Alcoholism

Paper Summary:

This article illustrates the physiological and biological effects of alcoholism on the mind and body of a drinker, in light of medical and factual details. It explains the various health perils susceptible to various organs of the body such as brain, liver and pancreas caused by hard drinking. Detailed analysis with regard to genetics and brain damage at cellular level is discussed addressing the effects of dopamine. Lastly, alcohol recovery through different chemical detoxification approaches is considered with regards to effectiveness.

Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Effects of Alcohol upon the Brain
Other Effects of Alcohol upon the Body
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Many of the neurons (brain cells) of a long-time Alcoholic begin to die; consequently their brain is different from a normal brain. Scanning procedures, Computed Tomography (CT) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) reveal that the total volume of an alcoholic's brain undergoes shrinkage due to permanent and irreplaceable death of cells. Moreover, Alcohol adversely affects different neurotransmitter systems in the brain; in low amounts it upsets the Gamma Amino Butyric Acid or the GABA system. It is noted that this effect is more pronounced in men than in women. Incase of higher levels it affects another common transmitter system called NMDA glutamate. Among chronic drinkers, brain cells and tissues adapt to the alcoholic fluid environments. These adaptations deal with excitement and inhibition control."

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