Alcoholism is an addictive disease with biological, neurological and psychological aspects, which lead to a powerful addiction to alcohol. Alcoholics suffer from intense cravings for alcohol, have a high tolerance for alcohol and a physical dependence on the drug. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, approximately 20 percent of Americans participate in binge drinking, more than 14 million Americans are alcoholics and over 50 percent of Americans have a family member affected by alcoholism. Continued excessive use of alcohol can eventually lead to a range of fatal diseases that affect organs throughout the body.
Malnutrition
Alcoholics will often ignore hunger cravings and drink alcohol instead of eating, leading to malnutrition over time. According to report published by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the energy in alcohol is often wasted by the body, and does not contribute to maintenance of weight the way nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and fats do. A diet composed largely of alcohol can lead to a starvation-like condition, where the body does not get the calories it needs.
An alcoholic's diet is also often deficient in protein, vitamins and minerals needed for proper functioning, called primary malnutrition. Additionally, massive intake of alcohol prevents the absorption of vitamins and minerals that the alcoholic does consume through his diet, called secondary malnutrition. A number of therapies are in development to address malnutrition in alcoholics and recovering alcoholics.
Liver Disease
Alcoholism is often a cause of liver disease. Long-term malnutrition leads to liver damage. In addition, alcohol is broken down in the body and forms substances that harm the liver. Over time, massive intake of alcohol leads to a disease called Laennec's cirrhosis, an advanced form of liver disease.
Laennec's cirrhosis involves the formation of bands of fibrous tissue within the lobes of the liver, which impede liver function. According to Penn State University, the symptoms of Laennec's cirrhosis include abdominal pain, jaundice, dry mouth and excessive thirst, and fever.
Cancer
Alcoholism has been linked to certain forms of cancer. Specifically, alcoholism can cause cancer in the throat, colon, liver, lung, rectum and breast, among others. A 2006 study by Dr. Boffetta published in Lancet Oncology reports that this may be due to changes in proteins within the body, leading to increased amounts of proteins responsible for breaking down alcohol and increased levels of alcohol by-products produced in the body.
Dr. Boffetta reports that alcohol by-products may allow components of tobacco to remain in the body, leading to cancer. Alcohol also leads to increased levels of circulating estrogen, which can contribute to breast cancer. Finally, a by-product of alcohol leads to genetic mutations in cells, an initiating step in the development of any cancer. The specific effects of alcohol on cancer are still being investigated to better understand the connection between alcoholism and cancer.
