alcohol Flashcards
alcoholism
when a person can’t stop drinking once they have started, or has a constant desire to drink alcohol
binge drinking
drinking seven or more standard drinks for males, and five or more standard drinks for females in one sitting
resulting impacts
- injuries
- CVD
- liver disease
- cancer
alcohol and injuries
Alcohol usage can impair thought processes and behaviours, which can lead to risky behaviours like drunk driving. This can lead to car accidents, and premature death, contributing to mortality rates in Australia
alcohol and liver disease
Alcohol is filtered through the liver. Excessive consumption can cause scarring of the liver tissue, which can lead to the liver not functioning properly, and toxins remaining in the body. Over time, this can lead to chronic liver diseases, which can contribute to morbidity rates in Australia
alcohol and CVD
alcohol contains energy, which can increase the risk of obesity through consumption.
excess body weight strains the heart, increasing blood pressure and hypertension, leading to higher risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke), and contributing to mortality rates
alcohol and cancer
When alcohol is metabolised, a chemical is created that can damage DNA and lead to the growth of cancerous tumours. The risk of developing cancer as a result of alcohol use is largely influenced by the amount of alcohol the person drinks, regardless of their body weight. Cancers are the leading cause of premature death in Australia, affecting mortality rates, and life expectancy