special subjects
Alcohol Use
Introduction
Alcohol (ethanol) is a depressant (it slows down brain and nervous system functioning). Consuming large amounts rapidly or regularly can cause health problems, including organ damage, coma, and death. Genetics and personal characteristics may play a part in the development of alcohol-related disorders. Drinking too much alcohol may make people sleepy or aggressive, impair coordination and mental function, and interfere with work, family relations, and other activities. Drinking too much alcohol for a long time can make people dependent on alcohol and damage the liver, brain, and heart. Doctors may use questionnaires or determine the blood alcohol level to help identify people with an alcohol-related disorder. Immediate treatment for overdose may include assistance with breathing, fluids, thiamin and sometimes other vitamins (to correct chronic alcohol-related deficiencies), and, for withdrawal, benzodiazepines. Detoxification and rehabilitation programs can help people with severe alcohol-related disorders. (See also Overview of Substance-Related Disorders .) About half of adults in the United States drink alcohol, 20% are former drinkers, and 30 to 35% are lifetime abstainers. Drinking large amounts of alcohol (more than 2 to 6 drinks per day) for extended periods can damage a number of organs, especially the liver, heart, and brain. However, drinking a moderate amount of alcohol may reduce the risk of death from heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disorders. Nonetheless, drinking alcohol for this purpose is not recommended, especially when other safer, more effective preventive measures are available. 