People choosing to drink must realize that there will always be some risk to their health & social well-being, warns DR DEEPINDER SINGH

Due to the different ways that alcohol can affect people, there is no amount of alcohol that can be said to be safe for everyone. For instance, no amount can be safe while driving. People choosing to drink must realize that there will always be some risk to their health and social well-being. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk. Alcoholism is a state of dependency upon alcohol in which drinking is out of control. WHO defines alcoholics as excessive drinkers whose dependency on alcohol has attained such a degree that it shows a notable mental disturbance or interference with physical and mental health, their interpersonal relationships and smooth social and economical functioning. It is not that all heavy social drinkers suffer from the disease called alcoholism, but a large number of such habitual drinkers suffer physically, mentally, emotionally and socially at any time of their life.

Affects of Alcohol

Alcohol affects frontal lobes of the brain, the seat of inhibition, reasoning powers, memory and judgment. It affects cerebellum, the seat of motor muscle control and five senses. And finally it affects the spinal cord and medulla, the seat of involuntary functions such as breathing, heart beat and body temperature control.

How to be safe?

* Drink plenty of water, especially when you're drinking. This will ensure your body doesn't dry out too badly.

... contd.