Dedicated to alcohol lovers...

Dedicated to everyone who has recovered from the New Year's binge...

The whole country celebrated the New Year 2015 on a grand scale. The citizens of Russia entered the New Year with new hopes, wishes for success and prosperity. At the same time, many could not resist drinking alcohol, believing that without it life would not be the same and there would be no holiday. The problem is that consumption even once a year, for example, a glass of champagne on New Year’s Eve, is already its first stage. And you should not delude yourself in this regard, since a step along this disastrous path has been taken, and after it there will be the next and the next until this path ends tragically, or until you go in the other direction - into sobriety.

We have already written several times on the topic of alcohol, see the article “A drunk person does not understand sobriety”, we also analyzed the Sobering Strategy of Karelia. According to doctors, what distinguishes “New Year’s alcoholism” from a classic binge is only the preservation of self-control and the absence of physical dependence among the majority of those celebrating. However from a clinical point of view, people who drink for many days in a row develop a syndrome that is essentially a transitional form between a hangover and withdrawal.

Sad statistics confirm the views of doctors: it is in new year holidays many household drunks become alcoholics, and for the period from January 8 to January 20, most of the recorded deaths were related to alcohol consumption. And this statistics is equally true for people who died at home, on the street and in hospitals.

In addition, the New Year's load on the body is made more difficult by another circumstance. New Year celebrations fall on darkest a period of time in a year with daylight hours not exceeding 7-7.5 hours per day. During this period, due to a lack of daylight, the body intensively produces melatonin, so the ability to process it decreases. Artificial lighting does not help the situation at all. In its turn, low level metabolism reduces the body's ability to digest food and neutralize alcohol. Thus, the period of the body’s minimum capacity to process food and alcohol in our country corresponds to the maximum consumption of both.

A person always has a choice, even when it seems that there is none. It depends on the person whether to limit their capabilities or not, whether to drink alcohol or not. But often people are captured by various myths and stereotypes. So around alcoholic drinks soars great amount myths and misconceptions that serve as rationalization for those who cannot resist the “green serpent.” The website “Petersburg Narcologist” published 8 myths about alcohol.

Small doses of alcohol are harmless

There is a very widespread opinion that in small doses alcohol is not only harmless, but also beneficial. However alcohol addiction develops with regular consumption of any doses of alcohol. As a rule, it occurs first psychological dependence, forcing you to increase the dose, and then develops and physical dependence when a person drinks not so that he feels good, but so that he stops feeling bad. In addition, scientists have found that regular consumption of even small doses of alcohol over a period of 3-4 years leads to atrophy of brain cells and, as a consequence, to personality degradation.

Drinking alcohol is a Russian tradition

Many supporters of the “green serpent” claim that drinking strong alcoholic drinks is an ancestral Russian tradition. Allegedly, he drank from time immemorial, and abstinence from alcohol, especially in holidays, is a violation of tradition.

In fact active alcoholization of the population has been observed only in the last few decades. This is especially facilitated by the long New Year holidays - as statistics show, a lot of people consume alcohol these days. Thank God that in recent years, alcohol consumption has begun to fall, especially among young people who consciously choose sober image life.

Small doses of alcohol stimulate appetite

This rationalization is used by many so-called “hidden” alcoholics. They usually do not drink alcohol in large doses, but they regularly “take it on the chest for appetite.”

However, this habit has no less harmful effects on the human body than typical alcoholism. , especially taken on an empty stomach, causes irritation of the gastric mucosa and intensive production of gastric juice and enzymes. This creates the illusion of increased appetite - a person “eats” alcohol to reduce the discomfort that has arisen in the stomach.

Alcohol relieves stress

This misconception is based on the ability of alcohol to cause euphoria and dull all sensations, including unpleasant ones. However, this illusion is short-lived - after the intoxication passes, the stress only intensifies, plus the feeling of guilt is added.

Drinking alcohol increases performance

By stupefying the brain, it gives rise to a variety of illusions. One of them is increasing efficiency. A person is able alcohol intoxication it seems that his mental and motor reactions have become more acute and increased.

However, in fact, taking even a small amount of alcohol inhibits all reactions, negatively affects mental and creative abilities and reduces the quality of inferences.

Alcohol in small doses normalizes blood pressure

Alcohol can actually dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure for a while - this is what explains the prevalence of this misconception. However, this effect is short-lived and is quickly replaced by vasospasm. This leads to sudden changes in pressure and threatens such serious complications as brain or myocardial infarction.

Moreover, regular consumption of alcohol leads to toxic damage of cardio-vascular system, which leads to the development of hypertension, myocardial dystrophy, arrhythmia and heart failure.

High-quality alcohol is not harmful

As studies show, all alcoholic drinks have a toxic effect on the human body, regardless of their quality. However, the effect of poor quality is aggravated by the harmful effects fusel oils and other toxic impurities.

Almost no celebration not only in Russia, but throughout the world is complete without the use of alcohol. Toasts with wishes of good health to the hero of the occasion or to all members of the feast come into some contradiction with the nature of alcohol. But, nevertheless, the festive mood, joy and happiness in our country are strongly associated with a drinking glass. And it is precisely the psychological attitude and traditional influence that makes inherently dangerous alcohol a welcome guest at every holiday.

Alcohol is poison, or why it is called slow poison

In official documents ethanol is called a potent psychoactive substance that contributes to excessive stimulation of the nervous system and can cause paralysis.

It is precisely the ability of alcohol to have a stimulating effect on nervous system, and drinking at the table was caused.

Effect of alcohol

The effect of alcohol as a poison on the body is generally toxic. When ethyl alcohol molecules enter the membranes of the body's cells, their permeability changes. A change in the lipid factor does not allow potassium and magnesium ions to properly interact with nutrients and water entering the cells, causing a general metabolic disorder. Shortage nutrients and water has a negative effect on the activity of organ cells, which can cause a general disruption of metabolic processes in the body.

Alcohol molecules cause increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. This allows toxins produced by the breakdown of alcohol to penetrate the membranes of brain cells and disrupt their functioning. These substances include not only the breakdown products of alcohols, but also fusel oils, sugars, dyes and flavors. In addition, it does not penetrate into brain cells the right amount water, which causes disturbance water-salt balance and causes a severe headache the next day. General dehydration of the body cannot be eliminated even with increased consumption of water along with alcohol.

