Internet and Psychiatry

Alcohol–induced brain damage

Alcohol can damage the brain in many ways. The brain is vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol itself and can be affected by alcohol-related damage to other organs, including the liver, pancreas, and heart.

The effects of alcohol may be more severe or more readily observed in women than in men. Women achieve higher concentrations of alcohol in the blood and become more impaired than men after drinking equivalent amounts of alcohol. It is becoming increasingly important and valuable to compare the patterns, predictors, and consequences of women’s and men’s alcohol use across varying cultural contexts.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2003 approximately 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, an arrest rate of 1 for every 135 licensed drivers in the United States.

Alcohol, primarily in the form of ethyl alcohol (ethanol), has occupied an important place in the history of humankind for at least 8000 years. In Western society, beer and wine were a main staple of daily life until the 19th century. These relatively dilute alcoholic beverages were preferred over water, which was known to be associated with acute and chronic illness. As systems for improved sanitation and water purification were introduced in the 1800s, beer and wine became less important as components of the human diet, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages shifted toward their present-day role (in many societies) as a socially acceptable form of recreation.

Alcohol use affects all three parts of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, a system of endocrine glands and hormones involved in male reproduction. Alcohol use is associated with low testosterone and altered levels of additional reproductive hormones. Of the three components of the HPG axis, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland have solely regulatory functions, which are mediated by the hormones they produce and secrete. The third component-the testes-also produces key hormones, induding testosterone, which control male sexual characteristics and behaviors. In addition, the testes are responsible for sperm production.

Alcohol and sexual performance

Moderate use of alcohol can enhance sexual activity because it relaxes and lowers inhibitions. But excessive use can impair sexual functioning and make risky sex more likely.

Heavy drinking dulls sensation and makes it more difficult for men to have an erection and women to reach orgasm. Women may be less lubricated and intercourse may be uncomfortable or painful. As Shakespeare said, "It provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance."