Alcohol and its Long Term Effects
Alcohol is one of the commonly consumed intoxicating substance in India. Alcohol is acceptable among most of the societies. Easily available and widely used across many sections of the community. For these reasons many people do not think of it as drug.
Excessive alcohol use affects both structure and functions of most systems of the body and thus multiple organ damage is quite common among excessive alcohol that even those who consume small quantities of alcohol per day on regular basis or so called “Social drinkers” also risk organ damage.
Following organs (body systems) are commonly affected:
Effects on Liver:
Excessive alcohol used is toxic to liver cells. Such individuals could have enlarged liver & subsequently a shrunken and small liver (with dead liver cells) which is non-functional, technically called Cirrhosis of liver. As the liver performs many important functions in the body like digestion of food, processing and storage of important hormones and vitamins, its damage might result in indigestion, Bleeding disorders, Jaundice, Anemia and in general reduced body resistance to various infections.
Effects on the Brain:
Prolonged and excessive alcohol use leads to brain damage which might manifest in the form of forgetfulness (loss of memory), impaired intellectual functioning, lack of co-ordination while performing motor tasks e.g. driving and writing. Sudden stoppage of alcohol might lead to withdrawal fits which are commonly called as “Rum fits”. Alcohol also damages nerves in other parts of the body. Most commonly limbs (peripheral neuropathy) thus causing numbness and tingling sensations in the extremities. In the early stages many of these effects might be reversible on discontinuation of alcohol but in the later stages these effects might lead to life-long physical/mental handicap.
Effects on the Heart & Circulatory System:
Excessive alcohol use on a regular basis is known to increase blood cholesterol level and this might result in high BP (hypertension) and higher chances of heart attacks (myocardial infraction). The diet of these individuals is usually deficient in proteins and vitamins which alongwith excessive smoking might be additional risk factors for heart problems.
Effects on other Body Systems:
Alcohol is also known to affect reproductive organs in both men and women. It might be a cause of infertility in some of the couples because it affects hormone secretions. Some persons might also have kidney damage after excessive alcohol use. It is also known that continuous alcohol use decreases body immunity (resistance to fight against infection) and thus, alcohol dependent individuals are at higher risk for various infections including tuberculosis (TB) & chest infections (pneumonia).
Alcohol and Pregnancy:
Regular drinking of any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can damage the unborn baby. Heavy drinking can cause mental retardation (low IQ), slow growth in fetus & induce abortion in pregnant mother. Children born to mothers who were drinking during pregnancy might have birth defects (congenital abnormality). These children suffer from mental retardation, delayed physical development and defects in heart, head, face and limbs.
MISCONCEPTIONS
- Small quantity of daily drinking is safe. There is no agreement on what is the small quantity.
- A person who takes alcohol with non-vegetarian food does not risk organ damage.
- Bear and wine are not harmful.
- Small quantity of alcohol is beneficial for health.
- Alcohol use increases sexual performance. In fact it reduces inhibition, increases desire but not performance.
HOW TO IDENTIFY PERSON DEPENDENT ON ALCOHOL?
As alcohol use is acceptable in most of the societies including ours, at times it becomes difficult for the family and friends to know whether one is dependent on alcohol. Individual himself tries to minimize/deny problems related to drinking and thus may not be willing to seek treatment.
Following four questions will help the family and alcohol users to know whether he is dependent on alcohol.
Answer following questions in “Yes” or “No”.
- Do you feel the need that you should cut down (reduce) your daily quantity of alcohol.
- Do you think that people around (family, friends, neighbours) are annoyed because of your drinking.
- Do you feel guilty of drinking too much, too often or alcohol related problems.
- Do you feel the need of alcohol early in the morning.
If the answer to two of the above questions is “Yes”, you are most likely dependent on alcohol. When you are consuming alcohol, along with the glass your pocket also emptying. To save your health and pocket:
RUSH TO A DOCTOR NOW