It is estimated that 33,000 people die from alcohol related causes each year in the UK alone. In addition, an estimated 17 million working days are lost each year due to the effects of alcohol.
For centuries. alcohol in different forms has been consumed by all societies. Once used for recreational purposes, it has become part of our culture, used both to celebrate as well as to commiserate. Whilst moderate alcohol consumption in adults does not pose significant health and social issues, it is the increasing tendency to consume more, which is causing concern and alarm.
Alcohol affects every part of the body and causes:
- Socio-psychological difficulties such as anxiety, sexual difficulties including impotence, impaired judgment, loss of consciousness and equally seriously, choking on your vomit and alcohol poisoning.
- Increased risk of physical injuries by falls and injuries.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Increased risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
- Increased risk of self-harm.
- In women, alcohol consumption can affect the chances of becoming pregnant. In addition, drinking during pregnancy may affect the foetus, a condition commonly known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which affects the foetus’s physical, mental and behavioural development.
- Damage to the brain.
- Damage to the heart.
- Damage to the liver resulting in serious structural and functional deterioration.
At Lotus Healthcare, we can help you identify the problems related to your alcohol consumption, and offer you solutions to deal with your problems.
Further information is available from the following sites:
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk