Alcohol and Your Health - Benefits to Digestive and Respiratory System

By S. Michael Windsor

It seems these days many people prefer to talk about the negative affects that alcohol has on some people. There are many, many benefits to consuming moderate amounts of alcohol daily such as those affecting our digestive and respiratory systems, such as the prevention of gallstones in the digestive system. Although the benefits are much greater in other areas of the body, the benefits may improve many peoples' lives tremendously. More detailed information can be found online at The Hangover Network website.

Many individuals believe that alcohol and alcohol alone causes weight gain on most people. After researching many studies performed on the subject, I was not able to pinpoint ANY definite conclusions as all the results of the studies seemed rather mixed. Quite possibly this could be because of not the alcohol, but HOW they are consuming it. Many of the individuals in the studies not only showed no increase in weight, but a decrease in many cases. Why is this? When out and about a lot of folks like different styles of drinks and different styles mean different flavors, right? Could it be possible, then, that those who experience weight gain either consume many more sugar-laden, 'fattening' drinks versus many who simply go with the scotch 'on the rocks'? In addition, we are all guilty of getting those late might 'munchies' due to the long night of drinking and blood sugar levels dropping like a porn star's knickers on pay day. Could this be another possibility as to why many seem to gain more weight when they drink more? I believe it to be quite a valid assumption.

As for conditions and diseases that can be prevented through regular consumption of alcoholic beverages in moderate amounts, research has also shown that alcohol has the ability to reduce the risk of developing gallstones. In addition, the tests also showed a correlation between the decreased risk of gallstones with the combination of vitamin c and alcohol. Some of this stuff can be quite an anomaly to any of us and as more research is being done we will just have to wait for the next big discovery in current research. All I can say is that this stuff is pretty darn exciting!

In regards to our respiratory system, it has been believed by some that a new fad of 'snorting' a little alcohol can actually help your respiratory system. I don't know about this and I really was not able to find much research on the subject. One article has mentioned that a small amount may have beneficial effect on the lungs, but I would not run over to the bar to do a shot of tequila through the nose in order to find out if I can breathe better the next day. Snorting, by the way, is believed to cause a person to get a quicker buzz versus that of consumption through the stomach.

Remember that binge drinking always provides more negative effects that that of moderate consumption of alcohol. It will effect your nervous system which will cause your breathing to slow down and, in many cases, as we have all heard about, it may even cause death. So if there is one thing to remember, try to remember how tying a few on can really effect your body and don't forget to talk with your medical professional for more advice on your own individual body and how drinking alcohol can affect you personally.

S. Michael Windsor is currently publisher and a writer for The Hangover Network. The THN Online Hangover Prevention Guide is a premier hangover information platform that provides individuals with a quality in-depth look at hangover and the associated products, services and information available today. Visit us today at http://www.HangoverNetwork.com and subscribe to our free services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._Michael_Windsor

How to Talk to Your Peers About Alcohol

By David Richards

One of the hardest things to do in life can be to tell a friend or loved one that his or her drinking has become a problem. It can be even harder if you're trying to tell people your own age about the dangers of alcohol even before it's a serious problem. If you think you may need a few conversation starters to use with your friends, here are some of the best ways to address what could be a potentially awkward or unwelcome conversation.

One of the first things you should do if you think that one of your friends has a drinking problem is to get the facts first. You may have heard from someone that a friend has been drinking or you may suspect it yourself based on your loved one's behavior, but make sure that you know that alcohol is definitely the problem before you confront your friend. Remember, you're there to help, so you don't want to offend your friend or loved one by accusing them of being an alcoholic.

Next, if you suspect alcohol may be the real problem, find out what is going on in your friend's life that may cause him/her to drink. For instance, if you know that your best friend's parents are going through a divorce or if there has recently been a death in the family, these could be reasons why some people would start to drink more heavily. Teens (and even some adults) also drink because they think it makes them more mature or outgoing. So, if you know that your friend has been especially concerned about being popular lately, there could be a chance that he will drink if the popular kids in school are drinking. Keep in mind that even if you are out of high school, peer pressure is still a reality–many people drink in order to fit in with co-workers or influential people in the community, so you may even have to remind your adult friends who are otherwise sophisticated or affluent.

It is also a good idea to bring up casually, around other friends, that drinking is not necessary to have a good time. If a group at school or work is having a social gathering where you know there will be alcohol, you and your friends can simply plan to do something else and purposely not include alcohol in your plans. If the friend or loved one is opposed to the idea of an alternate gathering or immediately asks for alcohol, this is definitely a cause for concern.

The next step is usually to sit down with your friend in a private setting and express your concern. Do not accuse your friend of having a problem; spend more time telling your friend that you want the best for him or her and that you want to see them healthy. Let them know that you are available to talk any time and that alcohol could lead to more serious problems in the future. You may also want to bring other friends along with you if you don't feel comfortable talking on your own; this will also show your friend that there are several people who are concerned and willing to help.