By interacting with amino acids necessary for the construction of new body cells, ethyl alcohol releases esters and blocks protein synthesis.

In liver cells, ethyl alcohol is converted into a highly toxic substance - acetaldehyde. The interaction of this substance with adrenaline and dopamine receptors in the brain can cause mental disorders. The person may experience behavioral changes and hallucinations. This phenomenon, which leads to a feeling of pleasure and euphoria in the initial stages of intoxication, can subsequently lead to a disorder of consciousness, delirium or psychotic deviations.

Alcohol begins to poison the body the moment it enters the body. Its complete penetration into cells and tissues occurs an hour after administration. Alcohol reaches its highest concentration in brain cells. Even with very strong intoxication, only 10-15% can be excreted unchanged from the body. The rest of the ethyl alcohol will participate in metabolic processes, destroying the body.

The most vulnerable, along with nervous tissue and the brain, are the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the liver and kidneys.

When alcohol enters the stomach, it does not undergo digestion and does not dissolve. digestive juices. It is absorbed directly by the stomach wall, causing irritation and burns. The rate of intoxication depends on the rate of metabolism, that is, the absorption of alcohol by the stomach wall. The part that is nevertheless dissolved by the gastric nipple enters the small intestine, also irritating its wall. There, alcohol is absorbed into the blood and travels through the bloodstream to the liver.

The rate of alcohol penetration through the stomach wall is faster than through the small intestine. This is explained by rapid intoxication after drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. But no amount of tricks can get alcohol through the body without a significant part of it being absorbed by the body.

Video about the problem “Alcoholism” from Oleg Boldyrev

Treatment of alcoholism. Candidate of Medical Sciences, psychiatrist-narcologist, psychotherapist - Oleg Boldyrev, on whether it is possible to cure drug addicts and alcoholics forever or not.

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Regular consumption of alcohol can cause irritation and swelling of the stomach wall. This can cause chronic gastritis and gastric or duodenal ulcers. Drinking alcohol can interfere with intestinal motility, which can cause diarrhea.

Alcohol has a detrimental effect on the pancreas. She is very sensitive to ethyl alcohol. Regular consumption of alcohol leads to disruption of enzyme production and chronic pancreatitis. This disease is one of the first in a series of significantly shortening human life expectancy. Alcoholism can cause diabetes.

Ethyl alcohol has a huge impact on liver function. Removing alcohol breakdown products from the blood places an additional excessive load on this organ. Alcohol detoxification causes disruption of glucose production, which can lead to hypoglycemia and coma. In addition, there is a decrease in the oxidation of fatty acids. This causes the degeneration of liver cells into a fatty type and provokes fatty liver degeneration. Permanent injuries caused by the neutralization of large amounts of acetaldehyde lead to the formation of scar tissue and cirrhosis.

The penetration of alcohol into the blood causes agglutination of blood cells, as a result of the clumping of red blood cells, the blood forms blood clots, and its ability to carry oxygen is reduced, which causes hypoxia of all organs and tissues. This especially affects the myocardium. Coronary heart disease is a characteristic phenomenon for all alcoholics. A decrease in myocardial contractility leads to a decrease in pressure, which leads to an increase in heart rate. Oxygen starvation, along with increased workload, carries the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Regular drinking of alcohol leads to a decrease in the production of leukocytes and granulocytes with low mobility. This is a severe blow to the immune system.

With excessive alcohol intake, the stimulation of the central nervous system turns into inhibition of nervous tissue cells, which can serve to suppress the cerebral cortex and the respiratory center. This can be fatal.

Drinking alcohol is a Russian tradition

It cannot be said that drunkenness is a Russian tradition. At all times, alcohol consumption on holidays was moderate. In some cases it was completely banned. The widespread alcoholization of the population occurred in Russia mainly as a result of government reforms. We can recall two striking periods of alcoholization of the population - during the reforms of Peter I and during the post-war rule of the Communist Party of the USSR. The latest outbreak of alcoholism in the population is associated with economic difficulties in the 90s. The impoverishment of the population and lack of confidence in the future served to significantly rejuvenate alcoholism. Lately this wave has been declining. There is a change in the amount of alcohol consumed depending on the region. In the Northern regions of Russia, traditionally, slightly more alcohol is consumed than in the Southern regions or regions populated predominantly by Muslims. Recently, regions where the Muslim population predominates have become almost equal in alcohol consumption to the rest of Russia.

Is alcohol more harmful than drugs?

Alcohol addiction, like drug addiction, are serious diseases that have social roots. Any psychoactive substances cause persistent physical and mental dependence and require systematic targeted treatment. It cannot be said that alcohol is more harmful than drugs. All these substances cause destruction of the body, harm the human psyche, and also lead to a large number of crimes that arise as a result of the search for a means to purchase psychoactive substances or as a consequence of their use.

Alcohol and drugs simplify the human psyche and serve to degrade the individual. The criminalization of communities that take certain psychoactive substances is at the highest level.

From a physiological point of view, alcohol destroys internal organs faster, but HIV, hepatitis and other deadly diseases are more common among drug addicts.

And he continues to live, he loses his mind, because when the brain is inactive, the source of thought dries up.

In ancient times, as is known, drunkenness was fought not only through legislation. Roman poets also made a significant contribution to this. For example, Propertius, who lived in the 1st century BC. e., is expressed very strictly: “Oh, cursed be the one who first squeezed out of the grape brush and who in clean water poured in seductive nectar!”

There is, perhaps, no organ in the human body on which alcohol would not have a destructive effect. Alcoholics have severely impaired functioning of the brain, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, metabolism is upset.

Why is Bacchus portrayed as obese and effeminate? It turns out that the god of wine paid for this with weakness.

Since it easily dissolves in water, it is immediately absorbed by the digestive tract and, along with the blood, is distributed throughout the body. The penetration of alcohol into the bloodstream may be slowed if there is food in the stomach. But even under exactly the same conditions, in some people alcohol quickly penetrates the circulatory system, while in others it penetrates slowly. This difference is to some extent due to heredity.

When alcohol spreads throughout all tissues of the body, the body begins to eliminate it in various ways. . The same thing happens in the kidneys. Only 10 percent of alcohol is excreted by the respiratory system and in the urine.

