Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages may lead to a psychological and physical dependency on alcohol. This dependency is known as alcoholism. This chronic disease may often lead to a variety of problems, both physical and social, that can interfere with a patient's daily life. Understanding the various problems related to alcoholism aids in the treatment and control of the disease.
Liver Disorders
The liver is always a concern in the conversation of alcohol-related problems. Alcoholic liver disease often develops over a period of time in heavy drinkers. According to MedlinePlus, the duration and quantity of alcohol consumption is directly related to the likelihood of eventual liver disease. Binge drinking, however, can also cause acute alcoholic hepatitis and this may be life-threatening.
Sexual Function and Menstruation
Alcohol can affect the intimate regions of the human body as well. Men, who generally drink more than women, run the risk of erectile dysfunction with heavy alcohol consumption. Female menstrual cycles can also feel adverse effects due to alcohol. Menstrual pain may not be caused by alcohol, but alcoholic women can experience a prolongation of their dysmenorrheal pain.
Hypoglycemia
Alcohol interferes with the release of glucose, or sugar, from the liver, states MayoClinic.com. This may result in the hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. In otherwise normal patients, this can be a nuisance that is easily treated. In diabetic patients, however, hypoglycemia can prove life-threatening if combined with diabetic treatments, such as insulin. Diabetic patients who take insulin and consume alcohol may experience a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Digestive Issues
Gastritis is the inflammation of the lining of the stomach and can be caused by alcohol, according to MayoClinic.com. Alcohol has proven to be detrimental to the pancreas as well. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the pancreas, and since the pancreas is instrumental in the production of important hormones and enzymes, this can adversely affect the patient.
Reduced Judgment and Inhibitions
Poor choice making due to alcohol inebriation is extremely common, according to MedlinePlus. This is attributed to lower inhibitions and reduced judgment. Violent behavior is also a usual manifestation of drunkenness. Violent behavior and impaired judgment combined make for an increased tendency to commit criminal acts or lead directly to domestic problems.
Drunk Driving
In 2006, 13,470 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States, reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alcohol upsets muscle coordination and affects other portions of the brain. This is severely dangerous and drunk driving should be avoided at all costs.
