Psychiatrist Maxim Titkov: the habit of relieving stress with alcohol (even just a glass of wine) threatens serious health problems.
Psychiatrist Titkov answered Lenta.ru about the dangers of drinking alcohol during times of stress. He stated that such an “antidepressant” can damage a person's liver, which processes 95 percent of the alcohol consumed.
“Even moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages can lead to fatty liver disease, and then to more serious diseases, such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis,” the specialist warned.
Titkov added that such a habit is also destructive to the central nervous system, because alcohol has a neurotoxic effect. Frequent or regular drinking can result in impaired cognitive function, memory problems, an increased risk of brain atrophy and the development of dementia.
The psychiatrist drew attention to the fact that alcohol, as a source of toxins, suppresses the immune system and provokes problems with the pancreas.
“Alcoholic drinks stimulate the production of pancreatic juice, rich in enzymes, which can lead to premature activation of enzymes inside the gland itself. This increases the risk of developing pancreatitis,” the specialist explained.
Titkov warned those who like to drink in times of stress that periodic alcohol consumption (for example, on weekends) can specifically affect the production and metabolism of hormones. In particular, in men, this causes a decrease in testosterone levels.
In addition, the habit of drinking can cause sleep disorders and susceptibility to cancer. The expert noted that for people who drink, the risk of tumors of the oral cavity, throat, mammary gland, esophagus and liver increases.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote about what the initial symptoms of alcohol addiction are.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Maxim Titkov Health psychiatrist and addiction specialist