Alcoholism is a disease characterized by compulsive drinking despite negative consequences. Heavy drinking is known to be linked to a wide range of health problems that range from organ damage to accidental death (through road accidents, for example). People arriving at alcohol rehab centers in South Africa are carefully assessed by a doctor before undergoing the detoxification program. This is to assess the physical health of the alcoholic as well as to manage the risk associated with the withdrawal from alcohol.

Pregnant women who consume alcohol place their babies at risk of being born with a number of birth defects. Folic Acid is a vitamin that has been linked to a number of birth defects. Alcohol is known to interfere with the absorption of this important vitamin (see this post).

One class of birth defects that a baby might be born with are neural tube defects. These involve defects of the brain and spinal cord. Two of the more common types of neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. Spina bifida is a condition where the spinal column doesn't close properly while the fetus is still in the womb. Nerve damage is nearly certain to occur resulting in partial paralysis. Ancncephaly is marked by the under-development of parts of the brain. Depending on which parts of the brain are affected the baby might be stillborn or die shortly after birth.

Folic acid is a member of the vitamin B group and is involved in the creation of new cells in the body. Pregnant women have an increased need for this vitamin and are generally encouraged to take a vitamin supplement or otherwise ensure that they obtain enough through their diet. This is especially true during the first few weeks of pregnancy when the fetus is especially vulnerable to developing neural tube defects. It is usually recommended that any women who might fall pregnant should take folic acid as a precautionary measure. Folic acid is essential in the process of cell division through which the fetus grows.

People who abuse alcohol often disregard their physical health. They might skip meals or eat excessive amounts of junk food that doesn't adequately address his/her nutritional needs. This places the alcoholic at an immediate disadvantage when it comes to vitamin intake. Alcohol abuse also damages internal organs and reduces the ability of the body to properly absorb folic acid. Even if the alcoholic takes supplements these might not be effective as the body is unable to metabolize them.

An alcoholic is best advised to immediately consult with a specialist at an alcohol rehab center to find a safe way to detox from alcohol. The doctor will be able to assess the nutritional needs and provide sound advice on how to redress past damages. A woman who is considering having a baby must eliminate all alcohol from her diet prior to falling pregnant. In such cases waiting a little while for the body to build up to healthy levels of vitamins is a sound decision to make.