Alcoholism and Liver Cancer
Alcoholism is a deadly sickness characterized by the excessive and chronic use of alcoholic beverages. If left untreated, the disease has the ability to eliminate the body’s ability to function physically, socially, at home or in the workplace.
Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant. This means that when used in large quantities or administered in consistent dosages, the substance has the ability to slow the function of the respiratory system as well as diminish an individual’s attention span and reaction speed, as well as increasing their tolerance for pain. Additionally, alcohol triggers reward centers in the brain leading to a general sense of well-being.
What Is Alcoholism?
Generally, alcoholism can be defined as a disabling disorder characterized by excessive consumption of alcohol with no regard for negative repercussions. The social repercussions of alcoholism will vary greatly depending upon the nature and severity of the disease in combination with other environmental factors. However, the physical repercussions of alcoholism are fairly consistent across the spectrum of culture and dynamics.
The respiratory depressant characteristics of alcohol use are felt because the body processes the chemical in the same way that it processes nutrients and waste. This is primarily done in the liver. When an individual ingests alcohol, the substance is absorbed in the liver and spread throughout the rest of the body via the bloodstream.
Over time, the body begins to develop a tolerance for the substance. This means that the more alcohol a person uses, the less effective the substance will become. When the brain begins to counteract the effects of alcohol, many individuals notice that the same amount suddenly has a diminished effect. If their response to tolerance is to simply drink until the desired effect is produced, over time they put themselves at risk for dependency.
When alcohol is used in heavy doses for prolonged periods of time, many unwanted physical side effects begin to occur. One of the most noticeable and dangerous is a gradual decrease in the liver’s ability to function and process nutrients. A weakened life gradually becomes more prone to diseases like cancer. This leads to poor health overall, and liver failure is the primary means of death for individual suffering from alcoholism.
Additional Resources
If you or someone you care about is dealing with an addiction to alcohol, we can help. We are available 24 hours a day to take your calls and point you toward quality rehab facilities. The call is toll free, and we may be able to work with your insurer. Please call us today.