David Richards is a publisher of articles on alcoholism. You can go to treating alcoholism for more.

Tourists, Alcohol and Children

By Jan Gamm

Why do parents on holiday drag their children along to every single social evening? I realize it can be very difficult when there is nobody to baby sit, but why cannot people stay in while the children are asleep, organize their entertainment for early evenings instead of late nights and put up with the fact that they are parents now and must make some sacrifices?

No longer at liberty to enjoy as many drinks as they might like, they are also no longer free of responsibilities and able to indulge in disco entertainment well into the early hours of the morning. The present trend, however, is to continue doing all the things they did before the children came along, and to avoid missing out, take the kids too!

When you have children, you need to keep earlier hours to suit their routine, not yours. So many times on the Costa Blanca we see exhausted children being hauled into bars and restaurants after ten o’clock at night. Tired from their day on the beach, all they want is to drop onto their cots and sleep until the morning. However, because Mummy and Daddy fancy drinking about eighteen pints of lager between them, the poor kids have to try to make themselves comfortable across a couple of dining chairs in some strange restaurant, or sleep sitting upright in a dining chair or the seat of a pushchair.

Where is the parental responsibility that at one time produced Mums and Dads who would consider going home at nine o’clock so their children could get proper rest? Why is every corner of our town filled with screaming, sun burned, over tired children, accompanied by parents too drunk to remember what the time is, let alone whether their children should be in bed?

One of the ugliest scenes I saw this summer was is that of a drunken mother staggering down the seafront with two children running to keep up with a lurching pushchair, a baby trying to sleep inside it, the others not much older, dummies in their mouths, sobbing with exhaustion, and the father bringing up the rear, complaining at the price of his last pint. They made a degenerate, depressing picture and made everyone who saw them feel tainted by association.

It is very true that parents deserve a well earned rest, as well as the children. As parents, however, what we deserve is not always what we get, due to the difficulty of having to provide our children with their requirements first, as priority. Those who do not feel they can give up their leisure hours when necessary should consider remaining childless, in my opinion.

Jan Gamm writes reflections on life with an emphasis on world travel. She has lived in many countries and traveled extensively in the Far East, the Middle East, America, South America and throughout the South Pacific. She writes for fun and for money whenever she can manage it.

Alcoholism Treatment Methods - Do They Work?

By David Richards

Thanks to intensive research and development for decades, there are a multitude of alcoholism treatment methods available. Alcohol abuse or alcoholism knows no age or economic barriers. People from all walks of life struggles with their dependency to the bottle or glass; a fact that can ruin families and careers. Thanks to innovative new treatment options for drug and alcohol addiction and abuse more and more people are finding the strength to put down the drink and regain control over their lives.

Most of us take for granted that we know what alcoholism really is. They have an impression in their mind that almost automatically appears each time they hear this word. But can we really be sure that our perception is the right one? Before we elaborate further into alcoholism treatment methods, lets make sure that we all are on the same page. To accomplish this, why don't we take a closer look at the definition of alcoholism?

"A disorder characterized by the excessive consumption of and dependence on alcoholic beverages, leading to physical and psychological harm and impaired social and vocational functioning. Also called alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence. 1. The compulsive consumption of and psychophysiological dependence on alcoholic beverages. 2. A chronic, progressive pathological condition, mainly affecting the nervous and digestive systems, caused by the excessive and habitual consumption of alcohol. Also called chronic alcoholism. 3. Temporary mental disturbance and muscular incoordination caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. Also called acute alcoholism. "

With this definition taken from The American Heritage® Stedmans Medical Dictionary as a basis, we can know take a more detailed look at the addiction treatment methods.

Treatment or regimen for alcohol problems has been around almost as long as alcohol itself has been a part of our culture. Centuries ago treatment mostly consisted of barbaric methods like captivity and starvation in attempts to help cure those who were in a constant state of drunkenness. Today, a variety of targeted treatment programs exists that help people understand why they are drinking and help them find ways to put down the bottle and enjoy their life naturally. Many of these programs operate with dedicated support groups. These groups consist of people dedicated to stay the person seeking treatment for the rest of their lives. These support groups are established to help the addicts overcome temptations and to find alternative ways of dealing with problems or stress other than using alcohol.

A vast majority of people who have a dependence on liquor and other alcohol beverages, often don't realize they have it. Intervention is an important part of divers alcohol abuse programs. The first step to treatment isn't taken by the alcohol addict but rather by friends, family or co-workers who care for their health and well-being and and therefore seek out treatment options.
If you know anyone who has problems with alcohol, you should carefully consider helping them to take the first step. The first thing you do may be to seek out treatment options available, using various alcoholism treatment methods and discuss them with the addicted person. The most important thing t remember is to be aware that these persons need your help now more than ever and your intervention - no matter how hard they may resist it - may be the single most important event that ever takes place in their lives.

David Richards is a publisher of alcohol articles articles. You can go to treating alcoholism for more.