Most people are familiar with the fact that long-term alcohol abuse is associated with damage to the liver, but there are other results that are less well-known. Another common impact of alcohol abuse is cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure and stroke. Because alcohol is ingested orally, damage to the stomach lining is a frequent problem. Cancer of the mouth and throat may also occur. Diabetes is also a common result of long-term alcohol abuse. As these physical problems persist, the body’s ability to recover from alcohol use may be damaged. As alcohol abuse becomes more excessive, the abuser may black out or even die. It is also commonly known that alcohol use by pregnant women can result in damage to the unborn baby, known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome .
Other problems are associated with alcohol abuse, even if they are not directly caused by it. Many deaths result from people who drive while under the influence of alcohol. This puts both the abuser and other people on the street in danger. Aside from drunken driving, people under the influence of alcohol may suffer from unsteadiness or be unusually clumsy. They may also exhibit poor decision-making ability. Poor decision-making may lead to violence against other persons, especially family members. Excessive drinking may also result in a failure to maintain adequate nutrition. Obviously, as alcohol abuse continues over time, its impact on the body gets worse. The abuse of alcohol harms the drinker, resulting in damage to the major organ systems of the body, especially the cardiovascular system and the gastric system. These negative effects on the body are accompanied by a negative impact on inter-personal relationships, on the person’s career and the person’s general living conditions.
The person who abuses alcohol also negatively impacts those closest to them. Children may suffer as family resources are diverted to the purchase of alcohol. Family and friends by suffer from the poor decisions made by the drinker. Random people may suffer from the poor decisions of the drinker, especially in the case of driving under the influence of alcohol. In simple terms, the long-term abuse of alcohol harms both the drinker and others around them.
This brief summary of the effects of long-term alcohol abuse makes it clear that excessive drinking puts both the drinker and others in their life, especially family and friends, in greater danger. The decision to engage in alcohol abuse or to continue that abuse harms even those who do not have any say in the decision.
Canadians who are struggling with alcohol abuse tendencies should contact an Alberta alcohol rehab to begin treatment. For a more thorough discussion of the impact of alcohol abuse, check out this website: pubs.niaaa.nih.gov › Publications