Alcoholism is a disease affecting millions of Americans. According to Helpguide.org, signs of an alcohol problem include lying about drinking or regularly forgetting what happens while drinking alcohol. Long-term alcoholism causes emotional and psychological side effects as well as many negative effects on the body.
Brain Disease
Even a few drinks can cause some mental impairment, but prolonged abuse of alcohol can cause severe neurological deficits. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that 80 percent of alcoholics have a deficiency of thiamine. Many of these individuals develop Wernicke-Korsackoff syndrome, which is a brain condition that leads to mental confusion, motor disturbances and possible psychosis. The liver disease common in alcoholics often leads to brain damage as well. In the pregnant woman, alcohol abuse can cause serious problems to the brain of the fetus. Behavioral effects and learning disabilities are common in infants suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome.
Cancer
Alcoholism is responsible for various types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, increased risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, liver and breast have all been linked to prolonged alcohol use. The ACS indicates that alcohol abuse may increase cancer risk by irritating body tissues, which can cause cancerous changes to occur as the body tries to heal itself. Alcohol also acts as a solvent, which can help other dangerous chemicals to enter the body's cells and cause damage.
Liver Disease
The liver is the organ that metabolizes alcohol. Over time, damage occurs when the liver is taxed as it tries to break down excessive amounts of alcohol. Alcohol contains many empty calories, which can lead to malnutrition. MedlinePlus indicates that malnutrition can worsen liver disease. Symptoms of liver disease include fluid collection in the abdomen, weight gain and fatigue. Cirrhosis occurs as scar tissue forms in the damaged liver. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that alcohol-related cirrhosis has caused more deaths than cirrhosis from any other disease.
