Beer ....again

[DSM4Life]

I been trying to cut my drinking down a lot and its hard with the type of friends i have. It seems like drinking is just such a social thing to do now. Since i broke up with my girl i been going out A LOT more then i normally do and since i am planning on starting a cycle soon i know it has to be cut down to about once a week without consuming too much.

NO REC DRUG TALK....Rx is the same thing...read the rules bro...

[FullMoonHowlingWolf]

I wouldn't drink at all while on gear.

[perfectbeast2001]

doesnt sound like you are in a postion to think about starting a cycle. Get your life in order and cut the alcohol. If you cant do that then leave the gear alone.

[DSM4Life]

I wouldn't drink at all while on gear.

I honestly think this is what i am going to do. I use to be the same person that always stated; When on gear NO beer. I think it's harder for me now since i don't have a girl and i go out a lot more for the social part of it. I don't want to sit in every weekend.

[heavyrotation92]

AR lounge bro.

[AllGearedUp]

Theres a herb that alot of people grow in there basements. Try that.

[DSM4Life]

doesnt sound like you are in a postion to think about starting a cycle. Get your life in order and cut the alcohol. If you cant do that then leave the gear alone.

i know, i know. I was getting a little de-railed again because of the social change in my life but @#@$ it, i will show more self-discipline. I remember when i did a cycle before i use to turn down beers from others all the time but hearing a bunch of sh!t for doing so. I know i shouldn't let it bother me but you just get tired of hearing about it every weekend. I got so sick of it I even told my one buddy why I kept turning down beer so he would STFU. Needless to say he doesn’t bother me anymore.

Maybe I just need new friends

[pittfallin]

what are the effects of alcohol and juice?

[DSM4Life]

Yes, if this can be moved to lounge that would be cool.

I knew my @$$ was going to hurt coming out of this one. I guess i deserve it for the newbish question. Nexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxt

[DSM4Life]

what are the effects of alcohol and juice?

Please no one answer this. Use the search button , i didn't want this thread to turn into another one of these (sorry but its like kicking a dead horse).

I was more intrested in what the drug could possibly do not the beer.

[masterjuice]

just use some herbel enhancement lol like allgearedup said

[pittfallin]

Please no one answer this. Use the search button , i didn't want this thread to turn into another one of these (sorry but its like kicking a dead horse).

I was more intrested in what the drug could possibly do not the beer.

whats the big deal?...damn

[stitch1967]

Theres a herb that alot of people grow in there basements. Try that.

I think I heard about that once....

[pittfallin]

Please no one answer this. Use the search button , i didn't want this thread to turn into another one of these (sorry but its like kicking a dead horse).

I was more intrested in what the drug could possibly do not the beer.

thats what i just asked

[DSM4Life]

Theres a herb that alot of people grow in there basements. Try that.

werddddddddd

[V_Vandetta]

what are the effects of alcohol and juice?

now I have seen where guys think drinking on a cycle is ok maybe But for me how can you give a 100% and drink But i say this even though I take long cycles I have Never EVER drank Alcohol while On Never and when I would run 10 months at a time... still none But hey i am no prince i have taken plenty of other things but this is a very good read




Alcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol), one of the worlds oldest, most widely used, drugs, has many effects on the body, some positive, but most negative. Historically, alcohol has been blamed for many of the worlds tragedies and problems, from the fall of the Roman Empire (What's Your Poison; 1997) (1) to the disbanding of many families. Ironically, it is made from relatively innocuous substances.

Fermented grain, fruit juice and honey have been used to make alcohol for thousands of years. Alcohol's use spans nationalities and demographics as it serves to relax and provide a source of enjoyment. It has even been shown to have some salutary effects, such as a blood thinning action beneficial to the cardiovascular system, in addition to the aforementioned social and relaxation aspects.

However, the doses required in these instances are very minimal (1-2 glasses in most cases), and anything beyond this more than outweighs any potential benefits. This is partly because alcohol is classed as a central nervous system depressant, causing the brain to relax and inhibitions to decrease.

