Alcoholism is a major health problem in Canada and is responsible for many accidents, some of which result in out-of-control-driving, reckless machine operation, divorce, reduction in health and job performance, and, unfortunately, even death.  Ultimately, drinking leads to cellular damage and cellular death and, if this occurs in the brain, regeneration does not take place.  We have nearly 18 billion brain cells and the process of cellular death takes time before this becomes noticeable. The impact is long term and irreversible.  When a man impregnates a woman within eight weeks of heavy alcohol intake, he risks the possibility of transferring defective DNA on conception.  The baby will likely be born with abnormalities such as physical and mental retardation.  The same applies when a woman drinks more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily and during her pregnancy the alcohol flows into the bloodstream, which is absorbed by the fetus.  Generally, alcohol causes many illnesses and conditions such as permanent damage to the brain and nervous system, heart failure, liver cirrhosis and depression.  Alcohol overdose leads to alcohol poisoning; the symptoms are pale skin, vomiting, clammy skin, blue lips, irregular and slow breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Continue Reading