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Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse on the Body

Although research from the August 2002 issue of "Seminars in Vascular Medicine" suggests that moderate alcohol intake may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, overindulging in alcoholic beverages can lead to a plethora of problems. Abusing alcohol can deteriorate your health and relationships, and the longer you abuse, the greater the problems.

  1. Birth Defects

    • Women who abuse alcohol put not only their own lives in danger, but those of their children. Research from the October 2010 issue of the journal "Pediatrics" found that alcohol abuse during the first trimester of pregnancy promoted a fourfold increase in the risk of birth defects. The researchers found that birth defects were not significantly increased with light alcohol consumption, but to date, studies have failed to show a safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. You should consult your doctor for advice on pregnancy and drinking.

    Liver Dysfunction and Disease

    • Because your liver processes all of the alcohol that you drink, long-term alcohol abuse can prompt liver dysfunction. The risk of liver disease caused by alcohol abuse increases with the length of time you consume alcohol and the amount you consume. While liver disease presents many symptoms, such as jaundice, fatigue and vomiting blood, you may not experience any symptoms until the disease has reached advanced stages.

    Hepatic Encephalopathy

    • Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious brain disorder that is fatal in some cases. Hepatic encephalopathy is the result of continued liver dysfunction that results from alcohol abuse. The disorder disrupts the normal function of your brain and can cause mood and personality changes, depression, anxiety, shaking hands and reduced attention span.

    Suicidal Behavior

    • Long-term alcohol abuse can damage your brain and cause alterations in your mood. Mood disorders may also cause you to develop suicidal behavior. According to research from the April 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health," long-term alcohol abuse can spur suicidal behavior due to a number of mechanisms. By impairing your judgment, increasing impulsive behavior and reducing your inhibitions, long-term alcohol abuse may encourage suicidal behavior.

    Obesity

    • Alcohol is calorie-dense, as it provides seven calories per gram. This is nearly double the amount of calories found in each gram of carbohydrates and protein, as those nutrients contain four calories per gram. Because alcohol is a liquid, it may also be less filling, so you may not compensate for intake by reducing your calorie intake. Research from the February 2005 issue of the "American Journal of Epidemiology" found that alcohol abuse encourages excess body weight.

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