In the human body, alcohol is oxidized by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (other enzymes, such as catalase, are also involved in this process) and turns into acetaldehyde. This process occurs mainly in the liver. And the effect of acetaldehyde on the body is extremely unfavorable and is usually accompanied by vomiting and dizziness.

Deeper, the research of scientists from the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the USSR Academy of Sciences helped. Using an electron microscope, they were able to see the affected nerve cells in the brain and find out the mechanism of diseases of the central nervous system caused by alcohol poisoning.

As you know, after drinking alcohol a person not only loses the ability to think logically, but after sobering up he cannot even remember what happened to him yesterday. This effect has long been known to scientists; only its reasons remained unclear. Studies at the molecular level have explained this phenomenon.

Using an electron microscope, you can see that the capillaries of the brain are surrounded by intermediate cells - astrocytes, which are like a link between the capillaries and nerve cells. When alcohol enters the blood, dehydration begins in the capillaries. The outflow of fluid into astrocytes causes their swelling, which causes increased intracranial pressure. Hence the headaches the day after drinking alcohol.

Since capillaries supply oxygen to tissues, their dehydration that occurs during alcohol poisoning, causes hypoxia - oxygen starvation. As a result, a person experiences pale skin and chills. The hop wears off, and the alcoholic begins to feel thirsty - a consequence of hangover syndrome associated with blood dehydration. With chronic alcohol consumption, pigment characteristic of old age accumulates in the nerve cells of the body.

When it comes to the effects of alcohol on internal organs, first of all, they remember its toxic effect on the liver. Statistics, in particular, show: in people who abuse alcohol, cirrhosis of the liver occurs 7 times more often than in non-drinkers.

It is not for nothing that the liver is called the main chemical laboratory of our body. It passes about 720 liters of blood per day. Moreover, this process is far from mechanical: 300 billion liver cells - hepatocytes - tirelessly process chemical and biological “raw materials”, transforming one substance into another. Here, in the liver cells, many toxic substances produced in the body or entering it from the outside are neutralized. Here the main chemical transformations of the constituent elements of food take place; All substances that are absorbed into the blood from the stomach and intestines are processed by liver enzymes.

Alcohol is no exception: the entire cycle of its chemical transformations is carried out with the participation of cellular liver enzymes. But the breakdown products of alcohol formed during its oxidation disrupt the finely balanced metabolic processes occurring in hepatocytes: in particular, fat metabolism is grossly distorted.

Through research, it was possible to establish that even a single dose can lead to serious changes in the function of liver cells. True, in a healthy body, thanks to its high compensatory capabilities, these disorders are quickly eliminated. But the more frequent and massive the alcohol attacks, the greater the number of hepatocytes involved in the pathological process. The first phase of alcoholic liver damage begins - obesity.

In people addicted to alcohol, all structural components - cell organelles - are deformed, the cytoplasm is almost entirely filled with fat, and the nucleus is shifted to the periphery. The cell increases in size, but its useful, working area decreases. “Obese” hepatocytes are unable to perform their functions. If in the initial stages of liver damage there is increased activity of alcohol dehydrogenase, the main enzyme that decomposes alcohol, then subsequently a decrease in its activity occurs, which is explained by cell depletion. In the liver, not only metabolic processes deteriorate, but its barrier function also suffers. Doctors know of cases where fatty degeneration of liver cells caused sudden death.

However, pure fatty liver disease is very rare. As a rule, it is accompanied by inflammatory processes in the liver tissue - creating a favorable background for the development of alcoholic hepatitis. Dull, painful, aching pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, and aversion to food appear. At an early stage, when the inflammatory process has not gone too far, it is possible to achieve partial and sometimes complete normalization of the structure and function of the organ (this applies equally to obesity). In this case, the time factor plays an important role: the less “experience” of alcohol abuse, the more hope for a cure.

The main thing in the tactics of combating alcoholic hepatitis is eliminating the root cause of the disease, which means a categorical refusal of alcohol, including wine and beer. If a person continues to drink (even occasionally and little by little), the liver cells, unable to withstand chronic alcohol intoxication, die. Liver cirrhosis develops. Connective tissue takes the place of dead cells, and the liver becomes covered with scars.

Connective tissue cords deform the hepatic lobules, as a result the architectonics of the vascular bed changes and the liver capacity decreases. Blood begins to stagnate in the blood vessels of the stomach, esophagus, intestines, and pancreas; preconditions are created for rupture of the walls of blood vessels and internal bleeding.

A liver affected by cirrhosis ceases to be “the body’s most faithful guardian” (as the great Russian physiologist I.P. Pavlov called the liver). Its functional potential drops sharply, which leads to various pathological changes in metabolism, digestion, and blood circulation, because these complex processes of the body’s vital activity are directly dependent on the activity of the liver.

Research shows that when the liver is damaged by cirrhosis, protein metabolism is disrupted, which has the most unfavorable effect on the composition of the blood. At the same time, the body’s defenses decrease and its susceptibility to various diseases increases.

Carbohydrate metabolism also suffers, due to which the blood sugar level increases, less glycogen is formed in the liver, and the absorption of carbohydrates by body tissues becomes more difficult.

It is known that the liver plays an important role in the regulation of blood coagulation and anticoagulation systems. In alcoholics, the imbalance of these systems is expressed in different ways: some experience bleeding easily, while others experience blood clots, which leads to blockage of blood vessels.

Research in recent years has made it possible to trace a direct connection between light but systematic drinking and liver damage. Numerous data indicate that fatty liver disease breaks down on average after 5-10 years of alcohol abuse, cirrhosis - after 15-20 years. This is worth thinking about.

Alcohol begins to enter the blood one to five minutes after it is taken and circulates through the bloodstream until complete disintegration for five to seven hours. And all this time the heart works in extremely unfavorable conditions.

As a result of the effect of alcohol on the autonomic nervous system, the pulse quickens: instead of 70-80 beats per minute, as is usually normal, it reaches 100. At the same time, the strength and speed of contraction of the heart muscle (myocardium) decreases, since alcohol is a cardiac depressant - a substance that suppresses and inhibiting the activity of the organ. The duration of each contraction (systole) increases due to the rest phase (diastole). And as you know, the moment of relaxation is extremely important: it is during this time that the energy necessary for the next heart contraction is accumulated. In this case, this does not happen: without having time to rest and accumulate energy, the myocardium is forced to start working again.