Ones rational thought, emotional status, judgement, speech and muscle coordination are adversely affected through alcohol consumption. In extreme cases it can cause coma and death. Alcohol is specifically detrimental to bodybuilders, or any athlete, in that it can interfere with recovery, protein synthesis, hydration, motivation, and nutrient intake. Its financial cost is a burden for anyone who buys it.

A review of the research will show that alcohol is poisonous to every organ in the body and will adversely affect everyone who engages in its use to some Extent (1, 6, 7, 8). This article is not intended to dissuade people from using alcohol moderately, for recreational purposes, but will point out, from an athlete and a researchers point of view, its significant shortcomings. Cheers.


Alcohol's Effects


Ethyl alcohol is a very small molecule which is soluble in lipid and water solutions. It is metabolized primarily by the liver, where an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase breaks the alcohol down into acetaldehyde, which is further broken down into acetate.

Acetate is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water, which is excreted. Alcohol is absorbed rapidly from the small intestine (80%) and stomach (20%), before any other nutrients are digested.

These properties ensure that alcohol gets into the blood stream and crosses the blood-brain barrier easily. Hence alcohol's instantaneous effect on thought processes. In fact, alcohol has a number of detrimental effects on the brain two of which, central to the scope of this article, will be discussed first.

Alcohol, once it has crossed the blood-brain barrier, will inebriate the cerebral cortex (the part of the brain responsible for executive functions such as rational thought) and work its way down to the limbic system. It won't however affect the limbic system. This turns out to be a problem because the limbic system, being the most primitive part of the brain, then takes over the role of rational thought.

This is problematic because the limbic system is entirely emotional, and one then begins to think with their emotions rather than the rational area of their brain (the cerebral cortex). A surprisingly small amount of alcohol will have an instant effect on ones ability to control their emotions, and their judgement as a result. A comparatively large amount of alcohol and one might become violent or completely out of control in other respects.

As mentioned, alcohol is also a depressant. It depressant effect results from increased transmission of the GABA systems (2). In other words, alcohol consumption creates a demand for more GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter responsible for restricting, or depressing the excitability of our brain. Glutamate is the Neurotransmitter that has the opposite effect as it is responsible for brain excitability and can be increased through the intake of various stimulants. It now gets a bit complex.

The post synaptic receptors (the receptors of one brain cell that receive a message from another brain cell) for GABA, GABA-A, then become stimulated and respond by hyperpolarising the cell membrane and reducing the chance of an action potential occurring. An action potential is an electrical charge propagated through a neuron which causes that neuron to become stimulated. It gets worse.

Over time, if a sufficient amount of alcohol is consumed, the GABA receptors become accustomed to a certain amount of alcohol and more is required to get the same depressing and intoxicating effect. In short, tolerance occurs. With more and more alcohol the potential for the GABA receptor to function improperly increases. This may result in hyperexcitability causing, anxiety, tremors, disorientation, and hallucinations when one is not drinking.

This is alcohol at its destructive extreme.

In addition to alcohols destructive effects at the time of ingestion, it can also cause neural tissue death when its consumption is stopped. As explained, GABA (a inhibitory neurotransmitter) binds to its GABA-A receptor following alcohol intake. When this happens, a chloride channel is opened and extracellular chloride moves into a intracellular compartment on the receptor. The neuron is hyperpolarized as a result and excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) cannot occur, as mentioned.

The main point here is that alcohol facilitates the ability of GABA to open chloride channels. With greater (chronic) use of alcohol the neuron may become entirely dependant on alcohol for its GABA function in the long term. However, at the time of chlorides uptake another process, this time involving the glutamine (excitatory neurotransmitter) receptors, causes further problems.

The glutamate system is up-regulated with alcohol withdrawal and calcium-channel activity is stimulated. Calcium is released directly onto the post synaptic neuron (calcium influx) in large amounts and neural death occurs. This happens particularly after binge sessions that occur on a regular basis.


