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[F14]Facts About Alcohol Abuse

by Jonas Smith, Jon

Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused drug in the United States. For most people who drink, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use-up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people-is not harmful for most adults. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of either beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.)

Nonetheless, a large number of people get into serious trouble because of their drinking. Currently, nearly 14 million Americans-1 in every 13 adults-abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems. These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular basis. In addition, 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.

The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious-in many cases, life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human terms, the costs cannot be calculated.

Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence," is a disease that includes four symptoms. They are craving meaning a strong need, or compulsion, to drink. Second is the loss of control meaning the inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.Thirdly, it is the physical dependence meaning withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. Finally, it is tolerance meaning the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to "get high."

Recent studies revealed the direct linking between alcohol and insomnia, resulting in new discoveries that are both astounding and intriguing. It is amazing to discover that alcohol have different effects on different people. When you link alcohol and insomnia, it has been discovered that some people respond positively to alcohol in terms to the relationship to insomnia, and some have reacted negatively.

There are a group of people who have reacted positively to alcohol and insomnia and have reported states of drowsiness after consuming alcoholic beverages. Yet on the other end of the continuum, there are people who have reported feeling extremely alert and in fact, hyper active after taking in alcoholic beverages!

The Party-Goers, alcohol and Insomnia

If you are someone who loves to spend the night partying, you have probably discovered that a few drinks will only serve to loosen you up and get things going. A little sip of that magical liquid gets the beat going for you! For this group of individuals, alcohol serves to freshen you and keep you awake and alert, instead of inducing states of drowsiness. While this describes the affect most Americans experience, a smaller percentage experience a much worse side effect.

Drowsiness, alcohol and Insomnia

These are people who react negatively to alcohol and insomnia. This group of people will almost immediately fell drowsy after a few sips and yet they do not actually escape from the after effects of alcohol and insomnia. These people who fall into states of drowsiness actually fall into states of light sleep, in which even the slightest disturbance can awaken them from their sleep.

This can have disastrous effects the morning after where the person who suffers form the effects of alcohol and insomnia can find himself irritable, tired and feeling sleepy all day long.

Say no to alcohol to avoid Insomnia?

While the common belief prevails that taking alcohol is bad for you, studies have shown that alcohol when taken in moderation do have positive effects on health! To benefit fully from your alcohol intake remember to be wary of your own reactions to alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol and Insomnia: A Brief Summary

Alcohol and insomnia produce different results in different people. If you are currently on medication, do be wary of your alcohol intake. People who are on sleeping pills should be extra careful when ingesting alcohol as they can have effects on these pills and create results that can be dangerous for you.

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About Author

Both Jonas Smith & Ryan Kaufman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Jonas Smith has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food And Drink, Cooking Tips and Food And Drink. Read about and. Jonas Smith's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.

Ryan Kaufman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vacation, Sleep Disorder and Alcohol Treatment. Ryan Kaufman is an author and internet marketer. View More Insomnia info at. Ryan Kaufman's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.