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Long-Term Physical Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Consuming alcohol regularly, especially in large amounts, has been linked to a variety of health problems, both emotional and physical. Alcohol has a specially serious effect on certain organs such as the liver, but it can also cause hematologic diseases and even cancer.

  1. Significance

    • The best known long-term effect of alcohol may be the burden it places on the liver. Heavy drinkers are at a risk for developing fatty liver disease, or FLD, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. Depending on the amount of alcohol consumed and how long the person has been a drinker, symptoms of liver disease can vary from fatigue and jaundice to complete liver failure.

    Considerations

    • Studies published by the American Journal of Epidemiology and other scientific magazines show that long-term consumption of alcohol can lead to problems with brain development, in turn increasing the risk of strokes and other issues related to the nervous system. On the other hand, experts believe that alcohol may help lower the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease when consumed in moderation, defined as no more than seven drinks per week.

    Features

    • Long-term drinkers are more prone to suffering from chronic gastritis, and gallstones and gallbladder disease, as well as other diseases of the digestive system. It's not uncommon for long-term drinkers to gain weight around the waist, an issue caused by the peaks of insulin produced by the sugars and carbs in the drinks. In time, this may lead to diabetes if not addressed properly.

    Expert Insight

    • Long-term alcohol drinkers have a higher risk of developing diabetes. This is especially true in women, as they are particularly susceptible to insulin sensitivity. While alcohol itself does not cause cancer, it may increase the risk of cancers of the mouth, esophagus and colon and rectum.

    Warning

    • While moderate drinkers, those who drink no more than one glass a day, have a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, coronary vascular disease and peripheral arterial disease, alcohol abuse can lead to high triglycerides, which in turn will cause high cholesterol, high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart attacks.

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