Alcoholism is characterized by physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Dependency may develop from long-term abuse, and increasing amounts are needed to reach the desired effect. Constant exposure to alcohol alters the sensitivity of neurochemical receptors in the brain, causing withdrawal symptoms. An alcoholic drinks more than he intends to, letting his other activities take a backseat. Time may be spent recovering from the effects of alcohol. Drinking continues despite negative effects on health, family or work. Alcoholism and alcohol dependence are interchangeable terms. Side effects of alcoholism may harm health and devastate families.
Medication Interactions
Chronic alcohol use alters the absorption of many medications by delaying stomach emptying and increasing transit time in the small intestines, according to an article on alcoholism in the elderly published in the March 2000 issue of "American Family Physician." Alcoholic malnutrition may cause protein deficiency that impairs the metabolism of some drugs. Poor circulation in the liver may cause the effects of medication to be prolonged or intensified. Drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index, such as blood thinners or anticonvulsants, may become ineffective or harmful depending on fluctuating blood concentrations. Alcoholics may also be inconsistent or noncompliant with treatment regimens while drinking. Recommended doses of over-the-counter acetaminophen are lower for drinking consumers because of potential liver toxicity. Mixing alcohol with prescription antidepressants, sedatives or tranquilizers may have serious, or even fatal, consequences.
Liver, Digestive and Heart Disease
Alcohol is metabolized in the liver. Long-term heavy drinking impairs the function of this organ, causing fatty deposits to build up in liver tissues. These deposits lead to inflammation, which may lead to irreversible scarring of liver tissue, or cirrhosis. Spreading scar tissue impairs blood flow through the liver, causing the toxic buildup of ammonia and other chemicals. Symptoms of liver disease may include jaundice, itching, spider veins, swelling of the legs and abdomen, liver tenderness, hoarse throat and decreased libido. Poor circulation and the pressor effects of alcohol may lead to high blood pressure, which in turn may damage coronary arteries. Alcohol-related heart disease may take the form of angina, arrhythmia or heart failure. MayoClinic.com reports that nutritional deficiencies may result from gastric irritation or alcoholic pancreatitis and that alcoholism is associated with cancer of the mouth, throat, liver and colon.
Birth Defects
Because female bodies disperse and eliminate alcohol differently than males, women may have earlier and more severe side effects of alcohol use than men who drink the same amount over the same period of time. Additionally, active alcoholism among women of childbearing age may lead to brain, heart and facial anomalies in newborns. Despite warning labels and medical advice, an article describing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders published in the July 2005 issue of "American Family Physician," states that 10 percent of pregnant women use alcohol and 2 percent admit to having five or more drinks on one occasion. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are more common in offspring of women over the age of 30 with a history of binge drinking.
