Alcoholism Effects on the Body

Alcoholism effects on the body are all-encompassing and progressively impair an individual’s physical and mental health. Left untreated, the disease can lead to a premature death for the addicted individual and can leave permanent emotional scars on loved ones and friends.

Addiction expert Robin J. Foote, a nationally certified alcohol therapist with more than 20 years experience working with alcoholics and addicts in Australia, offers the following information on alcoholism effects on the body.

Effects of Alcohol on the Body

The most critically affected parts of the brain are those that deal with short term memory, decision making and rational thinking. Women heavy drinkers develop brain damage with less drinking than men. This is one of the most severe effects of alcohol on the body.

Liver Damage. The most common liver disease of alcoholics is cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver.

This disease results in reduced and corrupted chemicals being sent to the body which can result in damage to other organs. Women suffer liver damage with less alcohol consumption than men.

Liver damage is one of the most common effects of alcohol on the body.

Alcoholic Hepatitis (AH). AH is caused by other liver diseases most notably cirrhosis of the liver.

More than 60% of persons who develop both AH and cirrhosis will die within four years.

AH can cause changes in sleep patterns, mood, and personality; psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression; shortened attention span; and problems with coordination may occur.

Brain Chemicals. The body and especially the brain relies on the liver to filter important body fluids and excrete wastes.

As a result of contaminated chemistry from a damaged liver the brain does not function properly. Typically a person will have cloudy and slowed thinking.

Heart Damage. Heavy drinking causes damage to the heart muscles. The heart pumps less blood and an abnormal heart beat may develop. Women suffer heart damage with less alcohol consumed than men.

Skeletal Muscles. Heavy drinking causes muscles in the arms and legs to shrink. For example, an alcoholic may have legs that are out of proportion, skinnier, than the rest of their body. Sufferers may become embarrassed about their body shape.

Cancer. The risk of cancer increases with greater alcohol consumption – more so in women. Cancer can develop in the upper airways, the liver, breasts and the bowels.

Men become less virile and women become less feminine. As a result a persons sexuality and libido is altered.

Alcoholics may sense change in their sexuality and over compensate by becoming more sexually active. Indiscriminate or intoxicated sexual activity raises the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases.

According to Foote, the only way to stop alcoholism effects on the body is to stop drinking and begin restoring physical health, as well as repairing emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

If you have any questions on the effects of alcohol on the body, please contact us. For a list of organizations around the world that provide alcoholism information, help and support, click here.

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