Alcohol is one of the most damaging substances to the human body. The most effective treatment for alcohol-related health problems is to stop drinking.
The Toxic Effects of Alcohol on the Liver are Very Serious
Chronic consumption of alcohol impairs the liver's production of digestive enzymes and the body's ability to absorb nutrients. The liver may be able to heal from early effects, but it cannot regenerate from severe damage.
According to the American Liver Foundation (ALF), fatty liver occurs in almost all heavy drinkers. Accumulation of fat in the liver is a result of alcohol's interference with the normal digestion of fats. Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen due to liver enlargement may be a symptom of fatty liver.
Chronic alcohol use can lead to alcoholic hepatitis. The ALF warns that alcoholic hepatitis may last for years, causing progressive liver damage. The liver may be enlarged, tender, with nausea, fatigue, and jaundiced (yellow) skin and eyes as a result of hepatitis. Dilation of blood vessels beneath the skin's surface may cause spider veins and intense itching. Fluid accumulation around the liver and distention of major blood vessels can cause a hoarse voice and swelling. High blood pressure is common, and can damage the heart and kidneys.
When healthy liver tissue is replaced by non-functioning scar tissue, the process of cirrhosis is underway. The normal passage of blood through the liver eventually becomes impossible, leading to the accumulation of toxins. Ammonia builds up in the blood, reaches the brain and the person feels and acts confused. A liver transplant may be necessary for survival. Liver cancer is a possible complication of alcohol-related liver problems, particularly of cirrhosis. Life-threatening congestive heart failure and internal bleeding are further complications of liver failure.
Heavy Drinking Increases the Risk of Cancer
The more alcohol a person consumes, the higher the risk for developing some cancers. Independent of tobacco use, alcohol use alone increases the risks of developing oral (mouth and throat) cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Heavy drinking is a primary cause of liver cancer, and drinkers are more likely to die from the disease than non-drinkers. ACS asserts that breast cancer risk is highest among women who are heavy drinkers. Although preliminary evidence may also link alcoholism to some types of colorectal cancer, more research is needed to confirm an association.
The body’s ability to maintain health is compromised by continued heavy drinking. Illnesses caused by alcohol abuse can shorten the lifespan and impair the quality of life for the drinker, and be devastating for the families of alcoholics.
References:
American Liver Foundation “Alcohol-induced Liver Disease”, accessed April 10, 2010
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, “Alcohol and Public Health”, accessed April 10, 2010
American Cancer Society, “Alcohol and Cancer”, accessed April 11, 2010
Mary Earhart - Mary Earhart, RN, BSN, is a Licensed Midwife. She has written articles for professional journals and grants for non-profit agencies as ...
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