In practically healthy people, after a single dose of strong alcoholic drink, the content of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the blood increases significantly. It is well known that increased release of these biologically active substances into the bloodstream is characteristic of stressful situations and mental experiences. Under the influence of adrenaline and norepinephrine, the consumption of oxygen and nutrients by the heart muscle sharply increases. If the coronary vessels are able to provide increased blood flow to the myocardium, then disruption of the heart does not occur. However, the matter takes a different turn when the capabilities of the arteries of the heart are limited by disease (for example, atherosclerosis) and cannot be delivered through them. required quantity blood: there is a risk of acute coronary insufficiency. To provoke it, sometimes even a small amount of alcohol is enough, and people suffering from cardiovascular diseases should always remember this.

(in moderation, of course) although, as a rule, it does not end in disaster, it does not pass without a trace. In an experiment on animals, it was established that acute alcohol intoxication grossly distorts metabolic processes in the elements of the cell nucleus - mitochondria. When intoxication is repeated repeatedly, pathological changes in metabolism become sustainable and spread to other elements of the cell; Calcium metabolism, which is very important for muscle contraction, is disrupted, and the permeability of cell membranes increases. Fats begin to accumulate in the heart muscle, and protein reserves are depleted. Myocardial cells die, as a result, the integrity of muscle fibers is disrupted. For example, in monkeys that were regularly injected with alcohol, degenerative changes in muscle fibers appeared after just three months. And in the place of dead active fibers, connective tissue grows, incapable of contraction, which significantly reduces the functionality of the heart.

True, for some time, despite serious changes in metabolic and energy processes and muscle structure, the heart continues to work due to compensatory capabilities without noticeable impairment of its basic functions. However, its reserves are not unlimited; if alcohol abuse continues, the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Statistics show; in people who abuse alcohol, certain diseases of the cardiovascular system are observed 2.5 times more often than in non-drinkers. The most common of them is alcoholic cardiomyopathy, characterized by pain in the heart area, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat. A person gets tired quickly, his performance decreases. Painful phenomena increase gradually. First, the flabby heart muscle that has lost its elasticity (after all, a significant part of it is made up of dysfunctional connective tissue) ceases cope with increased load: fast walking, running, climbing stairs cause shortness of breath. Then shortness of breath appears during quiet walking and, finally, at rest. This is how heart failure gradually develops, heart rhythm disorders arise, including such dangerous ones as fibrillation and atrial flutter, the conduction of impulses causing myocardial contraction is disrupted.

It has been proven that cardiovascular diseases in people who abuse alcohol are much more severe than in non-drinkers. This primarily applies to coronary heart disease. Heart failure is often preceded by the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In addition, in people who abuse alcohol, myocardial infarctions differ in depth and extent.

An epidemiological study of several thousand people in the Chicago area over several years showed a link between alcohol consumption and the development of hypertension. In persons who consumed significant quantities of alcoholic beverages, systolic pressure was 8.5 millimeters of mercury and diastolic pressure was 4.7 millimeters above the average level. Mortality from all causes among these persons was 4 times higher than among moderate drinkers. and significantly higher from cardiovascular diseases.

Alcohol also affects the cerebral vessels, as well as those mechanisms that regulate their tone, their adaptation to the various needs of the body. The results of many statistical studies indicate that damage to the cerebral vessels is observed in alcohol abusers 4-5 times more often than in non-drinkers.

Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels develops earlier than healthy people, and it is more severe, malignant, with severe mental disorders.

There is now no doubt that alcohol is now generally accepted as a risk factor for stroke. This is evidenced, in particular, by the results of so-called epidemiological studies, when the largest possible group of the population is taken under observation, in which at the beginning of observation there are no patients with vascular diseases of the brain. And then for several years (5-10-20) each case of cerebral stroke is taken into account. At the end of the observation period, the incidence of diseases is compared in those who had exposure to the studied risk factor (alcohol) and in those who did not. These comparisons are then processed statistically to determine the significance of the differences obtained.

Similar studies, in particular those conducted by Japanese scientists, have confirmed that there is an undoubted connection between alcohol abuse and the development of stroke caused by cerebral hemorrhage. This dependence is also confirmed by the study of stroke patients treated in inpatient settings. The number of patients who abused alcohol among all patients treated in neurological departments for stroke ranges from 20 to 80 percent.

Most often, in alcoholics, this disease develops either during the period of intoxication, or in the first hours and days after it. According to statistics, in 2/3 of patients, stroke symptoms appeared on the second day after acute intoxication. This incidence of stroke immediately after drinking alcohol is explained by the effect of alcohol and its breakdown products on the mechanisms of regulation of cerebral circulation.

Drunkards are more likely to experience cerebral hemorrhage and recurrent strokes than non-drinkers.

Alcohol sharply increases the permeability of the walls of blood vessels, which increases the risk of developing cerebral edema; increases blood clotting, has a toxic effect on red blood cells, disrupting their participation in gas exchange. In addition, eating salty foods after alcohol, savory snacks provokes the development of a hypertensive crisis.

Alcohol has a particularly harmful effect on the body of children and adolescents. Its destructive power primarily affects the activity of the nervous system. Even small doses of alcohol disrupt the metabolism in the nervous tissue, pathologically accelerate the process of excitation, and moderate doses make it difficult. At the same time, the functioning of the blood vessels in the brain is disrupted, they expand, their permeability increases, which in the future can lead to a stroke.

The nervous system of a young man is easily excitable. Its brain vessels are relatively wide, which is necessary for enhanced nutrition of growing cells. Alcohol is absorbed into the blood very quickly, and its effect on the developing brain is especially harmful.

The presence of alcohol in the brain can be detected 20 days after drinking alcohol.

Repeated or frequent use of vodka or wine literally devastates the teenager’s psyche. At the same time, not only is the development of higher forms of thinking, the development of ethical and moral categories and aesthetic concepts delayed, but already developed abilities are lost. The teenager, as they say, “gets dumb” intellectually, emotionally, and morally.

Alcohol has many targets in the body. Among them are the liver, the epithelium that lines the esophagus, and the stomach. When drinking alcohol, the secretion and composition of gastric juice is disrupted, which, in turn, changes the digestive ability of the stomach and causes various unpleasant phenomena.

