The Long-Term Effects From Alcohol Use

Alcohol is a depressant that is absorbed by the stomach and comes in many beverages, including wine, beer and liquor. After alcohol enters the bloodstream, it can intoxicate a person in the short-term and lead to impaired judgment and decreased inhibition. In the long-term, heavy alcohol consumption can lead to addiction, liver damage and cancer. Alcohol consumption can be beneficial in the long-term if drank in moderation, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Addiction

• Heavy, prolonged use of alcohol can lead to addiction. Once a person is addicted, he is likely to exhibit withdrawal symptoms such as headache, anxiety and tremors if he suddenly stops drinking. Alcohol addiction can also put strain on a person's school or work performance. The University of North Carolina reports that people with substance abuse problems miss more days of work, are less productive and have more problems with their bosses than people without substance abuse problems.

Liver Damage

• Excessive drinking over a long period of time can damage internal organs, including the liver. The liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol once it has entered the body. Prolonged excessive drinking can cause scarring of the liver, which is called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis prevents the liver from functioning properly and, according to Net Doctor, only 30 percent of patients live more than five years after being diagnosed. Common symptoms of cirrhosis include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss.

Cancer

• According to the University of Carolina, 2 to 4 percent of all cancer cases are related to excessive alcohol consumption. Cancer of the upper digestive tract are most common in heavy drinkers, including the esophagus, mouth, larynx and pharynx. Pre-menopausal women who drink heavily are more likely than non-drinkers to develop breast cancer, reports the University of Carolina. The American Cancer Society reports that alcohol might also be linked to some colorectal cancers.

Health Benefits

• Moderate drinking has been shown to have some health benefits, especially for the heart. According to the Mayo Clinic, some benefits include a reduced risk of developing heart disease, gallstones, diabetes and suffering a stroke. The Mayo Clinic recommends no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women to achieve health benefits. Examples of a single drink include 12 oz. of beer, five oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of a distilled spirit.