This Drug Helps Fight Alcohol Cravings; Know These Side Effects Of Alcohol Abuse

A study has revealed a drug that influences the immune system in the brain in order to give up desire for alcohol.

The research that was conducted by the University of Adelaide in South Australia revealed that this drug switched off the impulse to drink alcohol by blocking a specific response from the immune system to the brain.

They showed a link between the brain's immunity and the motivation to drink alcohol at night.

The researchers pointed out that the body's circadian rhythm affects the reward signals that we receive in the brain and the peak time for this occurs mostly during the evening.

The research concluded that by blocking a specific part of the brain's immune system decreases the ability of a person to drink alcohol in the evening.

Hence, this confirms the fact that drugs can be used to help fight alcohol addiction. In this article, we have also mentioned the top side effects of alcohol abuse. Read further to know about the long-term effects of alcohol on the body.

1. Inflammatory Damage:

The liver helps in breaking down harmful substances in the body, including alcohol. Long-term consumption of alcohol can interfere with this process and increases your risk of chronic liver inflammation and liver disease.

2. Digestive And Endocrine Glands:

Drinking too much alcohol can cause abnormal activation of the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas. Build-up of these enzymes can lead to inflammation known as pancreatitis. This on a long-term basis can cause serious complications.

3. Sugar Levels:

The pancreas help regulate the body's insulin use and response to glucose. Damaged pancreas can prevent the body from producing enough insulin to utilise sugar. This can lead to too much sugar in the blood or hyperglycemia. This is one of the side effects of alcohol abuse.

4. Central Nervous System:

Slurred speech is one of the first signs that you have drunk a lot, all your life. Alcohol can reduce the communication between your brain and the body. This can make the coordination very difficult.

5. Dependency:

People who drink heavily may develop a physical and emotional dependency on alcohol. This is termed as alcohol withdrawal and can be difficult and life-threatening.

6. Circulatory System:

Alcohol can affect your heart and lungs. People who are chronic drinkers of alcohol have a higher risk of heart-related issues than those who do not drink.

7. Sexual And Reproductive Health:

Men who drink too much are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. Heavy drinking can prevent sex hormone production and lowers your libido.

8. Skeletal And Muscle Systems:

Long-term consumption of alcohol can prevent the body from keeping your bones strong. This habit can lead to the thinning of bones and increases the risk of fractures if you fall. This is another long-term effect of alcohol on the body.

9. Immune System:

Drinking heavily also reduces your body's natural immune system. This makes it more difficult for your body to fight off invading germs and viruses. This is also a long-term effect of alcohol abuse.