Children of alcoholics have four times greater risk of developing alcoholism than children of non-alcoholics. In the U.S. 4.6 million teenagers experience serious problems with alcohol. Health facts Alcohol is oxidized in preference to fat, saving fat for storage. Alcohol impairs calcium absorption and reduces muscle mass. Women are affected more by alcohol than are men due to their smaller body size and higher percent body fat.
Oral contraceptives increase alcohol absorption.
Heavy alcohol use by women may cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, an increased risk of breast cancer and loss of sex drive. Heavy alcohol use by men reduces the level of testosterone, which may cause enlargement of the breasts, shrinking of the testicles and impotence. Heavy alcohol use by both men and women may cause high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and increases susceptibility to infectious diseases and cancer. Sobriety tips for party hosts Plan to have plenty of soft drinks, coffee, and nonalcoholic fruit punch available. Serve all the drinks in the same kind of glass.