Metabolism is the sum total of the chemical processes and energy exchanges that take place within an organism. Even though every cell breaks down substances in the body the liver is the main organ that metabolizes alcohol and other drugs (Van Wormer & Davis, 2008).
The metabolizing process of addiction and the overall effect alcohol has on the body is harmful because of its toxins. The absorption takes place in the stomach which means no digestion is required. Since this metabolic activity in the liver takes place at a fixed rate, only part of the alcohol being pumped through the liver is metabolized at a time, while the rest continues to circulate (Van Wormer & Davis, 2008). In the liver, an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) mediates the conversion of alcohol to acetaldehyde (Gordis, 1997). The formation of this poison is the first step in the process of metabolism (Van Wormer & Davis, 2008).
Dietary ethanol (ETOH) is a physiologically non-essential, energy-yielding (29 kJ_g–1) molecule in humans, produced by the yeast-driven fermentation of pyruvate from plant products with high carbohydrate content. Trace amounts of ethanol, or alcohol as it is commonly called, are produced by the mammalian gastrointestinal flora and also occur naturally in some foods. The principal source of alcohol in the diet, however, is that derived from beverages processed by alcoholic fermentation, such as beer, distilled spirits, and wine. Ethanol is one of the worlds’ most widely consumed drugs. Thus, like all drugs, it has the potential for therapeutic and toxic capacities in dose-dependent fashion (Ferreira & Willoughby, 2008).
The role of genetic composition and the medical consequences of substance misuse and abuse are found to be linked to genetics and learned behavior according to research. Current theories of addiction rely heavily on neurobiological evidence showing connections between addiction-related behaviors and neural structures and functions (Nestler, 2005).
By Lilia Sedano, M.A.
Special Education
Ferreira, M., & Willoughby, D. (2008). Alcohol consumption: the good, the bad, and the indifferent. Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism, 33(1), 12-20. doi:10.1139/H07-175
Nestler, E. (2005). The neurobiology of cocaine addiction. Science and practice perspectives, 3(1), 4-12.
Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D.R. (2008). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective. Belmont, CA: Thomason Brooks/Cole.
Mi Corazon Espinado, a branch of Finaltrypico™, endeavors to reach out to those people suffering with addiction, weather it be; drugs, obesity, pornography, smoking, drinking, you name it. Anything that is holding you back and keeping you from your day-to-day commitments and responsibilities is an "addiction". If you can admit that the addiction is more powerful than you, then you have a problem and you've made the first step.
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