Implications For Athletes


Alcohol is particularly detrimental for athletes as it interferes with many of the processes so vital to success (3,5). Focus, performance, recovery and rebuilding are all affected. Given that alcohol's effects can linger on for days an athlete would be wise to refrain from its use when competing.

Although alcohol is absorbed rapidly it is metabolized very slowly and its effects may still impact athletic performance up to 48 hours after the last drink.

Assuming the athlete is performing within 48 hours of its consumption, as little as two to three standard drinks can directly:


Decrease strength

Impair reaction time

Impair balance and eye/hand coordination

Impair fine motor and gross motor coordination

Increase fatigue: Liver function is significantly impacted following the ingestion of alcohol. Up to 48 hours after the last drink the liver may still be metabolizing alcohol at the expense of glycogen (metabolized carbohydrate).
Given that glycogen is vital for most of the body's cellular functions, body fatigue, cognitive decline and loss of strength will result when it cannot be used efficiently. Reaction time, balance, coordination are also impacted by this process in addition to the direct aforementioned neurochemical effects alcohol has on the brain.


Interfere with body temperature regulation

Cause dehydration: Alcohol has an impact on kidney function, which interferes with the regulation of electrolytes and fluids in the body (7). Cellular waste removal and nutrient supply are the main functions of fluid and electrolytes, which are controlled through kidney function.
The kidneys filter large amounts of water from many parts of the body, including the brain, to break down alcohol. This causes dehydration and can cripple an athletes performance.


Deplete aerobic capacity and negatively impact endurance for up to 48 hours after the last drink

Impact cellular repair: Protein metabolism is negatively impacted when alcohol is in the system. This has obvious implications for muscle repair.

Impacts the cardiovascular system: Alcohol consumption raises blood pressure and this can result in the heart having work harder to pump blood through the body (8). An abnormally fast heart beat (tachycardia) can also result from alcohol consumption. Further, alcohol increases the synthesis of cholesterol and this can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Disrupt sleep: Alcohol significantly interferes with restful sleep (4). It can make falling to sleep easier to begin with due to its sedative effects but the quality of sleep (particularly rapid eye movement) will be disturbed.

Cause vitamin and mineral depletion: Vitamins and minerals so necessary for our health have their absorption interfered with, while the body's own supply are slowly depleted, when alcohol is consumed. Even one or two drinks per day (supposedly the "recommended" amount) can have this effect. B vitamins, which have important enzymatic and metabolic functions are depleted extra rapidly (8).
This deleteriously effects the heart, liver, thyroid and kidneys. Vitamin A is also depleted and this interferes with the body's ability to fight disease. Vitamin C depletion makes one susceptible to anemia. Also, when alcohol is ingested the body excretes calcium at twice the normal rate, thus impacting on bone growth and wound healing.


Cause cognitive impairment: cognitive impairment (disruption of thought processes and brain damage) occur through a number of mechanisms (6,7). Alcohol related sleep disruption contributes to the insufficient restoration of ones neural processes. The effects of GABA-A stimulation, as explained, have been shown to contribute to neural death.
Lack of glycogen to the brain, as a result of alcohol metabolism, causes slow, disoriented, thinking. These are just some factors. There are many more. The implications of cognitive impairment are severe for athletes: loss of motivation, focus and desire in addition to lessened perspicacity and even neuromuscular response.

The effects outlined here are just some of the more obvious ones. There are many others, and it would probably take a book to outline and explain them in sufficient detail.


Conclusion


Even though alcohol will greatly impact performance 25 to 48 hours after the last drink, it has longer lasting, more indirect, effects. The reduction in quality of training and sleep in the period after its consumption, may cause a reduction in performance over the days following this period.

So it is probably best to stay away from alcohol completely when training and competing to win. Indeed, the only real way to avoid alcohol's effects is to refrain from its use completely.

