinks heavily over a long period of time, they can become physically and psychol-og ically dependent upon alcohol. Their body gets used to functioning with alcohol present and / or drinking can become more important than other activities in their life. Over time, alcohol can damage parts of the body, including the brain and liver. There are also the risks of developing emotional problems, such as depression, and problems at school, work and with relationships. Other effects of binge drinking include unwanted pregnancy, feeling bad about yourself afterwards (such as shame or embarrassment), feeling vulnerable and out of control while intoxicated, losing friends or loved ones as a result of your behaviour, loss of valuable items such as a car after a smash or personal items such as jewellery, or financial losses through reckless spending on alcohol or having to have time off work to recover from a binge. How big a problem is it, really?

In 1998, alcohol use was the cause of 814 deaths and 25 207 hospital admissions of Australians aged 15-34.4 More than 40 per cent of people aged 16-24 surveyed in Victoria in September 2002 were drinking at levels that placed them at risk of short-term harm. Of these, 19.5 per cent of males and 13.8 per cent of females aged 18-24 were drinking at these risky levels on a weekly basis. 3 The prevalence of alcohol use, and binge drinking, among young people has increased in the past decade. "This generation of drinkers starts younger, drinks more and indulges in binge drinking to a greater extent than any previous generation". 5 Many are not aware of the harms that can be caused by binge drinking, nor are they familiar with ways to avoid the risks. How can I avoid the risks of binge drinking?

The NHMRC has provided alcohol guidelines to help reduce alcohol-related deaths in Australia. These guidelines use standard drink measures to help people monitor and control the amount of alcohol they consume. A standard drink is defined as one that contains 10 grams of pure alcohol: . one can (375 mL) low-alcohol beer. one pot (285 mL) regular beer. 3/4 of a stubby (375 mL) regular beer. one glass of mixed drink (30 mL spirits + mixer). one nip (30 mL) of spirit or liqueur. 100 mL (small glass) table wine. 3/4 of a bottle (330 mL) alcoholic soda.

It is important to remember that some venues do not serve alcohol in these standard drink sizes (they are often larger); large wine glasses can hold two or more standard drinks; drinks served at home often contain more alcohol than one standard drink; and cocktails may contain several standard drinks. The NHMRC guidelines indicate the risk levels for short-term harm by the number of standard drinks consumed on any one day: For males (on any one day) Scale of risk Number of drinks Low risk up to 6 no more than 3 days per week Risky 7-10 High risk 11 or more For females (on any one day) Scale of risk Number of drinks Low risk up to 4 no more than 3 days per week Risky 5-6 High risk 7 or more Assuming no more than 2 drinks in the first hour and one per hour thereafter for males and no more than one drink per hour for females. These guidelines apply to adults of average or larger size, around 60 kg for males and 50 kg for females-a person of smaller than average body size should drink less. It is important to note that 'saving up' drinks for a few days and then having a binge is not considered low-risking drinking. There are serious health and legal issues associated with young people under the age of 18 who drink alcohol. If you are under 18, binge drinking can be even riskier to your health and general well-being.

Some tips for controlling your drinking It is important to know how alcohol affects you as an individual. Know your limits. If you know you will be drinking alcohol, planning is essential. Nominate a non-drinker to drive and generally to look out for those who will be drinking.

Make sure that you can call a member of your family or a friend if you need assistance. If you are drinking: . Set limits for yourself, and stick to them... Start with a non-alcoholic drink... Drink slowly.

Take sips, not gulps... Remember that 'alcopops' (sweet-flavoured pre-mixed drinks) often mask the taste of the alcohol, but they do not mask the effects... Try the low-alcohol alternative... Eat before or while drinking, and avoid salty snacks, which make you thirsty... Avoid rounds or 'shouts'... Have one drink at a time so you can keep track of your drinks-avoid 'topping up'...

Pace yourself... Stay busy-don't just sit and drink... Have at least two alcohol-free days a week. Alcohol affects your brain. Drinking alcohol leads to a loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, distorted vision, memory lapses, and even blackouts. Alcohol affects your body.

Alcohol can damage every organ in your body. It is absorbed directly into your bloodstream and can increase your risk for a variety of life-threatening diseases, including cancer. Alcohol affects your self-control. Alcohol depresses your central nervous system, lowers your inhibitions, and impairs your judgment. Drinking can lead to risky behaviors, including having unprotected sex. This may expose you to HIV / AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases or cause unwanted pregnancy.

Alcohol can kill you. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can lead to coma or even death. Also, in 1998, 35.8 percent of traffic deaths of 15- to 20-year-olds were alcohol-related. Alcohol can hurt you -- even if you " re not the one drinking. If you " re around people who are drinking, you have an increased risk of being seriously injured, involved in car crashes, or affected by violence. At the very least, you may have to deal with people who are sick, out of control, or unable to take care of themselves.

Know the law. It is illegal to buy or possess alcohol if you are under 21. Get the facts. One drink can make you fail a breath test.

In some states, people under the age of 21 who are found to have any amount of alcohol in their systems can lose their driver's license, be subject to a heavy fine, or have their car permanently taken away. Stay informed. "Binge" drinking means having five or more drinks on one occasion. About 15 percent of teens are binge drinkers in any given month.

Know the risks. Mixing alcohol with medications or illicit drugs is extremely dangerous and can lead to accidental death. For example, alcohol-medication interactions may be a factor in at least 25 percent of emergency room admissions. Keep your edge. Alcohol can make you gain weight and give you bad breath. Look around you.

Most teens aren't drinking alcohol. Research shows that 70 percent of people 12-20 haven't had a drink in the past month. How can you tell if a friend has a drinking problem? Sometimes it's tough to tell. But there are signs you can look for.

If your friend has one or more of the following warning signs, he or she may have a problem with alcohol: . Getting drunk on a regular basis. Lying about how much alcohol he or she is using. Believing that alcohol is necessary to have fun. Having frequent hangovers. Feeling run-down, depressed, or even suicidal.

Having "blackouts" -- forgetting what he or she did while drinking. Having problems at school or getting in trouble with the law What can you do to help someone who has a drinking problem? Be a real friend. You might even save a life. Encourage your friend to stop or seek professional help.

For information and referrals, call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 800-729-6686. Q. Aren't beer and wine "safer" than liquor? A. No. One 12-ounce beer has about as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a wine cooler. Q. Why can't teens drink if their parents can? A. Teens' bodies are still developing and alcohol has a greater impact on their physical and mental well-being. For example, people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin at age 21. Q. How can I say no to alcohol? I'm afraid I won't fit in. A. Remember, you " re in good company. The majority of teens don't drink alcohol.

Also, it's not as hard to refuse as you might think. Try: "No thanks,"I don't drink", or "I'm not interested.".