Alcohol addiction in Johannesburg A.R.C.A. Alcohol addiction affects the brain, even the most moderate alcoholic beverage consumers will tell you that they like the way it makes them feel. People drink to feel confident, happy and less stressed. According to scientists, alcohol releases endorphins ( the “feel-good” hormone).
Endorphins bind to opiate receptors in the brain just like most drugs do. Abusing alcohol is linked to dementia and many other mental health issues.
Contrary to popular belief, moderate drinking is not harmless at all and is associated with shrinking in certain areas in the brain. The parts of the brain that is affected are involved with cognitive thinking and learning. This is why ARCA has the best alcohol rehab program for alcoholics who need to get sober as soon as possible.
Alcoholism and Breast Cancer Risk
Woman who are moderate drinkers are at increased risk of breast cancer. Even just one drink a day increases your risk by 8.8 percent.
For women, even moderate drinking can increase the risk of breast cancer. If you’re a woman at average risk, a drink per day can increase your lifetime risk of breast cancer from 8.25% to 8.8%. This is frightening when we consider how much more of a risk habitual drinkers have of developing breast cancer.
Short Term Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
Short term effects are just as severe as the long terms effects:
- Alcohol alters the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain – these control our emotions, behavior and movement.
- Alcohol slows down the neurotransmitter GABA – causing slow body movement, slurred speech and delayed reactions.
- Alcohol speeds up neurotransmitter glutamate – this is responsible for dopamine levels in the brains pleasure reward center.
- Alcohol lowers inhibitions – the person will not think twice to engage in risky behavior and drink and drive.
- Increases symptoms of existing mental disorders such as depression and bipolar – the person will have severe mood swings.
What about binge drinking?
Make no mistake, a weekend of partying can have just as much effect and negative consequences as daily drinking. Binge drinking affects the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance. A person will feel dizzy as parts of the brain are slowed down. The more you binge drink, the more you will suffer from serious health issues later in life. Binge drinking will cause brain damage eventually.