References


What's Your Poison.(1997). [On line] http://www.abc.net.au/quantum/poison...ol/alcohol.htm
Aguayo LG. Ethanol potentiates the GABAA activates Cl- currents in mouse hippocampal and cortical neurons. Eur J Pharmacol 1990;187:127-130.
Bloomfield, J. Fricker, P.A. & Fitch, K.D.(1992). Textbook of Science and Medicine in Sport. Blackwell Scientific Publications: Australia.
Walsh J K. Sedative effects of ethanol at night. Journal of Study on Alcohol, 1991, 6, pp. 597-600.
Burke, L.(1992). The Complete Guide to Food for Sports Performance. Allen and Unwin: Australia.
Dodes. L. M.(2002).The Heart of Addiction: A New Approach to Understanding and Managing Alcoholism and Other Addictive Behaviors: Quill, USA.
Hunt WA. Are binge drinkers more at risk of developing brain damage? Alcohol 1993;10:559-561.
Science in Africa.(2004). Alcohol and the Inevitable Hangover From Over Consumption. [On line] http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/200...ber/drinks.htm

[k@m NYC]

just cut it down dude.. im in college.. in a fraternity... so yeah imagine how hard it is for me to stay in control. I limit myself to drinking only on Saturdays..strictly bacardi and diet coke.. but I still hang out in bars with a water w/lime or lemon crushed into it in my hand it kinda fulfills the desire to drink...try it..

[cfiler]

Not trying to be an ass, but if you can't cut out alcohol, how are you going to be able to focus on a strict diet and training ruitine?

[FullMoonHowlingWolf]

i know, i know. I was getting a little de-railed again because of the social change in my life but @#@$ it, i will show more self-discipline. I remember when i did a cycle before i use to turn down beers from others all the time but hearing a bunch of sh!t for doing so. I know i shouldn't let it bother me but you just get tired of hearing about it every weekend. I got so sick of it I even told my one buddy why I kept turning down beer so he would STFU. Needless to say he doesn’t bother me anymore.

Maybe I just need new friends

You hit the nail on the head, but I'd remove the word maybe.

[goalseeker]

Not trying to be an ass, but if you can't cut out alcohol, how are you going to be able to focus on a strict diet and training ruitine?

me either.... this is a good question....you should get things in theyre respective priority before starting a cycle....I know EXACTLY where your coming from. trust me. I work on my racecar almost every night in the shop, and if you think Im drinking lemonade while Im in there, then...... I wasnt going nuts or anything, had a few here and there, but slowly just started to think about my priority, and next thing you know, it was down to one or two frostys a week..... good luck bro...

[k@m NYC]

another benefit of cuttin it down is not waking up next to ugly chicks....

[perfectbeast2001]

another benefit of cuttin it down is not waking up next to ugly chicks....

Im a non drinker and my chick is still ugly... whats the deal?

If she ever read that i'd be killed.

[k@m NYC]

hahaha... CONTROL PANEL>INTERNET OPTIONS>DELETE HISTORY

[rar1015]

Its not that hard man. Before i got back into working out a lot i was drinking really heavy for a while and i just decided that i wanted to stop. Try to think of the good things that will happen if you stop. You will save money, you wont feel like such crap in morning, you can get back in better shape.......there are plenty of good thats will happen if you stop drinking if ya think about it for a minute. Since i stopped, when i go out with my friends i usually just drink a diet coke or a glass of water. Also i like to go out with them a lot more than i did before i stopped drinking because now i can help them out by driving them at night so they dont have to worry about getting a dui (that doesnt happen to often though). Its nice having a lot of money in my bank for a change!!

[k@m NYC]

w0rd.. drinks are expensive. (nyc)

[j2111111]

just look at what is more important to you. I went through some roughtimes when my daughters mother and I split. We were to gether for 5 years and had a 4 yr old daughter together. We have been apart 1 1/2 yrs now and I have never been happier. Drinking heavy only makes thing worse. Like getting a dui. Focus on thing to better your life and move forward.

