Alcohol Should Be Banned
By: Wendy • Essay • 580 Words • May 8, 2010 • 2,050 Views
Alcohol Should Be Banned
ALCOHOL SHOULD BE BANNED
Alcohol in the form of alcoholic beverages has been consumed by humans since pre-historic times, for a variety of hygienic, dietary, medicinal, religious, and recreational reasons. While infrequent consumption of alcohol in small quantities may be harmless or even beneficial, larger doses result in a state known as drunkenness or intoxication and, depending on the dose and regularity of use, can cause acute respiratory failure or death and with chronic use can cause severe health problems, such as liver and brain damage.
As stated earlier, alcohol in small doses is harmless and can even be beneficial, but how many people can consume alcohol “responsibly” and “sensibly”? Very few I must say.
It can be argued however, that some of the benefits of drinking alcohol can be harnessed when drank moderately, for example alcohol has been known to induce a relaxed feeling due to its central nervous system depressant qualities. Secondly, alcohol has carbohydrates in large quantities which are digested to produce energy and therefore has some health value. Thirdly, it reduces tension in the muscles thereby, heightening the feeling of relaxation. Finally, alcohol has been known to lower inhibitions giving the user the feeling of bravery and reducing shyness.
However, Alcohol in large doses can be very detrimental to not only the user but to people around him/her. For instance alcohol has been known to damage the brain especially the frontal lobes. It also causes an overall reduction in brain size since when alcohol enters the brain it prevents the brain from growing and kills off cells. Secondly, heavy intake of alcohol can lead to dizziness, vomiting, impaired breathing and in extreme cases, unconsciousness and coma that can lead to death. Alcohol also causes a vitamin deficiency, B-1 to be exact. This is because the digestive system of most alcoholics is unable to digest the above stated vitamin. Lack of this vitamin causes impaired memory, confusion and lack of coordination. Thirdly, chronic drinking can lead to dependence and addiction to alcohol and this may lead to additional neurological problems.
Another reason alcohol is such a dangerous