The lungs are also not indifferent to alcohol. About 10 percent of alcoholic drinks taken are removed from the body through them. The heart of a growing person also reacts very sensitively to alcohol: its rhythm and contraction frequency change unfavorably, and metabolic processes in the heart muscle are disrupted. Finally, the toxic effects of alcohol affect the blood: the activity of leukocytes, which play an important role in protecting the body, decreases, the movement of red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues slows down, and the function of platelets, which have great importance for blood clotting.

Thus, alcohol has an extremely detrimental effect on the human body during adolescence. It weakens, inhibits and inhibits the proper development and maturation of organs and systems, and often completely suppresses the development of certain functions.

Chronic alcohol abuse leads to changes in bone tissue similar to those observed in older people suffering from osteoporosis. These processes become more intense the more alcohol is consumed.

Because alcohol, while igniting passion, reduces male potency, Shakespeare wrote. Ethyl alcohol acts directly on the male testicles, disrupting the production of testosterone: more or less severe intoxication is enough to noticeably reduce its amount. True, first we're talking about only about a temporary symptom: a day later everything returns to normal. However, with further consumption of alcohol of this kind, the disorder becomes irreversible.

Numerous studies conducted by scientists in different countries, show that on average every third male alcoholic develops sexual weakness, and the number of biologically defective and immobile sperm increases sharply (according to scientists, up to 70 percent). In the seminal glands exposed to chronic alcohol poisoning, painful changes occur, which over time can lead to a complete cessation of sperm production and impotence.

The optic nerve is the most important part of our eye. It transmits light stimulation from the peripheral parts of the visual apparatus to its central parts. The fibers of this nerve are extremely sensitive to intoxication, lack of oxygen, etc. Under the influence of harmful factors, they atrophy, die and, what is most dangerous, are subsequently incapable of recovery - regeneration.

A common cause of severe changes in the optic nerve is systematic drunkenness. Most often this happens when using alcohol substitutes - surrogates: methyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, moonshine, polish, etc.

Methyl alcohol is especially toxic. Once in the body, it is not completely oxidized, which is why an intermediate product is formed in the blood - formic acid. Its accumulation in the body leads to disturbances in oxidative and metabolic processes in the central nervous system, retina and other organs.

Sensitivity to methyl alcohol is not the same for everyone. In some people, poisoning with this surrogate occurs after taking small doses (half a teaspoon) or even as a result of inhaling its vapors.

What are the signs of methyl alcohol poisoning? In mild cases, headache, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal dysfunction, drowsiness appear, in more severe cases, unconsciousness and even death occur.

Visual disturbances or occur immediately against the background of general poisoning methyl alcohol, or appear after some time - from several hours to one or two days. In this case, a sharp, rapidly progressing decrease in vision is observed.

The further course of the disease varies. In mild cases, which are quite rare, vision improves within a month. More often, it steadily decreases or is completely lost.

Similar changes in the organ of vision are observed after consuming denatured alcohol, polish, and shoe polish: after all, they also contain methyl alcohol.

Moonshine and vodka made “at home” are very dangerous for the optic nerve. And this concept of moonshine contains a large amount of poisonous fusel oils, and “homemade” vodka often contains significant amounts of methyl alcohol, which has a detrimental effect on the body, in particular on the optic nerve.

Atrophy of the optic nerve, a sharp decrease in vision, or blindness - this is the tragic ending of alcohol poisoning.

Abuse of vodka, especially in combination with smoking, leads to so-called alcohol-tobacco intoxication. Moreover, as a rule, these factors act simultaneously. Their manifestations are generally the same: both eyes are always affected. The disease begins with blurred vision, more noticeable during the day. Subsequently, color perception is impaired, sometimes accommodation disorders occur - the ability to see from different distances, and the decline in vision progresses due to the development of optic nerve atrophy.

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Shevelev Ilya Alexandrovich

The paper presents the results of a literature study and experimental studies of the harm of ethanol to the human body. The material is presented scientifically, but at the same time emotionally, with interesting, terrifying facts about the harm ethanol causes to every living cell. Conclusions were drawn and a poster was created “Ethanol is a deadly poison!”

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Research work by Ilya Shevelev,

11th grade student at the Vilegodskaya Secondary School.

Head – chemistry teacher T.A. Nepeina

Topic: “Is ethanol poison?”

1. Introduction

“Ethanol is a drug! Ethanol is poison! - these frightening exclamations from the means are constantly heard mass media. But, despite widespread propaganda about the harm of alcohol to humans, a large number of people ignore the warnings and continue to receive temporary pleasure. Maybe ethanol is not poison? Maybe there are many benefits from drinking alcohol: cheerfulness, ease of communication, new acquaintances and connections?.. And what is its “toxicity”? I decided to conduct a study of ethanol in order to identify the causes of toxicity and draw conclusions about whether it is harmful to the human body.

Relevance : proof harmful influence ethanol on the human body, as one of the ways to prevent alcoholism, currently remains relevant.It’s terrible that 95% of the Russian population has a positive attitude towards alcohol, i.e. allows for a certain quantity and quality of alcohol in a specific situation ( New Year, birthday, wedding, etc.).

Problem: How to prove the toxic effects of ethanol on the human body?

Topic: “Is ethanol poison?”

Subject of study:ethanol and its harmful effects on cells and internal organs of a living organism.

Object of study:toxic substances.

Goal of the work: identifying the causes of toxicity and predicting the consequences of ethanol exposure on the human body.

Job objectives:

* find in sources of information and analyze data on the causes of the toxic effects of ethanol on the human body, on the consequences of this impact;

* conduct a survey of schoolchildren and the population to test their knowledge of harm and causes negative impact ethanol on the human body;

* select a method and study the properties and toxic effects of alcohol on protein molecules, enzymes, and organs of a living organism;

* formulate and draw up conclusions about the toxic effect of ethanol on different levels living organizations, bring them to the attention of the population and schoolchildren.

Hypothesis: Let's assume that ethanol is a poison, which means that it is possible to experimentally prove its toxicity and save at least a few people from the influence of this poison.

Research methods:literature analysis, testing, research of ethanol and its effects on cells, organs and organ systems using methods proposed by graduate student A.I. Plakhov (Bryansk State University named after I.G. Petrovsky), work with Internet resources.

