Alcohol abuse is a personal problem characterized by heavy drinking. In some cases, alcohol abuse can lead to death as a result of damage to the liver or pancreas. In addition to several harmful short-term effects, alcohol abuse can also impact a person's emotional stability and personal life.
Long-Term Physical Effects
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, several long-term side effects can threaten the health of an alcohol abuser. Liver disease related to alcohol use is found in over 2 million Americans. This can include alcoholic cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, or alcoholic hepatitis, which results in symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice and fever.
SAMHSA also reports that long-term heavy drinking can contribute to an increased risk for certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus, voice box, throat and mouth. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, may also develop as a result of heavy drinking over several years.
Short-Term Physical Effects
Alcohol abuse also has immediate effects on the individual. As a result of heavy drinking, an alcohol abuser can experience distortions of their vision, coordination and hearing, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Another short-term side effect of heavy drinking is altered emotions and perceptions. Impaired judgment may also be an issue that contributes to injuries or accidents involving drunk individuals. Those who regularly abuse alcohol are also likely to suffer hangovers.
Withdrawal
Many alcohol abusers develop a physical dependence which can result in several withdrawal symptoms, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. When a heavy drinker has not had alcohol, they may experience nausea, sweating, and shaking as a result of their withdrawal. Anxiety can also be an issue, along with a craving to drink more.
Emotional and Social Effects
According to HelpGuide.org, alcohol abuse can cause several emotional problems that impact an individual's life. A drinking problem can cause someone to feel anxious or irritable, and in some cases it can also worsen depression. The NIAAA also reports that feeling guilty about your drinking habits can be another emotional sign of alcohol abuse.
Alcohol abuse often has a negative effect on an individual's social life. The information website HelpGuide.org reports that alcohol abusers are more likely to get divorced or have problems with domestic violence. It can also cause problems with other family members and friends, or even affect the person's ability to perform well at or keep their job.
Incidence
According to SAMHSA's 2001 estimates, 5.7 percent of the population ages 12 and up reported that they participated in heavy drinking. This equates to approximately 12.9 million people in the U.S. In the same study, heavy drinking was reported as most prevalent among young adults ages 18 to 25. In this age group, 13.6 percent of individuals drank heavily. The lowest incidence of alcohol abuse was among seniors ages 65 and older, where only 1.4 percent of individuals reported heavy alcohol use.
Treatment
According to the NIAAA, alcoholism cannot be cured. However, there are some treatment options available for those who have problems with alcohol abuse. Treatment programs that involve counseling or group therapy can be a successful way to treat alcohol abuse. Several medications are also available by prescription for individuals with a serious drinking problem.
