We also want you to know that there are programs available locally if you need help with a drug or alcohol problem. It's also important that you know the legal consequences of substance abuse. The use of alcohol is a common social custom in many cultures and many people experience no ill-effects from an occasional social drink. Unfortunately, studies indicate that one in every 10 people who drink will find it difficult to control consumption. They are at risk of becoming alcoholics.
Women are even more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol than men.
According to research conducted at the University School of Medicine in Trieste, Italy, women have significantly lower amounts of a stomach enzyme that breaks down some of the intoxicant in alcohol before it circulates through the body. Alcohol use also can have a detrimental affect on a women and her fetus during pregnancy. Research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics. Physiological Effects Alcohol affects all systems in the body. The pulse rate increases and blood vessels dilate, causing increased heat loss from the body.