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Physical Effects of Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence, better known as alcoholism, is a condition that describes a person who regularly consumes alcohol, despite displaying physical symptoms, like withdrawal and high tolerance. In addition to causing family, social and behavioral problems, alcoholism can cause long term and irreparable damage to the body.

  1. Liver Damage

    • When too much alcohol is consumed too quickly, the liver has a difficult time keeping up. The liver metabolizes the alcohol, releasing toxins and free radicals that can damage liver cells. Long term alcohol use can lead to alcohol-induced diseases like alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Constant inflammation of the liver and the damaging effects of alcohol on liver cells can cause scarring of the liver tissue. The liver is no longer able to carry out its normal functions like making proteins, helping to fight infections, cleaning the blood, helping digest food and storing energy. Alcohol-induced liver disease and cirrhosis are leading causes of death in alcoholics.

    Stomach Damage

    • Alcohol increases the amount of acid in the stomach, which over time, can lead to stomach ulcers, gastritis and intestinal ulcers. Alcohol and the vomiting that often accompanies its abuse can also damage the mucous that protects the esophagus, which can lead to acid reflux, or in severe cases, esophageal bleeding.

    Brain Damage

    • The immediate effects of alcohol on the brain are evident and can be seen clearly when a person is drunk. A drunk person can experience slurred speech, blurred vision, decreased memory, loss of balance, and slow reaction times. Alcoholics can experience frequent blackouts and memory lapses when drinking heavily. Long term alcohol use can cause permanent damage, killing tens of thousands of brain cells with each episode. Alcoholics can develop long term learning disabilities, loss of cognitive skills and memory loss.

    Withdrawal Symptoms

    • Less than 24 hours after drinking, alcoholics can begin to show signs of withdrawal. Physical symptoms include nausea, headaches, insomnia, uncontrollable shaking or tremors, and increased heart rate. The more dangerous symptoms of severe alcohol withdrawal are seizures, alcoholic hallucinations and delirium. Withdrawal can also cause anxiety, restlessness, diminished mental ability, violent behavior and irritability. In the case of severe alcoholics, withdrawal should be supervised under medical care and can take up to one month.

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