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Alcoholism’s effects on the body can be widespread and fatal. A condition that stems from excessive and consistent alcohol consumption, alcoholism can manifest itself (on a biological level) in one of many ways. Most of us are already familiar with the effects of alcohol on the body, albeit on a more short-term basis and in the hands of a more responsible drinker. When profuse consumption of alcoholic beverages becomes sustained, the body begins to react differently in a dire effort to save itself.

We can divide Alcoholism’s effects on the body into two distinct categories – physical and mental effects. While those that abuse alcohol might think that the long-term effects of alcohol on the body are isolated, it turns out that just about every body part eventually suffers from negligent drinking.

Physical Effects

Men and women who indulge in large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis are in danger of causing irreparable harm to their bodily organs. Alcohol’s first target tends to be the liver, an organ responsible for executing numerous bodily processes, including detoxification. Prolonged alcohol misuse can trigger swelling, fluid build-up, and bleeding inside the liver. Cirrhosis (accumulation of scar-tissue inside the liver), cancer, and finally liver failure may await the alcoholic. A crippled liver is almost always a surefire death sentence.

The effects of alcohol on the body for long-term abusers can also extend into the circulatory, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and intestinal systems. Most disturbing, however, is the extent of damage alcohol can wrought on an unborn fetus. Alcoholism’s effects on the body, at least in pregnant mothers, include the penetration of alcohol through the placenta and into the fetus. Expecting mothers risk giving birth to babies with fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition which can negatively affect their baby’s development.

Men and women who partake in alcohol misuse also face an uphill battle in attempting to conceive a child. Men especially can be rendered incapable of fathering a child. Alcoholism can lead to reduced sperm production and eventual impotency. Female alcoholics may face a premature onset of menopause, and irregular menstrual cycles thereafter.

The physical effects of extended alcohol misuse are not always easy to accept, however, they are irrefutable. Alcoholism’s effects on the body, at a mere physical level, should be enough of a reason to seek help.

Psychological Implications

There are numerous psychological problems which can arise out of irresponsible and prolonged alcohol use. Among these include debilitated sense perceptions, judgment, reaction times, motor skills, etc. These are often reminiscent of the short-term effects of alcohol on the body in casual users, and leading contributors to motor vehicle accidents involving those driving under the influence of alcohol. The more troublesome mental impairments which alcoholism can cause include hallucinations, dementia, anxiety, and mood changes.
Dementia (also referred to as Wernicke encephalopathy) and psychosis (Korsakoff syndrome) in alcoholism sufferers tends to be triggered by a Vitamin B1 deficiency. Eating a nutritious diet as an alcoholic will have absolutely no effect in safeguarding you against such conditions. Excessive alcohol consumption requires added amounts of this vitamin, amounts which few alcoholics are able to supplement. Although thiamine therapy has been successfully used in treating patients with the aforementioned conditions, it’s effectiveness in reversing long-term memory damage is the subject of debate.

Although some may argue that dementia is eventually a fact of life for older individuals, Alcoholism’s effects on the body include speeding the progression of the disease. Thus, there’s no reason to downplay this very serious symptom.

The long-term effects of alcohol on the body in individuals who choose to abuse the substance are devastating and can prove troublesome in living a normal life. It’s best to exercise extreme judgment when drinking, to avoid lapsing into a lifestyle riddled with uncontrolled alcohol consumption.