Alcohol And Alcohol

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Recommended: Effects of alcohol on the body

Alcohol is the third largest risk factor for disease burden in the world. Its harmful use was associated with 2.5 million deaths annually. Regarding its chemical structure, alcohol or ethanol is an organic compound that has a hydroxyl group bound to a carbon atom. People drink alcoholic beverages due to its pleasurable effects. It relieves anxiety, stress, and enhances the feeling of euphoria. Although alcohol is considered as a drug, it depresses vital functions of the human body and affects each single organ of it. Mainly, the central nervous system (CNS) is affected by alcohol since it crosses the blood brain barrier. There are several neurotransmitters in the brain that are modulated by alcohol. However, researchers' attention was mostly focused on the glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the CNS, respectively. Alcohol potentiates the effect of GABA on the GABAA receptor; this increases chloride permeability. On the other hand, it inhibits the ability of glutamate to open the cation channel associated with the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptors. The NMDA receptor is importannt in many aspects of cognitive functions, including memory and learning ability. This may explains memory loss associated with high levels of alcohol. Moreover alcohol can inhibit calcium entry through the voltage-gated calcium channels. As a result of that mechanism, alcohol drinker exhibit sedation, anxiety, slurred speech, ataxia, impaired judgment. Also drinking alcohol may affects the family and society. Many of marrieges destroyed because of alcohol. In addition, children may be affected. In case of society, it really cause a big problem in econom... ... middle of paper ... ...n addition it Restores balance to GABA and glutamate activities that been disrupted in alcohol dependence. It is also used to reduce relapse and prolong abstinence. It also has some side effects such as diarrhea, headache, and rash. Study shows that compination of acamrosate with naltroxane potentiate the effect of each drug. In conclusion, alcohol is a drug that depress cns. It is easily to be addicted. Also it is produce nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and seizure in sever cases. Moreover it may affect the metabolism of other drugs. Alcolism associated with withdrawal symptoms that can be treated with long acting BDZs. The treatment of alcohol cessation include Naltrexone, disulfiram, or acamprosate. Also there are other drug can be used, but still under investigation varenicline, ondansetron prazosin, baclofen, and topiramate.

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