Alcohol…a highly destructive addiction

Even though alcohol seems harmless compared to many other drugs, it`s a psychoactive substance that slows down the nervous system functioning, affecting focus, coordination, reaction capacity and therefore the essential psychomotor skills.

It`s imperative to emphasize that the consumption of alcohol directly affects the central nervous system, which in the first instance can provoke feelings of excitement, disinhibition and impulsive behaviors. But when passing into the intoxication phase, it is combined with alteration of balance, coordination and loss of heat, as well as altering the regulation of body temperature during exercise, is also proven to decrease strength, muscle tolerance, speed and directly affect the cardiovascular system.

Alcohol also acts as a diuretic which can lead to severe dehydration, in addition to producing a greater loss of vitamins and minerals essential for optimum performance. Alcohol consumption markedly reduces muscle mass and increases body fat.

The consequences of abusing alcohol can be very damaging for our body, even leading to death, since our organs can be irreversibly damaged.

Alcohol consumption can according to some studies, have a genetic load. However, the conditions in which a person develops and their way of socializing are a major factor.

Effects of alcohol on our body:

Liver diseases

Decreased bone mass

Reduces our body’s ability to absorb nutrients

Liver Cirrhosis (in more advanced cases of alcoholism)

Digestive problems

Increased risk of stroke

Weakens the immune system

Permanent damage to brain cells

In women, drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth problems for babies.

Lack of energy

Cerebral atrophy and deterioration

Psychological effects:

Depression

Anxiety

Irritability

Euphoria that cannot be controlled

Sudden changes in mood

A very severe disorder that causes prolonged and abusive alcohol abuse is alcoholic dementia, also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which develops with alcohol abuse, added to the bad eating habits generating a deficiency of B1 vitamin, essential for the cells of the central nervous system.

Alcoholic dementia occurs regularly from the age of 50, but if the intake of this substance started at the age of 13 or 14, this condition may appear from the age of 30.

Symptoms of alcoholic dementia:

Changes in emotional response

Memory problems

Confusion and disorientation

Communication problem

Inability to make decisions or solve problems

Lack of interest and motivation for daily and professional activities

Vision disturbances

Unfortunately, alcohol consumption has become a severe public health problem that has high costs since we must understand that frequent consumption translates into alcoholism, a disease that attacks anyone regardless of sex, age, or socioeconomic condition that deteriorates people. physical, psychological and social level and that can even lead to death.

Prevention should start at an early age, with education based on moderation and example, in addition to promoting actions that reinforce self-esteem. However, It`s essential. to understand that we are responsible for our body and for everything we consume. Oderatioand common sense.

SOURCES: http://altorendimiento.com/el-deportista-y-el-alcohol/

https://estilosdevidasaludable.sanidad.gob.es/en/consumo/queSaber/deporte/home.htm

https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-trastornos-adictivos-182-articulo-alcohol-neuropsicologia-13049864