You (as a pharmacist) are invited by the local high school to address all the teachers and learners on the topic “Alcohol, what really is its effect on my body”. Focus on the effects, “pleasant” as well as “unpleasant”, how many glasses are safe? How do I know when I am starting to develop a problem? What should I then do? 

Pleasant effects of alcohol on the body:

According to Burnett (2016), pleasant effects of alcohol occur due “the fact that alcohol increases activity in the dopamine neurons in the mesolimbic reward pathway, as well as opioid cells that release endorphins”.  These produce feelings of:

• Joy.
• Pleasure.
• Euphoria: feeling happy.

The unpleasant effects of alcohol on the body:

According to Luo (2018), the unpleasant effects of alcohol on the body is as follows:

• Digestive and endocrine glands: too much alcohol can cause abnormal activation of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas. These enzymes can lead to inflammation known as pancreatitis, this can be a long-term condition and cause complications.

• Inflammatory damage: long term consumption of alcohol damages the liver, and interferes with the livers ability to break down and remove substances. This increases your risk for chronic liver disease and inflammation.

• Sugar levels: the pancreas regulates the sugar levels in your body, when your pancreas and liver do not function properly, you can develop low blood sugar.
• Central nervous system: slurred speech is the first sign you had too much to drink. “Alcohol can cause more damage to your central nervous system, and you may experience numbness and tingling sensations in your feet and hands. Alcohol makes it difficult for your brain to maintain long-term memories. It also reduces your ability to think clearly and make rational choices. Frontal lobe damage can occur over time, this area of the brain is responsible for emotional control, short-term memory, and judgement, in addition to other functions. Chronic and severe alcohol abuse can also cause permanent brain damage. This can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a brain disorder that affects memory”.
• Digestive system: drinking alcohol can cause damage to your digestive tract and prevent your digestive system from metabolising food, absorbing essential minerals and vitamins, this can lead to malnutrition. Difficulty absorbing vitamins and minerals can cause anaemia.  
• Circulatory system: alcohol affects your heart and lungs. Heart complications include, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and heart disease.
• Immune system: drinking heavily can reduce your body’s natural defence system, this makes it more difficult to fight off infection.

How many glasses of alcohol is safe?

According to Buddy (2021), generally for men 4 or fewer drinks per day, but less than 14 drinks per week is considered safe for men. For women, 3 or fewer drinks per day, but less than 7 drinks per week is considered safe for women.

How do I know when I am starting to develop a problem?

According to Galbicsek (2021), you may cover your alcohol abuse by drinking in private and isolating yourself from people.

The most common signs of alcohol abuse is as follows (Galbicsek, 2021):

• Signs of irritability.
• Extreme mood swings.
• Choosing alcohol over other responsibilities.
• Becoming isolated from family and friends.
• Drinking alone.
• Feeling hungover when not drinking.
• Changing appearance and group of people you socialise with.
• Making excuses to drink anytime of the day.
• Experiencing blackouts and memory loss.

What should I do then?

• Participate in a recovery program (rehab).
• Support groups, such as Alcohol Anonymous.
• There are certain medications that will help you to stop drinking alcohol, such as disulfiram.

(Galbicsek, 2021).

Reference list:

Buddy, T.  2021.  How Much Alcohol Is Safe to Drink? https://www.verywellmind.com/alcohol-how-much-is-too-much-67238  Date of access: 1 June 2021.   

Burnett, D.  2016.  Drink and be merry: Why alcohol makes us feel good, then doesn’t?

https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2016/nov/29/drink-and-be-merry-why-alcohol-makes-us-feel-good-then-doesnt  Date of access: 1 June 2021

Luo, E.K.  2018.  The Effects Of Alcohol on Your Body. https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/effects-on-body#Immune-system  Date of access: 1 June 2021.