Alcohol Produces Short and Long Term Harmful Effects on Physical Health

By Nancy Kennedy

According to the CDC, excessive alcohol misuse is responsible for more than 140,000 deaths in the United States each year and it shortens the lives of those who die by an average of 26 years.

Habitual drinking, in the form of occasional weekend binges or regular, long term alcohol abuse, jeopardizes physical health and longevity, significantly compromising quality of life. The health consequences of alcohol use are numerous and often devastating, leading to serious illness, disability and even death. Alcohol is being increasingly recognized as a direct cause of some diseases and a contributing factor in the development of others. It is listed as a carcinogen, an agent that is known to cause cancer, for cancer of the liver, colon, breast, rectum, esophagus and pharynx. In addition, alcohol can complicate existing medical conditions, interfere with medications and treatment and put drinkers at higher risk for injuries and premature death.

“Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition,” say the experts at Gateway Rehabilitation Center. “At Gateway Rehab our team offers a broad range of compassionate, individualized treatment programs to help persons who suffer with AUD. Alcohol is rapidly metabolized and reaches every organ in the body. Some of the harmful physical effects are immediate while others are cumulative and long term. Alcohol use disorder is a complex, progressive disease that is potentially lethal. It can produce intense suffering that may be physical, emotional or spiritual.”

Alcohol misuse significantly damages the gastrointestinal system, including the liver, pancreas and stomach. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes fibrotic (scarred), interfering with its essential functions and producing excess abdominal fluid, internal bleeding and eventually liver failure. Even persons who drink excessively now and then can develop gastritis, or stomach inflammation, gastric ulcers and pancreatitis – all of which are acute, painful conditions. Alcohol misuse can result in malabsorption, chronic diarrhea and interference with absorption of nutrients, resulting in malnutrition and anemia. In addition, alcohol may inhibit appetite, further impairing nutritional status, which inhibits healing and recovery from injuries, illnesses and surgery.

For the brain and nervous system, alcohol misuse is especially dangerous. Immediately, it may cause impaired reaction, judgment and coordination, leading to accidents. Long term, the effects include blackouts, short term memory loss, stroke and dementia. Alcohol-related brain damage is often irreversible.

Alcohol also has damaging effects on the cardiovascular system. It can cause hypertension and may weaken the heart muscle, increasing the risk of congestive heart failure. The reproductive system is vulnerable to alcohol in both males and females. One of the more recognized consequences of alcohol use in pregnancy is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, an umbrella term to describe a range of effects on the developing fetus, including birth defects and developmental delay. Alcohol can be a factor in infertility and can bring about miscarriage and premature birth, which can result in severe, lifelong consequences to health and development.

Although the health consequences of excessive alcohol misuse are not often discussed, Gateway Rehab’s team of experts continue to advocate for stigma reduction around AUD and offer imdividualized, evidence-based treatment plans to help.

For more information, visit gatewayrehab.org or call 1-800-472-1177.