Alcoholism- How Alcohol Affects the Body and Mind Essay -- Alcoholism:

In chemistry terms, alcohol is any organic compound where a hydroxyl group (-OH) is bound to a carbon atom from an alkyl. A hydroxyl group is a group consisting of an oxygen and hydrogen atom, bonded by a covalent bond. A covalent bonded is when two non-metals are bonded together. The type of alcohol suitable for consumption is known an Ethanol. Ethanol is a straight-chain alcohol, and its molecular formula is C2H5OH. Ethanol is one of the oldest recreational drugs. When a person drinks alcohol, it affects the central nervous system as a depressant, which causes a decrease in activity, anxiety, inhibitions and any underlying tension. Alcohol impairs concentration and judgment, even after only a few drinks. The intake of alcohol slows motor skills and clouds thinking. In some instances, when intoxicated, blackouts and memory loss occur because alcohol cuts off the supply of oxygen to the brain. Every time a person becomes intoxicated thousands of brain cells are killed, because of the lack of oxygen. Another harmful occurrence is blood sludging, or when red blood cells clump together. Blood sludging cuts off oxygen from tissues and kills cells. This type of cell loss causes red eyes in the morning, and broken capillaries. Blood sludging is important to recognize because it can lead to hemorrhaging and furthermore, to death. Alcoholism can be defined as a habitual intoxication or, the prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks, leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol. Symptoms of alcoholism include, but are not limited to: confusion, drinking alone, making excuses to drink, neglecting to eat, not caring for physical appearance, lack of control over drinking and episodes of violence while drinking... ...scovery. 5 May 2004. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. . 9. "Google Health Alcoholism Information | AiR Assistance in Recovery." AiR Assistance in Recovery - Intervention, drug and alcoholism recovery management services. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. . 10. "Health - Delirium tremens." Google. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. . 11. "Hydroxyl." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 8 Oct. 2009. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. . 12. "Alcohol Metabolism." Alcoholism - The Alcoholism Home Page. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. . 13. "Alcohol Metabolism." Elmhurst College: Elmhurst, Illinois. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. .