Alcoholism develops when a person has a strong craving to drink, a loss of control that makes it difficult to stop drinking, a tolerance to alcohol that requires larger amounts of alcohol when drinking and a physical dependence on alcohol. The problems the alcoholic has affect the family, work performance and society in general. But the alcoholic has many physical ailments to be concerned about.
Brain Damage
Difficulty in walking, slurred speech, blurred vision and impaired memory are short-term effects of excessive drinking. But the long-term effects can lead to serious brain disorders, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can cause mental confusion and eventual dementia, paralysis of the nerves that control eye movement and difficulty with muscle coordination. Neurological disorders from excessive drinking can lead to numbness in the hands and feet.
Intestinal Disorders
Alcoholics often suffer from a painful inflammation of the lining in the stomach, or gastritis, the Mayo Clinic explains. They are also at risk for damage to the pancreas, which helps in the digestion of compounds in foods, such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Sexual Dysfunction
Alcoholism can cause erectile dysfunction for men and interrupt menstruation for women. Many alcoholics lose interest in sex as well as other once-enjoyable activities.
Bone Loss
Alcoholics develop brittle bones over time. Their bones become thin, increasing their risk of fractures and of developing osteoporosis, a bone-degenerating disease that usually affects the elderly.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The alcoholic develops such a strong dependence on alcohol that stopping drinking results in severe physical symptoms. There may be shakiness in the hands and arms, sweats, headaches and nausea, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The symptoms are so severe, many alcoholics need to go back to drinking to calm the effects. They may fear giving up drinking because of the experience. Detoxification under professional care is necessary.
Liver Disease
Alcoholism can cause inflammation of the liver, known as alcoholic hepatitis. It can cause abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite and jaundice, a yellowing of the skin. The condition may be reversible if the alcoholic quits drinking. Left untreated, the liver disorder can lead to alcoholic cirrhosis, a scarring of the liver tissue. The disease is irreversible.
Heart Disease
Excessive drinking can result in high blood pressure and damage to the heart muscle. It significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
