Alcohol has always been associated with feelings of well-being and joy, but uncontrolled drinking causes serious health complications and many social problems, even leading to coma in extreme situations. Men are most at risk for harmful consumption, but there is currently an increasing trend among women.
Humans have been familiar with ethyl substances since the dawn of their existence, through the spontaneous fermentation of fruits and other foods found in the natural environment. Discovering its intoxicating power offered many, almost magical, alternatives. For without dying or completely losing their natural state, they were able to reach “unusual levels.”
This ability to reach unusual levels was used by priests and healers in their communication with the gods, by warriors to increase their ferocity. By slaves to escape from their reality. By victors to celebrate their victory, by those who were cold to warm their bodies, and by those who were sad to rejoice. Thus, we are now in the 21st century, and alcoholism constitutes a serious health problema. A source of disability, and a destructive force for human beings.
Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol consumption that involves having trouble controlling the amount one drinks, being preoccupied with alcohol, or continuing to consume it even when it causes problems. It also involves the need to drink more to achieve the same effect. Or the onset of withdrawal symptoms when one quickly cuts down or stops drinking.
There are different ways to consume alcohol, and its consumption can produce different clinical symptoms. Depending on several factors, such as the quantity and frequency. If consumed excessively, it can lead to a state of intoxication or acute intoxication. In these cases, individuals substantially change their behavior and seriously put their health and life at risk.
The State of Intoxication
A person in a state of intoxication is not necessarily an alcoholic. Intoxication is a state produced by the consumption of a certain amount of alcoholic beverages. The first effect is a diminished sense of self-criticism, which manifests itself in the form of extroversion and social disinhibition; the accompanying mood is usually euphoric.
It is at this point that the man or woman often becomes “annoying.” I describe it in simple, popular terms: they become sloppy; eccentric; they speak loudly; they impertinently demand attention. They become bold, aggressive, and irritable; they sometimes exhibit sexual disinhibition and may even commit immoral acts or acts that violate social norms.
Alcohol Intoxication
An increase in the amount of alcohol consumed can lead to intoxication, which can cause disturbances in consciousness, attention, and orientation, decreased concentration, clumsiness in performing any task, and the mood is often irritable and angry, or sad and depressed. It also causes confusion, meaning one cannot think as clearly and quickly as usual.
More serious intoxications involve the onset of neurological symptoms such as seizures, disturbances in balance, gait, and speech, altered consciousness that can even lead to coma, and even cardiorespiratory arrest.
Given the instability and motor clumsiness, accidents, trauma, or bodily injuries can occur. If the person suffers from a physical illness, such as diabetics, they may experience serious complications, such as diabetic coma.
Finally, in extreme cases, consciousness may be so diminished that the person will be unable to awaken and will not show any signs of pain. This should be considered a very serious condition. It is a medical emergency requiring transfer to a hospital.
Intoxication should not be confused with pathological intoxication.
Pathological intoxication is the intolerance or special sensitivity to alcohol, such that small amounts of the substance trigger significant behavioral changes in the individual, with aggression toward themselves and others, disorientation, and confusion.
The episode usually lasts a few hours, until the individual enters a prolonged phase of sleep, after which they suffer amnesia regarding what happened. This intolerance is often associated with certain enzymes, brain injuries, epilepsy, or personality disorders.
That is why it is important in our lives to keep our distance from alcohol and set limits before complications and dependence arise. Being a social drinker is a good option.
Social alcohol consumption is defined as alcohol consumption that adheres to appropriate guidelines for quantity, frequency, and timing, and includes:
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Moderate consumption with very small amounts (1 or 2 drinks on rare occasions, but no more than 5 a year, without ever becoming intoxicated).
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Moderate consumption: consumption of no more than the equivalent of a quarter (1/4) of a bottle of rum twice a week, and no more than one state of mild intoxication per month (euphoria and a mild degree of motor incoordination that makes driving a vehicle inadvisable).
When should you consult a health professional?
If you think you sometimes drink too much alcohol, if drinking is causing you problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, you should seek medical advice. There are other ways to seek help, such as speaking with a mental health professional or seeking assistance from support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or similar self-help groups.
Because denial of the problem is common, you may think you don’t have an alcohol problem. Perhaps you don’t realize how much you drink or how many problems in your life are linked to this behavior. Listen to your family, friends, or colleagues when they tell you to analyze your drinking habits or seek help.
If you think a loved one needs help
Many people with an alcohol use disorder are hesitant to seek treatment because they don’t recognize the problem. Intervention by loved ones can help them recognize and accept that they need professional help. If you’re concerned that someone close to you is drinking too much, ask a professional experienced in alcoholism treatment for advice on how to approach that person.
Everything in moderation, with control. When it comes to drugs, and alcohol is one of them, no one can predict whether they will become “hooked.” Now think carefully: if you’re aware of the harmful effects of alcohol when consumed excessively, let it go, or do it in a controlled manner.
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