Analysis of literature on the topic.The material on the reasons for the toxicity of ethanol is presented in most detail by Burykin M.Yu. and Sazonov S.N. in the book “Addictive Behavior. Causes, mechanisms, ways to overcome.” Here is the concept of poisons, special properties ah ethanol and its effect on the cells of the human body. The structure of ethanol and its physicochemical characteristics are well reviewed in the Applicant's Handbook (author O.O. Maksimenko). In the book by Kutsenko S.A. “Fundamentals of Toxicology” gives the concept of toxicity and examines the chemistry of the interaction between a toxicant and a biological object at the molecular level. We were able to find methods for studying ethanol and its effect on cells and organs on Internet sites.

The population and schoolchildren were tested to determine their knowledge of the dangers of ethanol and the causes of negative effects on the human body. It turned out that the majority of respondents know about the dangers and narcotic effects of ethanol, but do not know the reasons for its toxicity (Appendix 1).

2. Main part

Section 1

Chapter 1. Mechanisms of toxic action of ethanol

Poison (according to Dahl's dictionary) is any substance that is deadly or harmful.Poisons include alcohol, nicotine, heroin and others. The highest body of world medicine - World Organization The World Health Organization (WHO) at its 28th session decided to consider alcohol and nicotine as potent drugs included in the first group of complexity due to their easy accessibility to the population and relatively low price.

Poisons – chemical substances, which have toxicity due to which their contact with biological systems may have harmful consequences for the body.

Toxicity (according to Ushakov) is the ability of some chemical compounds and substances to cause harmful effect on the human body, animals and plants.

The direct toxic effect of ethanol is based on its ability to have membranotropic and conformational effects, as well as its ability to directly interact with fatty acids.

The membrane-tropic effect of ethanol is determined by its effect on biological membranes. Taking ethanol in various types, we dissolve the fatty base of the membranes of thousands of cells in our body, destroying them. This type of cell destruction is called protoplasmic.

The conformational effect is expressed in the ability of ethanol to directly influence the conformation of protein molecules, disrupting their ability to function.

The indirect toxic effect of ethanol is manifested in its effect on red blood cells, which stick together to form a blood clot. The thrombus blocks the capillary, depriving the cell of oxygen. The most sensitive cells in our body, the nerve cells, die first from oxygen starvation. This type of cell destruction is called neurotropic.

The indirect toxic effect of ethanol is also associated with an increase in energy intake, which contributes to an increase in body weight, with the systematic consumption of alcohol in small doses.

When drinking alcohol in large quantities the intake of substances is significantly reduced, which leads to the development of nutritional deficiency. Ethanol entering the body almost completely undergoes biotransformation: it is oxidized to acetaldehyde in the liver with the formation of carbon dioxide and water. Acetaldehyde is 30 times more toxic than ethanol. It interacts with many proteins, after which they are no longer able to perform their functions.

Evidence that acetaldehyde, which has a pungent odor, is formed in the body of an alcoholic is interesting information about this theme. A forensic expert often has to give an opinion on the state of alcoholic intoxication of a discovered corpse. According to the instructions, the conclusion is given as follows: strong odor from the mouth - drank no more than two hours ago; odor from the opened stomach – no more than 4 hours; odor from the opened large intestine – no more than 16 hours; smell from an open skull - no more than 28 days.

The oxidation of acetaldehyde produces acetic acid, which enhances the synthesis of fatty acids, which leads to fatty degeneration of the liver. In tissues and organs, acetaldehyde is capable of forming substances psychotropic effect, cause mutations and various deformities in embryos.

According to studies, an hour after drinking 100 grams of alcohol, 30% of the genetic structure of a man's DNA changes. Imagine the health of a conceived mutant child after a fun, drunken wedding, for which “there was not enough space or land.” Moreover, it is almost impossible to change and correct the inherent distortions in the future of this child. It's like a skyscraper being built on a rotten foundation. Conceiving a healthy child is only possible if parents abstain from alcohol for at least 2 to 3 years (Appendix 2).

Ethanol is a neurotropic, protoplasmic poison that affects all human organs, destroying their structures at the cellular and molecular levels.

Chapter 2. The effect of ethanol on human organs and organ systems

The organ that distinguishes us from the rest of the animal world is the human brain. 18 billion nerve cells connected by tens of kilometers of nervous tissue. The brain concentrates30% of all alcohol consumed by a person is in the cerebellum and frontal lobes. Hence, a person containing ethanol experiences impaired coordination of movement and speech, irresponsibility and immoral behavior. Ethanol enters the brain and is stored there long time– up to 28 days. I drank two glasses of vodka a month and consider myself to have lived with a blocked mind. And if it is practically impossible to drink away 18 billion nerve cells, then 900 million is quite possible, before living on reflexes. As a result, man degrades as a rational being.

In medicine there is such a term: “Shrunken brain.” Here is a description of the cerebral cortex of the deceased “merry fellow” and “joker”, who, according to friends and even the doctor, drank “culturally”: “... changes in the frontal lobes are visible even without a microscope: the gyri are smoothed out, atrophied, many small hemorrhages. Under a microscope, voids filled with serous fluid are visible. The patient only seemed to be a carefree humorist, a merry fellow, but he was also weak-minded, for such damage to the frontal lobes by alcohol could not but affect his intellect.”

Under the influence of ethanol, heart attacks, strokes, cardiovascular failure, and cardiac arrest are caused.

Ethanol affects the nervous system: it destroys neuron membranes and accumulates inhibitory mediators in the brain.

Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are manifested by acute pain in the stomach and diarrhea. Pain in the stomach area is caused by damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach and small intestine. Diarrhea is a consequence of impaired absorption of water and electrolytes from the small intestine.

Liver cells die under the influence of ethanol, and in their place a scar of connective tissue is formed that does not perform the functions of the liver. The liver's ability to retain vitamin A decreases, and other metabolic disorders are observed.

The lethal dose of ethanol after a single dose ranges from 4 to 12 g/kg body weight (on average 300 ml of 96% ethanol in the absence of tolerance to it).

Ethanol is poison! The consequences of prolonged exposure to ethanol are disruption of the functioning of all organs and, in general, destruction of the human body, leading to death.

Chapter 3. Causes of the toxic effects of ethanol

As a result of analysis of literature sources and chemical knowledge, a number of reasons for the toxicity of ethanol can be identified.

