Over the course of the last ten years I've been slowly cutting back on my alcohol consumption. I've never been a big drinker, and even in college I limited my beer intake to weekends only. I used to drink for the usual reasons. I enjoyed the buzz, it helped me relax, it gave me courage when I needed it and it allowed me to escape from the "real world" for a little while. As health and fitness became more important in my life I began to notice that the buzz and escape just wasn't necessary any more. I had a party at my house last night and I drank non-alcoholic herbal punch mixed with Pellegrino all night. I'm not here to tell you that you have to stop drinking alcohol altogether, I just want you to look at why you drink and what the consequences are.
Exercise is my buzz. Being ripped and strong gives me my courage. Cardiovascular exercise brings peace of mind and relaxation. I don't need some elixir or potion to escape anymore. If there's something amiss in my world I get busy conquering it, not escaping from it.
* Cardiovascular problems including myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation and hypertension.
* Psychiatric problems including depression, suicide and anxiety.
* Social problems including unemployment, lost productivity and family problems.
* Cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, prostate and breast for women. In general, the risk of cancer increases with increasing amounts of alcohol.
* Liver diseases including:
o Alcoholic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver which can progress to cirrhosis.
o Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that prevents this vital organ from functioning properly. This condition often leads to complete liver failure, and it is among the 15 leading causes of all death in the United States.
o Alcohol use by those with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause the infection to worsen. Alcohol may also interfere with the medications used to treat HCV.
* Other gastrointestinal problems including pancreatitis and gastritis.
Daily consumption should not exceed 1/7 of the weekly maximum.
Alcohol is a stimulant. Alcohol, specifically ethanol, is a potent central nervous system depressant. Initially, alcohol can excite certain receptors in the body that react to euphoria, but if consumption continues, it ultimately has a depressive effect.
College students spend more on alcohol than on textbooks. In California, it is estimated that one drunk driving arrest can cost the offender up to $10,000. Not to mention the danger and potential consequences of driving drunk. Job loss, productivity loss, property damage, fines etc. is estimated in the millions every year.
Simple test: The next time you have a hang over, consider the damage you have done to your body - it hurts for a reason - then think harder about your specific drinking habits and adjust those habits accordingly. Hell, I'm not a complete bore. I still occasionally enjoy that ice cold beer with a home made plate of pasta and marinara sauce.
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