Heavy use of alcohol can interfere with a number of biological aspects of the body and effect the immediate functioning of the brain, heart and other organ systems. While alcohol can have negative short-term effects on biological function, chronic alcoholism can also have detrimental effects on the human body, including organ failure and death. Alcoholic individuals experiencing such biological effects should seek medical advice on how to best treat their conditions.
Liver Disease
Liver damage is a common consequence of alcoholism and long-term alcohol use. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains that chronic alcoholism can lead to alcoholic hepatitis and liver inflammation. Symptoms of alcohol-induced liver disease include fever, abdominal pain and jaundice, a yellowing of the skin, eyes and urine. Alcoholic hepatitis can result in death if it is ignored and drinking persists. Alcoholics also commonly develop alcoholic cirrhosis, or liver scarring. Cirrhosis can also cause death if heavy drinking continues. Symptoms of cirrhosis tend to improve as an alcoholic discontinues drinking. In rare cases, a liver transplant may be needed to overcome the effects of alcoholic cirrhosis.
Heart Problems
Moderate use of alcohol appears to have a beneficial effect on heart health, particularly in individuals at risk for heart disease. Long-term alcohol abuse however can cause great harm to the heart and circulatory system. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that chronic alcohol use can increase blood pressure and increase risk for heart attack and stroke. Long-term alcohol use may also damage mitochondria of heart muscle and cause abnormal heart rhythm changes that can be detrimental to heart health.
Impotence
Chronic alcohol use can also effect the functioning of the endocrine or hormonal systems. Dr. Michaele Dunlap of OregonCounseling.org explains that heavy alcohol use can shrink male sex glands to decrease testosterone production in men and increase estrogen levels. As a consequence, alcoholic men may develop secondary female sexual characteristics such as enlarged breasts. Over time, excessive alcoholism can eventually lead to impotence in both men and women.
Cancer
Heavy exposure to alcohol can promote the development of certain types of cancers. According to Alcohol-Information.com, alcoholics are at risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and esophagus. Alcoholic women are at greater risk for developing breast cancer.
References
- US Department of Heath and Human Services: Alcohol What You Don't Know Can Harm You
- Dr. Michaele Dunlap, OregonCounseling.org: Biological Impacts Of Alcohol Use: An Overview
- Alcohol-Information.com: The Long Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Information about Alcohol
- MayoClinic.com: Alcoholism Complications