First, the toxicity of ethanol is related to its structure. Chemical formula - C 2 H 5 OH. It is a complex substance with weakly polar covalent bonds. Ethyl alcohol molecules are small (relative molecular weight 18) and are highly soluble in both water (due to the presence of hydroxyl groups) and fats (due to the presence of non-polar hydrocarbon radicals). The solubility in water and the liquid state of ethanol is explained by the ability of alcohol molecules to form special hydrogen bonds with each other and with water molecules (bonds between positively polarized hydrogen atoms of water or alcohol with negatively polarized oxygen atoms of water or alcohol).

Secondly, the toxicity of ethanol is associated with chemical properties ethanol Ethanol is easily oxidized to aldehyde and carboxylic acid. Ethanol undergoes esterification reactions with high molecular weight carboxylic acids to form esters.

Thirdly, the appearance of special properties of ethanol (alcohol) in the body: reflex - the body’s protective reaction from the effects of ethanol from the outside immune system, i.e. its rejection in the form of vomiting and a decrease in alcohol concentration through salivation (perceived by alcohol drinkers as a reflex of increased appetite).

Toxic property - destruction of the body and poisoning by ethanol breakdown products. Narcotic property – ethanol is included in the body’s metabolism, i.e. the body’s dependence on artificial hormones of pleasure as analogues of its own endomorphins. However, our body is a self-regulating system; when there is a lot of something, its production stops. Since exogenous alcohol is eliminated from the body, a moment comes when there are no own endomorphins yet, but there are no external ones. This condition is called a hangover. And then be patient until your pleasure hormones begin to be produced, or add more alcohol, which leads to alcohol addiction.

Mutagenic property - a violation of the genetic code, the state of DNA, the destruction of the most evolutionarily perfect fragments of the human structure (Appendix 3).

Section 2

Chapter 1. Study of ethanol and its effects on cells,

organs and organ systems

I conducted a study of ethanol and its effect on cells, organs and organ systems using the methods proposed by graduate student A.I. Plakhov (Bryansk State University named after I.G. Petrovsky).

Study of the physical properties of ethanol:

Color determined visually in a test tube on a white background.

Ethanol is a colorless liquid.

Smell determined organoleptically.

Ethanol has a peculiar smell.

Solubility: to 10 ml of blue-tinted water (beaker No. 1) and 10 ml vegetable oil yellowish color (liquid fat in glass No. 2), the same amount of alcohol was added. The contents of glasses No. 1 and No. 2 are evenly colored.

Conclusion: ethanol is a colorless liquid with a peculiar odor, dissolves well in water and dissolves fats.

Study of the effect of ethanol on cells, organs and organ systems:

Experience 1. Effect of ethanol on salivary enzyme activity

I poured 2 ml of saliva solution (diluted 1:1, containing the enzyme amylase) into three numbered test tubes and added 2 ml of liquid starch paste. I added a brown alcohol solution of iodine to all test tubes. The contents of test tube No. 2 were heated to a temperature of 37 -39 degrees, and ethanol was poured into test tube No. 3. Observed blue coloring in test tube No. 1 and partial blue discoloration in test tube No. 3.

Conclusions: amylase is not active when room temperature(starch is present in test tube No. 1), in the second test tube, when heated, amylase promoted the breakdown of starch, so no changes were observed. Partial blue discoloration in the third test tube indicates a decrease in enzyme activity under the influence of alcohol.

Experience 2. Effects of ethanol on the liver

I poured 5 ml of ethanol into a test tube and dropped a piece of fresh water into it. chicken liver. After 3 minutes, I observed a change in the color of the liver from dark brown to white.

Conclusion: ethanol destroys red blood cells and liver tissue cells (burns, cooks).

Experience 3. Effects of ethanol on the cardiovascular system

I poured 2 ml of potassium dichromate, acidified with two drops of sulfuric acid, into a test tube and added the same amount of ethanol. Dropped a piece into it chicken heart. After 5 minutes, I observed a change in the color of the heart tissue and the appearance of a pungent odor.

Conclusion: ethanol is oxidized to acetaldehyde and destroys the elastic structure of the heart muscle.

Experience 4. Effects of ethanol on the reproductive system

I poured 4 ml of chicken protein solution into 3 test tubes.(it is known that the cytoplasm of germ cells contains a significant amount of protein). I left test tube No. 1 for control, heated test tube No. 2 to a boil, and added ethanol to test tube No. 3. White precipitates appeared in test tubes No. 2 and 3. Then I added 3 ml of a 10% sodium hydroxide solution and 3 drops of a 1% copper (II) sulfate solution (biuret reaction to protein) to all three test tubes. Watched the emergence purple only in test tube No. 1.

Conclusion: ethanol, like heat, destroys protein.

Experience 5. Effects of ethanol on the stomach

I poured equal amounts of ethanol into two glasses and added a little table salt to glass No. 2. I dropped a piece of chicken stomach into each test tube. After 5 minutes, I observed a change in the color of pinkish muscle fibers to white in both glasses, and in glass No. 2, microulcers also appeared on the stomach tissues.

Conclusion: ethanol destroys stomach fibers (protein denaturation occurs). Salt enhances this process (Appendix 4).

I have experimentally proven that ethanol destroys the contents of cells, tissues, organs and, in general, a living organism.

3. Conclusion

As a result of analyzing sources of information, I learned about the causes of ethanol toxicity. Due to its special structure (hydrophilic hydroxo group and lipophilic radical, polarity of bonds), ethanol has physical (low weight, solubility in water and fats) and chemical (oxidation reactions, esterification) properties that facilitate the rapid penetration of alcohol into all cells and interaction with substances contained in the cytoplasm of cells and intercellular substance.

Experimentally, I confirmed the theoretical data on the toxicity of ethanol. Ethanol destroys proteins, fats, red blood cells, enzymes, germ cells, and organ tissues that are important for the normal functioning of the body. It has toxicity, due to which ethanol has harmful effects on the body. Thus, I proved that ethanol is a neurotropic, protoplasmic poison that affects cell substances and all human organs, destroying their structures at the cellular and molecular levels.

I created a poster “Ethanol is a deadly poison!” and placed copies of it in public places in our village. The harm of ethanol has been proven. If you want to live happily ever after, stop ingesting this poison! To drink or not to drink, to live or to exist - the choice is yours! (Appendix 5)

Working to determine the causes of ethanol toxicity has been very interesting and rewarding. This is evidenced by the reviews of teachers and schoolchildren about my work. There are still many questions related to alcoholism that I would like to find answers to.

