Purchase Solution

Alcohol abuse and the effects on the body

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

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?

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution explains the difference between drug abuse and drug addiction. It also explains in detail the adverse effects of drug abuse on the liver and other parts of the body.

Solution Preview

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 ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Motion Perception

This quiz will help students test their understanding of the differences between the types of motion perception, as well as the understanding of their underlying mechanisms.

Brain and behaviour

Reviews areas of the brain involved in specific behaviours. This information is important for introductory psychology courses.

Childhood Disorders (Axis 1)

This quiz is designed to test one's knowledge on childhood Principle Disorders found in the DSM-IV (1994). This is a good quiz for those who wish to pursue a career in child assessment or child development. Good luck.

Key Psychology Theories and their Developers

Match which psychologist developed and/or contributed to which theory.

Positive Psychology

A quiz related to the introductory concepts of positive psychology.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Substance Abuse: Consequences for Individual & Society

    Substance abuse has been the focus of empirical research on both the use and causes of drug use. For the individual, substance abuse has devastating effects on the body (Maher, J., 1997).

  • Arguments against Legalization of Marijuana

    tasks • Decreased alertness • Decreased reaction time The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (2013) also noted that: "The effects of marijuana can last from two to six hours.

  • Drug Addiction and Reward Circuits in the Brain

    Although there may be no easy explanation for the effects of smoking on energy balance, the most parsimonious explanation may be that smoking lowers body weight "set point" and cessation raises set point.

  • Models of Addiction..

    Chapman further points out that alcohol is a strong drug and it can have many adverse effects on the human body such as: (a) heart disease, (b) liver disease, (c) sexual problems, (d) digestive problems, (e) brain damage and (f) cancer.

  • Drunk Driving Effects

    DUI Visit the MADD website. Discuss the effects "DUI" has on the families affected by such drivers and the laws in our state. How is blood alcohol measured and collected?

  • Alcohol Abuse Programming strategies

    According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, "Drinking during pregnancy can lead to a range of physical, learning, and behavioral effects in the developing brain." The most serious condition is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

  • Neurophysio Basis for Addiction & Most Common Abused Substances

    The basis for the latter is the current body of work on substance abuse in the American populace. Resources are listed for further exploration of the topic.

  • Relationship: Intravenous Drug Use, Alcohol and Disease

    Alcohol abuse and stage of HIV disease in intravenous drug abusers. J R Soc Med. 1996 July; 89(7): 389-392. Substance Abuse: The Nations Number One Health Problem (2001).

  • Cognitive-Social Approach

    From another source: Acute and chronic alcohol consumption can have both subtle as well as dramatic effects on the brain and its functioning. The effects of alcohol on the brain can occur by both direct and indirect means.

View More Related Solutions