Effects of Alcohol on Health
Alcohol can have serious adverse health consequences. It is important to be aware of the risks when choosing whether or not to drink.
Long term alcohol and health effects of alcoholism on the body:
Cancer - Long term heavy drinkers increase their risk for certain forms of cancer such as cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus and colon.
Liver Inflammation and Cirrhosis of the Liver - Liver inflammation symptoms include abnormal yellowing of the skin, eyeballs and urine, fever and abdominal pain.
Poor judgment, impulsivity and lack of vigilance - Drinkers are more inclined to suffer relationship damage, legal troubles, job loss, accidents and violent attacks than nondrinkers. One in every four cases of violent crime results from alcohol use, and alcohol also increases the risk for suicide.
Pregnancy Alcohol Damages - Drinkers suffer increased risk of miscarriage and their babies may suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome and other developmental abnormalities.
Pancreatitis - Long term heavy drinking can result in the development inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis. The pancreas is needed for food digestion, and pancreatitis symptoms include severe abdominal pain and weight loss. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening.
Heart disease - Long term heavy drinking increases a person's risk for developing high blood pressure and heart disease.
Short term health effects of alcohol on the body:
Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Hangovers - Excessive alcohol consumption can result in the body trying to protect itself by getting rid of the alcohol and vomiting..
Adverse Interactions with Medications - Alcohol is known to interact negatively with at least 100 medications. For example, antihistamines taken with alcohol can increase the drowsiness that this medication by itself can cause. Large doses of the painkiller acetaminophen taken together when consuming alcohol increases the risk of liver damage.
Loss of Muscle Control - Slurred speech is one of the effects of alcohol on the body. Impaired judgment and poor coordination are alcohol and health effects that can lead to falls and accidents.
Pregnancy Risks - Alcohol can cause numerous birth defects, the most serious being fetal alcohol syndrome. Babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome will have physical abnormalities, mental impairment and problems with behavior.
