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Alcohol Disorders

When enjoyed in moderation, alcohol should not cause health problems in the average drinker. When abused, alcohol can cause serious bodily harm. Alcohol abusers can become addicted, requiring treatment like Alcoholic's Anonymous to help them control their habit. Continual abuse can cause a number of health problems, including liver disease and high blood pressure. Some of the disorders caused by alcohol abuse can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are 79,000 deaths a year in the U.S. that are caused by excessive drinking.

  1. How Much Is Too Much?

    • The Centers for Disease Control warns that alcohol problems can occur in individuals who drink more than two drinks a day for men or more than one drink a day for women. If you drink more than this, it does not mean that you're going to have health problems. This consumption does put you in a higher risk group. The CDC also warns against regular binge drinking, which is defined as having more than five drinks in one sitting. Talk to your doctor to clarify how much alcohol is safe to consume.

    Alcohol Dependency and Abuse

    • Alcohol dependence is a type of alcoholism. The alcohol user is unable to go without drinking, may make regular excuses to drink and may break rules that she set up to curtail her intake. A person experiencing alcohol dependence will have a higher tolerance than the standard drinker, and may lose control when she drinks. This level of abuse may affect the user's professional life, and she may experience physical withdrawal symptoms if she attempts to stop. Symptoms may include tremors, increased heart rate and anxiety.

    Causes of Alcoholism

    • A singular cause of alcoholism has not been identified. Genetics can be a risk factor, as alcoholism can run in families. Other factors that may lead to a person becoming alcohol dependent are peer pressure, depression, low self esteem and high levels of stress.

    Alcohol and Liver Disease

    • The liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol so it can be removed from your system. Abuse has a negative effect on this organ, and can lead to cirrhosis, which is an irreversible scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis is serious, and usually occurs after 10 or more years of heavy drinking. Less serious liver aliments can be reversed if drinking is ceased. Fatty liver is caused when fat cells build up in the liver. This can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver that can cause nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice. Chronic alcoholic hepatitis can lead to permanent liver damage and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is not reversible and can be fatal.

    Alcohol and Heart Disease

    • While there may be cardiovascular benefits to drinking a moderate amount of alcohol, abuse can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure and even stroke. If you're taking medication to control blood pressure, check with your doctor to see if you should be drinking.

    If You Have a Problem

    • Talk to a doctor, friend or loved one if you think you need treatment for alcoholism. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous provide support to those who decide to abstain from drinking.

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