[goalseeker]

what really did it for me was knowing that I wasnt gonna be wasting the juice by drinking while on it.. It costs me all my extra spending cash, and I'll be damned if Im gonna piss it away stupidly....

[DSM4Life]

I am getting gear tonight and have decided to totally cut it out. I just keep the mindset that booze we'll cancel out gains so am done.I got all messed up last night as a goodbye to drinking heavy. I was also drinking hard also because I just had a bad breakup with the girl. I feel like crap today but am getting back in business thakns guys.

[chest6]

Its not hard..just stop drinking. No one is forcing you. Thats what everyone around me does too but I dont feel like i HAVE to

[rar1015]

Its not hard..just stop drinking. No one is forcing you. Thats what everyone around me does too but I dont feel like i HAVE to

Exactly!!!

[DSM4Life]

Its not hard..just stop drinking. No one is forcing you. Thats what everyone around me does too but I dont feel like i HAVE to

I know, it's just turned into such a social thing with the group i hang out with. I would have to say 90% of my friends drink like a fish which means everytime i go out with them they are drinking. I know its under my control and i will control it. I did it before so i will just suck it up and do it again.

[cfiler]

I know, it's just turned into such a social thing with the group i hang out with. I would have to say 90% of my friends drink like a fish which means everytime i go out with them they are drinking. I know its under my control and i will control it. I did it before so i will just suck it up and do it again.

Get new friends then? Try to find friends who would rather spend time doing sober activities (like going to the gym.)

[cfiler]

another benefit of cuttin it down is not waking up next to ugly chicks....

The worst is waking up next to the ugly woman from work. Because, then you have to see her everyday you go to work, and everyone at work knows what happened. There is no hidding the fact that you made a mistake.

[novastepp]

when ur on cycle your lifestyle should change. just save it up for when ur off and after PCT, then let the shit hit the fan...

[k@m NYC]

The worst is waking up next to the ugly woman from work. Because, then you have to see her everyday you go to work, and everyone at work knows what happened. There is no hidding the fact that you made a mistake.

Been there... oh man... work xmas party 2005...

[rar1015]

At least try to give it up during your cycle and pct like novastepp said. Its not hard and the next thing ya know you done with your cycle and everything and you may not even wanna drink anymore after that so its worth a shot man.

[FullMoonHowlingWolf]

I am getting gear tonight and have decided to totally cut it out. I just keep the mindset that booze we'll cancel out gains so am done.I got all messed up last night as a goodbye to drinking heavy. I was also drinking hard also because I just had a bad breakup with the girl. I feel like crap today but am getting back in business thakns guys.

Good decision on cutting out the booze, but IMO you really need to make sure your head is straight before you start your cycle. If this bad breakup is still causing you problems, make sure it's out of your mind or controlled. Remember gear effects your hormones and if your mind isn't right because of this girl, it could potentially interfere with your cycle not to mention your life. Just think about it before you start.

Girls are like buses, if you miss one, theirs another every ten minutes.

[DSM4Life]

Good decision on cutting out the booze, but IMO you really need to make sure your head is straight before you start your cycle. If this bad breakup is still causing you problems, make sure it's out of your mind or controlled. Remember gear effects your hormones and if your mind isn't right because of this girl, it could potentially interfere with your cycle not to mention your life. Just think about it before you start.

Girls are like buses, if you miss one, theirs another every ten minutes.

I know. This was one of them relationships that really hurt, not just a fling. I been using it to my advantage in the gym. Suddenly when throwing some thoughts in my head the weight feels light as air but i want to tear someones $%$% head off.

[Tren Bull]

I wouldn't drink at all while on gear.

that would be ideal, but seriously, its hard to simply not go out and drink at all while on cycle

[DSM4Life]

that would be ideal, but seriously, its hard to simply not go out and drink at all while on cycle

Well if i ever do go out and catch up with a few buddies i am going to try and limit myself to 2 beers.