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Information on Alcoholism
What is Alcohol?
Alcohol, also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, is a chemical which since ancient times has been made by the fermentation of sugars.
Ethanol acts as a drug affecting the central nervous system. Its behavioural effects stem from its effects on the brain and not on the muscles or senses. It is a depressant. Depending on dose, it can be either a mild tranquillizer or a general anaesthetic. It suppresses particular brain functions. At very low doses, it can appear to be a stimulant by suppressing certain inhibitory brain functions. However, as concentration increases, further suppression of brain functions produces the classic symptoms of intoxication: slurred speech, unsteady walk, disturbed sensory perceptions, and inability to react quickly. At very high concentrations, ethanol produces general anaesthesia; a highly intoxicated person will be asleep and very difficult to wake, and if awakened, unable to move voluntarily.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain and Body?
Alcohol is poisonous, and the body begins to dispose of it as soon as it is detected in the system. Over 90% is processed by the liver which converts it into a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde’s distinctive smell can be a very apparent feature of the ‘morning after’.
Almost everything a person does, thinks, feels, eats or drinks is associated with chemicals in the brain known as neurochemicals or neurotransmitters. Changes in the brain’s neurochemistry result in feelings such as anxiety, depression, happiness, hunger, excitement and so on.
Alcohol has a dual effect on the chemistry of the brain. Initially, it is a depressant that reduces activity in the central nervous system for up to two hours after the last drink. This strong effect may be perceived as stimulation; however, it is the result of certain inhibitors in the brain cortex being suppressed. This explains why alcohol is seen as a social lubricant, a source of courage or a booster of confidence. It also explains why people who are highly intoxicated will exhibit extremes of behaviour. There may be slurred speech, staggering, loss of emotional control, stupefaction, severe respiratory depression, coma, and in a few extreme cases, death. A weaker effect is an agitation of the central nervous system that lasts for up to six times as long as the depressive effect. The “morning after” hangover and shakiness are due to this agitation. They appear to be temporarily relieved by more drinking, which can lead to a vicious circle of physical and emotional dependence.
The symptoms of withdrawal from chronic alcoholic drinking are usually far more dangerous than those associated with opiates (heroin) and other drugs. They include restlessness, shakiness, confusion, hyperventilation, hallucination, and convulsions. These symptoms can be expected to begin within the first 24 hours and increase in intensity to reach a peak within two to three days. The symptoms may become progressively more intense. Fever, convulsions, delusions, delirium, a fall in blood pressure, and visual hallucinations are to be expected. In a number of cases, these symptoms have proved fatal.
Alcoholism can also be nutritionally disastrous and may lead to neglect of a healthy diet, chronic malnutrition, severe vitamin B deficiency and loss of calcium and magnesium. The list of medical conditions associated with alcoholic drinking makes grim reading. Gastritis, anaemia, cardiac arrhythmia, pancreatitis, peripheral neuritis (loss of the sense of touch) and hypoglycaemia are only a few of the specific conditions associated with the early stages of alcoholic drinking. With chronic alcoholic drinking, comes the risk of liver damage, korsokoff syndrome, brain damage, and cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle). Cancers of the tongue, mouth, liver and oesophagus can also be consequences of chronic alcoholism.
Alcoholism Overview
Do you have a problem with Alcohol Addiction?
Why not read through the statements below to see if any of them relate to you?
I continue to use drugs in spite of increasingly serious negative consequences.
I have made attempts to cut down and control my drinking with little or no success.
I feel very guilty after I have been drinking.
I have had financial difficulties as a result of my drinking.
Alcohol is a cause of domestic difficulty.
I often have to take other drugs in order to cope with the effects of the alcohol.
I have missed or avoided work or school because of alcohol use.
I have had had legal or financial problems as a result of alcohol use.
The thought of living without alcohol frightens me.
I feel that I must have alcohol in order to interact with other people
Aquarius North Community Alcohol Team(CAT)
Name of service
Aquarius North Community Alcohol Team (CAT)
Address of service
The Matthews Centre
Duddeston Manor Road
Duddeston
Birmingham
B7 4LZ
Tel: 0121 685 6340 Bus Routes
Fax: 0121 685 6360
Web: http://www. Aquarius.org.uk
You can be Referred to this service by: Telephoning yourself or if you are in contact with a professional agency they can make the referral for you.
Catchments Area: North Birmingham
Opening Hours:
Monday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 9am – 5pm
Thursday 9am – 5pm appointment only 5pm – 7pm
Friday 9am – 4pm
Assessments and referrals to other supportive services
Basic Drug Awareness Training
Alcohol Specific Advice and Information
General Support
Outreach
Care Planning / Care Co-ordination
Group work
Structured Counselling/CBT
Community detoxification
Partnership working with other agencies
Complimentary therapies-Acupuncture
Aquarius South Community Alcohol Team(CAT)
Name of service
Aquarius South Community Alcohol Team (CAT)
Address of service
236 Bristol Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B5 7SG
Tel: 0121 414 0888 Bus Routes
Fax: 0121 414 1222
Email: aquarius.3@zoom.co.uk
Web: http://www. Aquarius.org.uk
You can be Referred to this service by: Telephoning yourself or if you are in contact with a professional agency they can make the referral for you.
Catchments Area: South Birmingham
Opening Hours:
Monday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 9am – 5pm
Thursday 9am – 5pm
Friday 9am – 4.30pm
Service Provided:
Assessments and referrals to other supportive services
Basic Drug Awareness Training
Alcohol Specific Advice and Information
General Support
Outreach
Care Planning / Care Co-ordination
Group work
Structured Counselling/CBT
Community detoxification
Partnership working with other agencies
Complimentary therapies-Acupuncture