to the drug may occur, sometimes eventually leading to drinking around the clock to avoid withdrawal symptoms (Gold, 1991).The effects of alcoholism are direct and toxic as well as have sedative effects on the body. The effects on major organ systems are cumulative and include a wide range of digestive system disorders such as ulcers and inflammation of the pancreas. Furthermore, if the blood from the digestive tract, which flows through the liver before going back to the heart, contains alcohol it may kill liver cells as it passes through. Consequently, these dead and damaged cells are replaced by fibrous tissue, which over time can accumulate and form masses of scar tissue. This is a common disorder of the digestive system known as cirrhosis of the liver. Moreover, permanent damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems can also be prominent. Serious withdrawal symptoms, such as those marked by Delirium Tremens, can prove to be fetal even despite prompt treatment. Delirium Tremens is an acute disorder occurring as a symptom following withdrawal from intoxication. The seizures generally last from three to six days and are characterized by terrifying hallucinations, usually of small creatures, and violent tremors. The patient is disoriented and usually incoherent. This is in contrast to withdrawal from narcotic drugs such as heroin, which, although distressful, rarely results in death (Gold, 1991). Recent evidence has shown that heavy and even moderate drinking during pregnancy can cause serious damage to the child. Evidently, pregnant women can transfer alcoholism to their unborn children by means of the umbilical cord. When the mother consumes alcohol during pregnancy, both she and her child experience its effects. Researchers have proven that alcohol is extremely toxic to the fetus since it can harm fetal cells as well as affect the placenta, the organ through which the fetus absorbs oxygen and other nutrients from ...
