Alcohol abuse occurs when drinking becomes habitual and patterned, leading to an increased inability to maintain daily obligations, an increased probability of engaging in dangerous behavior that might lead to legal problems, and problems in close...
REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is one of the two main sleep stages. During REM sleep, which lasts for 70 to 90 minutes each night, the person actively dreams, according to the article "Sleeping Well: Understanding Sleep Needs, Cycles and Stages."...
Heavy use of alcohol can interfere with a number of biological aspects of the body and effect the immediate functioning of the brain, heart and other organ systems. While alcohol can have negative short-term effects on biological function, chronic...
The long-term effects of alcohol abuse can damage the liver, heart and brain. Alcoholic neuropathy, a physical disorder caused by alcoholism's damaging effects on nerves, can result in devastating symptoms and permanent disability. If caught...
Alcoholism is defined by alcohol cravings, loss of control over amount of alcohol consumed, physical dependence on alcohol, and an increased tolerance for the effects of alcohol. Alcoholism is common, affecting about 17.6 million people in the...
The phrase "drug abuse" conjures images of desperate addicts living on the margins of society. In truth, addiction has many faces, many of which bear no resemblance to the gaunt visage of the street junkie. The consequences of drug abuse can...
Many adults partake in a glass of alcohol occasionally. In moderation, drinking alcohol can be a fun social activity when shared among people. However, when alcohol is consumed in large quantities over a long period of time, it can lead to...
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, "Children raised in families with high rates of conflict appear at risk for both delinquency and illicit drug use." Adding...
The physical effects of alcoholism, such as liver disease, are well known. Likewise, the short-term psychological effects of alcohol consumption such as impaired judgment are fairly well understood by most people. Fewer people, however, are aware...
Alcohol and drug abuse refers to the misuse of alcohol and prescription or illicit drugs. Substance abuse shares many characteristics with addiction and often leads to long-term addiction and other health problems. Learning to recognize the signs...
Alcohol has depressant properties and is one of the oldest known mind-altering substances. It is consumed for its central nervous system effects, which include relaxation, reduced inhibitions and euphoria. Alcohol's effects can be classified as...
While light-to-moderate drinking is associated with some benefits, excessive use of alcohol has well-established adverse effects on health and well being. As with many substances, toxicity depends upon the dose. In the United States, moderate...
Alcohol is a mind-altering drug sold legally in the form of beverages to people over 21 years of age. It is consumed for its depressant effects, which include euphoria, increased sociability and reduced inhibitions. Despite its popularity and...
Alcohol, also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, plays a big role in social gatherings. People generally enjoy the relaxing effects alcohol can bring about on the mind and body. Alcohol is an intoxicating substance which depresses the central...
Alcohol abuse causes more than just a buzz. It can also lead to interpersonal conflicts, serious short and long-term medical conditions and even death. While the specific effects will depend on the severity and frequency of the alcohol abuse,...
Vitamin D-3, also known as cholecalciferol, is important in regulating the balance of calcium and phosphorous in your body. In addition, this vitamin plays a role in neurological, muscular and immune system functioning. Few foods contain vitamin...
Drinking alcoholic beverages is a staple in many cultures, including the United States. Drinking is common in many social settings, but the line between what is acceptable alcohol consumption and what is alcohol abuse is sometimes thin. Alcohol...
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) explains that in the United States as of 2010, 60 percent of women have at least one alcoholic beverage a year and 13 percent of those women have more than seven alcoholic beverages a...
Alcohol abuse and dependence has many detrimental effects not only on the alcoholic himself but on his family. While he may hide his drinking from the outside world, at home there are no secrets. Families are often too ashamed or too afraid to...
The prolonged use and subsequent abuse of legal and illegal substances can have profound and often irreparable effects on the body. Continued abuse and an inability to stop can lead to years of exposure to a substance and possible negative effects...
Your teenage years come with a lot of pressures, including the pressures to fit in and do well in school. With school, sports, activities and maybe even a part-time job, finding the time to lead a healthy lifestyle can be difficult. As a teen, it...
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that 17.6 million adults in the United States are alcoholics or have a problem with chronic alcohol abuse. Strong cravings for alcohol, difficulty stopping after one or two drinks,...
Long-term health effects and immediate consequences of smoking and alcohol abuse cost society billions of dollars in treatment plans, health care and detoxing facilities. In addition, the costs to families and innocent bystanders who are injured...
Beer contains alcohol, which can have devastating effects on the brain when consumed in excessive amounts. According to MedlinePlus, you’re at risk of alcoholism if you consume five or more beers at one sitting once a week, or more often....
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that in 2007, 8 percent of people over the age of 12 in the United States used illicit drugs. Both drugs and alcohol affect the brain as soon as a person uses them, altering neurotransmitter...
Alcohol abuse is a personal problem characterized by heavy drinking. In some cases, alcohol abuse can lead to death as a result of damage to the liver or pancreas. In addition to several harmful short-term effects, alcohol abuse can also impact a...
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant used recreationally for its intoxicating effects. Alcohol dependence occurs when a person requires alcohol to avoid physical withdrawals and continues to drink despite obvious negative effects. Both...
