Alcoholism is a disease that involves chronic, excessive craving and consumption of alcohol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It can arise from the interplay among a variety of factors, including environmental, psychological, cultural and genetic pressures. Alcoholism can result in a variety of negative effects, such as an actual physical dependence on the substance and greater alcohol tolerance. These problems can take a serious physical and psychological toll.
Depression
Avoiding alcohol consumption is highly recommended for those who are experiencing depression. Alcohol is a depressant in and of itself, and can serve to worsen anxiety and depression, as noted by the Mayo Clinic website. In addition, drinking alcohol while taking prescription or psychiatric medications can result in potentially hazardous combinations. Aside from this risk, chronic alcoholism can exacerbate other existing health problems and worsens quality of sleep, which often worsens depression.
Liver Cirrhosis
Alcoholism is one of the most common causes of liver cirrhosis in the United States today, according to UMMC. This condition involves scarring of the liver and leads to blockages of blood and bile. Related symptoms include weight loss, jaundice and fatigue. Cirrhosis can be life-threatening if left untreated, and severe cases can result in death. Furthermore, the damage it does to the liver is permanent and cannot be undone by later treatment. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can cause liver damage, and in chronic cases of alcohol consumption, alcoholic liver cirrhosis will develop.
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas that can result from alcoholism, as noted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The pancreas is a gland that produces a variety of hormones necessary for digestion and metabolism. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause severe damage to this organ. The NIDDK explains that gradual and then severe pain is felt in the upper body, sometimes lasting for days, and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and fever. Severe cases can lead to heart, lung or kidney failure.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Drinking alcohol while pregnant puts the developing baby at serious risk for fetal alcohol syndrome, or FAS. Children with FAS are born with severe mental and physical deficiencies, according to MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. FAS includes a cluster of irreversible, lifelong effects, such as mental retardation, behavioral and learning disorders, psychological problems, and physical deformities. Deformities include facial abnormalities, small head and brain size, and heart defects.
