Alcohol is often not considered a drug, this is largely due to it’s wide use is social and religious situations. However, alcohol consumption in excess can become addictive. Alcohol releases endorphins in the brain. These are ‘feel good’ chemicals that the brain releases in order to reward the body. Once the body becomes accustom to the release of endorphins from alcohol, addiction sets in, and alcoholism occurs.
Absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestines and stomach, alcohol decreases activity in the brain and spinal cord. The effects of alcohol on the body depend greatly on ones size, weight, sex and metabolism. Women, generally being smaller, are affected by alcohol dramatically. Heart and liver disease, along with inflammation of the stomach, and cancer are just a few of the consequences of alcoholism.
Women who drink in excess have symptoms of menstrual irregularities, loss of sex drive, complications with pregnancy, and vitamin deficiencies. The female body goes through many changes monthly and in a lifetime that the fore-mentioned symptoms are often severely detrimental, and sometimes fatal.