Negative Health Effects of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a disease that causes the body to become dependent on excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, which often leads to various social and health problems. There are approximately 14 million people in America who are addicted to alcohol, according to the website, Alcoholics-Info.com. There is no permanent cure for alcoholism, but it can be treated through therapy, counseling programs and medications to help overcome the dependency on alcohol, and avoid the many negative health effects associated with the disease before it becomes too late.

Liver Damage

• Alcoholism can cause the liver to become fatty. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins in the blood, converting blood sugar to glycogen and other vital functions. Cirrhosis occurs when heavy consumption of alcohol causes fatty deposits in the liver to develop, which block functioning liver cells from receiving oxygen and other nutrients, causing them to die and scar tissue to take their place. According to Columbia University, some alcohol drinkers develop cirrhosis of the liver after consuming three to four drinks a day for only a few years. Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver include fatigue, jaundice, and swelling of the lower extremities.

Erectile Dysfunction

• Heavy drinking can cause erectile dysfunction, reports University of Maryland Medical Center. Alcohol has the effect of depressing the central nervous system, which can lead to impaired sexual function in men.

Cancers

• Alcoholism is associated with increased risk of cancer of the breast, throat, mouth, larynx and esophagus, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Alcoholism lasting more than several years leads to an increased risk of liver cancer and colorectal cancer.

Violence, Accidents and Injuires

• Alcoholism use is associated with motor vehicle accidents, fires and falls, and increases the risk of violent behavior. Forty-one percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. are alcohol-related, according to Oregon State University. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that the assailants had been drinking alcohol in 37 percent of assaults, 86 percent of homicides,13 percent of child abuse, 60 percent of sexual assaults, and 57 percent of men and 27 percent of women involved in marital violence.

Brain Disorders

• Alcoholism's harmful effects on brain function is strikingly similar to those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, according to a study conducted by the Kentucky School of Public Health. Alcoholism can lead to cerebral atrophy, which is a shrinkage of brain tissue, that may lead to cognitive impairment and alcohol-associated dementia.