Alcoholism is a public health problem

• April 19, 2024

Alcoholism is a chronic disease, progressive and in many cases fatal. The combination of various factors: physiological, psychological and genetic, are what cause it to be present. It is characterized by an emotional and sometimes organic dependence on alcohol, and produces progressive brain damage that results in the death of the one who suffers it.

This disease is a public health problem, according to figures from the National Council for Addictions (CONADIC). For abuse and dependence on alcohol are the main problems of addiction in Mexico.

Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the functioning of the central nervous system and blocks some of the messages that try to reach the brain. This alters a person's perceptions, emotions, movements, sight and hearing.

The empty calories of alcohol

The calories contained in alcohol have been called "empty calories", because they do not provide any essential nutrients for the metabolism of human beings. That's why alcohol does not feed and it does make you fat.

Alcohol affects the Central Nervous System first and its excessive and prolonged interference can cause brain damage. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not increase arousal, instead it depresses brain centers that is responsible for this function. Actually alcohol suppresses inhibition, which causes the well-known feeling of euphoria. Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction.

Video Medicine: Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use: What Public Health Can Do (April 2024).