Risks of Alcohol

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper contends that moderate use of alcohol is not harmful to most adults. Men may have up to two drinks per day and women and older people, one drink per day without any side effects. A standard drink is considered 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. This paper details the various risks and consequences associated with alcohol abuse which can be serious as well as life threatening. The writer explores the impact of heavy alcohol consumption which can increase the risk for certain cancers, particularly those of the liver, esophagus, throat and larynx. This paper also delves into the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome. This paper discusses the correlation between alcohol and traffic related accidents. This paper also details the main symptoms of alcoholism as well as the various treatments available in curbing the addiction, while also describing the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

From the Paper:

"In the United States, the costs of medical complications related to alcohol abuse are staggering, approximately $100 billion per year, and similar statistics are reported in other parts of the world . "Alcohol-related medical problems in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) involve almost every system, including the neurologic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems." According to one large community trauma and tertiary referral hospital, nine percent of ICU admissions were alcohol related, generating thirteen percent of costs. Moreover, it was noted that "ICU admission in patients with a history of alcohol abuse were longer and more costly than admissions not associated with alcohol abuse."

More papers on Risks of Alcohol:

• Essay # 32578 : "The Minimum Age of Alcohol Consumption"
• Research Paper # 32554 : "Adult Children of Alcoholics and Biological Risk Factors"
• Analytical Essay # 118946 : "Alcohol Abuse in Adolescents and Personality"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: