Alcoholic drinks have been part of human culture for more than 8,000 years. However, there are still debates about the health benefits of alcohol. Fortunately, there are ways to drink responsibly.
One is to get help from a professional. Another option is to talk to a trusted friend or adult. If you can’t get help, you might not be able to stop drinking altogether.
Aside from the health risks, drinking alcohol can disrupt your sleep and your judgment. You can also have trouble concentrating, which can cause problems with studying.
Alcohol can affect women differently than men. Some women have higher estrogen levels, which limit alcohol’s absorption into the body. Women also have less water, which can make the effects of alcohol stronger.
There are also differences in the types of alcohol. Men tend to have more stomach enzymes, which break down alcohol. The active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, ethanol, directly affects the brain, heart, lipids, liver, and coordination. It can also affect blood lipids, blood pressure, and the immune system.
Drinking alcoholic beverages is addictive. In fact, people with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to develop an addiction. Many alcohol-related deaths occur in children and young adults.
Binge drinking is when a person consumes a large number of drinks in a short period of time. This can be a major problem for teens. They have a harder time in school and are more likely to commit crimes.
