Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by an intense craving for alcohol, leading to alcohol abuse and alcohol-related problems such as job loss or family issues. Approximately 18 million Americans abuse alcohol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Alcoholism negatively affects all aspects of an individual's life--socially, mentally and physically.
Life Expectancy
Alcoholism reduces an individual's life expectancy by 10 to 12 years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The impact of alcoholism on the body can be detrimental, not only in terms of health but also in increasing an individual's risk of death. The increased risk of death may come from alcohol-related injury or violence, overdosing or binging, or severe withdrawal complications. Alcohol also increases the risk of severe complications or death during and after surgery.
Liver
Alcoholic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis are possible complications of excessive alcohol use. In the liver, alcohol is converted to a toxic chemical that triggers inflammation, tissue injury and scarring of the liver. Initially, alcoholic hepatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the liver, develops and can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Liver cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease identified by excessive scarring of the liver due to inflammation, resulting in decreased liver function and possible liver failure. Alcohol abuse is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Heart
Alcohol abuse negatively affects the heart in many ways through the damage inflicted by the toxins in alcohol. According to a paper in Alcohol Research and Health, chronic and heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease and arrhythmias, high blood pressure and stroke. Alcohol also raises the levels of unhealthy fats in the body called triglycerides, which raises the risk of heart disease.
Digestive System
Alcohol abuse has several negative effects on the organs of the digestive system, particularly the esophagus, stomach and pancreas. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to inflammation of the lining of the stomach and the esophagus, conditions referred to as gastritis and esophagitis, respectively. Ulcers may develop in the digestive system, negatively affecting how vitamins and minerals are absorbed. Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas may occur, which may impair metabolism regulation and the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Alcohol abuse can lead to several vitamin and mineral deficiencies, most often related to vitamin B. Folate, a water-soluble vitamin B, can become deficient in individuals that abuse alcohol, leading to metabolism problems, severe anemia or birth defects if the deficiency occurs during pregnancy. A severe deficiency in vitamin B1, or thiamine, can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by loss of balance, memory loss, irreversible brain damage and possibly death. Peripheral neuropathy may occur if an alcoholic is deficient in vitamin B12. This results in pain and tingling sensations in the arms and legs.