	DESTROYS HEART MUSCLES
DESTROYS THE LIVER	Ethanol is a deadly poison!	DESTROYS THE STOMACH
	DESTROYS PROTEINS like boiling!!!

Alcohol is a poison for the body in any dose. If a person thinks that nothing will happen from one glass of vodka or a glass of beer, then he is deeply mistaken. Even a small amount of alcohol affects the health of the drinker. Within one hour, the poison spreads throughout the body. Ethanol and its breakdown products primarily affect the liver, heart and brain. Frequent consumption of small doses of alcohol causes dangerous addiction and applies irreparable harm health. This leads to many ailments that require expensive treatment.

Why is alcohol so popular in the world?

Alcoholic drinks can be classified as drugs. And one of the most dangerous. Manufacturers offer huge variety strong elixirs.

They differ in:

• alcohol content;
• endurance;
• composition;
• mind;
• name;
• color and smell.

Every person has a preference for their favorite drink. But no matter how different they are, they still cause harm.

The popularity of alcohol can be explained by its ability to relax and relegate pressing problems to the background. This is very convenient for people who do not know how to solve serious issues.

Many people use it because they have nothing to do. Simply put, out of boredom. So much for the popularization in various advertisements of how alcoholic drinks liberate and make life easy and relaxed. Drink a can of beer and become “cool.” This influence on the masses and brainwashing leads to the development of alcoholism. Quite a common problem among young people.

How alcohol affects the human body

But internal changes are already starting to happen:

1. Brain. Neurons and their connections are destroyed. Simply put, brain cells are washed out along with urine.
2. Vessels. They become clogged, losing their elasticity - blood clots form.
3. Heart. It increases, its work and the flow of blood to the organs and the brain are disrupted.
4. Liver. A large amount of poison impedes the activity of this organ. As a result, the liver generally ceases to perform its functions.
5. Stomach. Ethanol is quickly absorbed into the walls of the stomach, disrupting their integrity and functionality.
6. Cells. Their permeability deteriorates and membranes are destroyed.

If you drink frequently and in large doses, the destruction of the human body occurs in the shortest possible time. Changes affect internal organs and systems, appearance, memory and reaction speed, character traits. Alcoholism is very difficult to stop. Even poor health does not slow down such people. As soon as they feel better, everything starts all over again.

Changes in personal qualities from drinking strong drinks

The most interesting thing is that alcohol affects not only internal organs and systems. Poison destroys the human personality. When withdrawal begins, all his thoughts are aimed at only one thing - getting what he wants. At this moment nothing else exists. Just me and alcohol.

Regular consumption of alcohol leads to personality degradation:

1. There is only one interest. How to get a bottle of intoxicating liquid.
2. Ready for anything. In order to get what he wants, an alcoholic will resort to deception, even crime.
3. Renunciation of family. Under the influence of the poison, whose name is ethanol, a person forgets about his family and friends.
4. Asocial personality. Drinking people they don’t go to work, they are no longer accepted in society and no one takes them into account.
5. Suicidal tendencies. Under the influence of alcohol, a person dissatisfied with his life is capable of “killing himself.”

Alcoholism is a very terrible disease. No one is immune from this. Anyone can find themselves in the shoes of an unshaven man spending the night at a bus stop with a bottle of vodka.

Such people should be pitied. After all, they have lost their place in normal society. Therefore, before drinking another glass of alcohol, you should think carefully about what it can bring, other than trouble.

Negative consequences of drinking alcohol

A poison such as alcohol, consumed every day, leads to negative consequences. The changes occurring in the body are initially invisible. Functionality is impaired, immunity declines, and at this moment negative consequences begin to appear.

The main ones include:

• constant increase in blood pressure;
• enlargement of the heart muscle;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• gastritis;
• poor blood circulation;
• memory loss;
• persecution mania;
• withering of the skin;
• forgetfulness, inattention and aggressiveness.

Will there be consequences from drinking a glass of wine once a month? Of course not. "Even poison is useful in small quantities" But if you drink a lot and often, then everything is simple.

Negative elements accumulate without having time to be eliminated. Development occurs gradually various ailments– deviation of physical health and mental disorders. Sooner or later the poison will do its job and death will occur.

What is alcoholism

Alcoholism is an addiction to alcoholic beverages. By using it you get narcotic effect. As the frequency of use increases, the dependence increases. The incoming poison poisons the body. The person becomes powerless. Alcohol enslaves him, preventing him from thinking soberly.

Alcoholism is a disease that has several stages:

1. First stage. A person begins to crave alcohol. Not getting what you want, the attraction disappears for a while. In case of use strong drinks, the dose becomes uncontrollable. Irritability and aggressiveness appear. And in some cases even memory loss. Justifications for their rash actions begin.
2. Second stage. Alcohol is consumed in unlimited doses. A person perceives this absolutely calmly. Physical dependence occurs. Dizziness, nausea, heart problems, trembling of the hands or the whole body appear.
3. Third stage. In which people experience irresistible craving to alcohol. They only need a small dose to get drunk. There is complete degradation of personality. Mental disorders destroy a person.

In alcoholism, the poison in the body is in high concentration. Only timely seeking help can help overcome drug psychosis.

How not to cross the line

Alcohol is a quickly acting, harmful poison that has a narcotic effect. Before you know it, you’re in his dependence. But the poison is completely poisonous human body. Each organ is negatively affected, collapsing and falling into disrepair.

To avoid the “death” of your mind and body, you need to be careful and always think soberly. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with its consequences.

Therefore, it is very important to remember a few basic rules:

• do not drink more often than at least once a month;
• drink alcohol in small doses;
• give preference to proven drinks;
• do not be influenced by others;
• do not perceive alcohol as a harmless “pill” for a bad mood;
• At the first sign of addiction, seek help.

Much depends on the character of the person and his physiology. There are people with chemical dependency. All they have to do is smell the ethanol vapor and a signal goes off in their brain. Therefore, if you do not have the strength to give up alcohol, it is better to generally avoid situations that lead to drinking strong drinks. Since ethanol contained in alcohol is a poison that has a poisonous and destructive effect. You should learn to fight your addictions and not succumb to their influence.