Disease caused by alcoholism may begin in the early stages and becomes more noticeable as the effects of alcohol abuse take hold. Medical professionals consider alcoholism a disease in itself, but excessive drinking over time leads to emotional and physical changes in the alcoholic. Alcoholism affects areas throughout the body. The diseases it brings about may be reversible when caught in time. Giving up drinking is the first step when doctors have to treat the disease alcoholism has caused.
Early Warning
The damaging effects alcohol has on the brain are apparent when a person first starts drinking heavily, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Slurred speech, difficulties in coordination, blurred vision and impaired memory reveal that alcohol affects the brain. Blackouts and memory lapses linked to changes in the brain can occur to people who drink excessively. After drinking over a long period of time, an alcoholic can develop serious brain disorders. Mental confusion, difficulty with muscle coordination and paralysis of nerves that control movement of the eyes are symptoms of a severe condition known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy. These patients may also develop Korsakoff’s psychosis, which causes persistent learning and memory disorders.
Ill Effects
Alcoholism can cause such problems as gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining. The disease can happen in the early stages of alcoholism. Heavy drinking may also lead to inflammation of the pancreas, which helps regulate the body’s blood sugar levels and digest food. Both conditions can cause intense abdominal pain. Inflammation of the pancreas may require surgery. Doctors can treat the disorders successfully if the alcoholic stops drinking and begins a path to recovery.
Potential Danger
Fetal alcohol syndrome can occur early on for women alcoholics who drink during pregnancy. The disorder may cause birth defects, such as growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, impairment of the central nervous system and impaired intellectual development. Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should abstain from drinking alcohol, warns the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Heart Function
Excessive drinking over a long period increases the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Many heavy drinkers can damage the heart muscle in a condition called cardiomyopathy. The alcoholic may still survive heart disease if drinking stops. Lifestyle changes, such as a low-fat diet and regular exercise, must be made, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medications may be prescribed to improve the functioning of the heart, including beta blockers to reduce the strain on the heart or implants, such as pacemakers, that help the heart pump blood more efficiently.
Final Stages
The final stages of alcoholism often result in liver disease. Early conditions may include alcoholic hepatitis or inflammation of the liver. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever and the yellowing of skin, eyeballs or urine, especially in the later stages of alcoholism. For alcoholics suffering from hepatitis, the condition is reversible if drinking stops, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. However, continued drinking can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, which is not reversible. Recovered alcoholics may see improvement in their health when the liver starts to heal. Sometimes a liver transplant may be necessary.
References
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol’s Damaging Effects on the Brain
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Urges women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant to abstain from alcohol
- Mayo Clinic: Alcoholism: Complications
- SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information: Alcohol
