Alcohol abuse and the effects on the body

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1. What are the effects of Drug Abuse on the liver? What is the function of the liver? How does long-term use of alcohol abuse affect the liver and how it functions? What are the effects of Drug Abuse on other parts of the body?

People who abuse drugs:
. Use drugs to help them change the way they feel about themselves and/or some aspect(s) of their lives.
. Experience some problems associated with their drug use but use those experiences to set appropriate limits on how much and how often they use.
. Seldom, if ever, repeat the drug-related behaviors that have caused them problems in the past.
. Get complaints about their using and accept those complaints as expressions of concern for their well-being.

People who are addicted to drugs:
. Experience negative consequences associated with using but continue to use despite those consequences.
. Set limits on how much or how often they will use but unexpectedly exceed those limits.
. Promise themselves and/or other people that they will use in moderation but break those promises.
. Feel guilty or remorseful about their using but still fail to permanently alter the way they use.
. Get complaints about their using and resent, discount, and/or disregard those comments and complaints.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm

Cirrhosis of the Liver...

The leading cause of death among alcoholics is cirrhosis of the liver.

The function of the liver is two fold. It manufactures albumin, glycogen, globulin and prothrombin, which are all necessary for the healthy functioning of the body. Secondly, it filters and detoxifies dead red blood cells and various poisonous products. These are then excreted through the blood stream by way of the kidneys and bowel (as bile).

The cells of the body die off with new ones being produced constantly. When alcohol is consumed in large quantities over extended periods the liver cells start to die off in larger quantities than they normally would. Eventually scar tissue forms in the liver as the cells are unable to reproduce in sufficient quantity, and a disease known as cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver occurs. The liver then becomes unable to function properly.

If the liver isn't functioning properly, it is unable to manufacture ...