The Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Common Diseases: Everything You Need to Know

March 10, 2023 PCI Centers

Excessive drinking can have a variety of negative effects on the body. In fact, alcohol abuse is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. In this blog, we will explore the link between alcohol abuse and common diseases. We will also provide you with some important facts that you should know about the dangers of excessive drinking.

Liver Diseases: The liver is a vital organ that plays an important role in breaking down and filtering out toxins from the body. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of liver diseases, including:

• Fatty liver disease: This is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver, causing inflammation and scarring. Fatty liver disease is a common result of heavy drinking and is the earliest stage of alcoholic liver disease. It can often be reversed by reducing alcohol consumption or quitting drinking altogether.
• Alcoholic hepatitis: This is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Alcoholic hepatitis can cause symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. In severe cases, it can lead to liver failure and even death.
• Cirrhosis: This is the most severe form of liver damage caused by alcohol abuse. Cirrhosis occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which can lead to liver failure and death. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cirrhosis, and the only way to prevent further damage is to stop drinking alcohol completely.

Cardiovascular Diseases: Excessive alcohol consumption can also have negative effects on the heart and cardiovascular system, including:

• High blood pressure: Long-term heavy drinking can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can lead to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and can have serious long-term health consequences.
• Arrhythmias: Alcohol can cause the heart to beat irregularly, which can lead to arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can be life-threatening and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Cardiomyopathy: This is a condition where the heart muscle becomes weak and stretched, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood. Alcohol abuse can cause cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure.

Cancer: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to several types of cancer, including:

• Breast cancer: Women who consume more than one alcoholic drink per day have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This may be because alcohol can increase levels of estrogen in the body, which can lead to the development of breast cancer.
• Mouth and throat cancer: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing mouth and throat cancer. This is because alcohol can damage the cells in the mouth and throat, making them more susceptible to cancer.
• Liver cancer: Heavy alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver cancer. Alcohol abuse can cause liver damage and inflammation, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells in the liver.

Mental Health Disorders: Excessive alcohol consumption can also have negative effects on mental health, including:

• Depression: Heavy drinking can lead to depression, which can worsen over time. This is because alcohol can disrupt the balance of chemicals in the brain, leading to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
• Anxiety: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to anxiety, which can make it difficult to function in daily life.
• Alcohol use disorder: A chronic condition that is characterized by the inability to control alcohol consumption.

Facts:

• Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for 95,000 deaths per year in the United States.
• Heavy drinking can increase the risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, mouth, throat, and liver cancer.
• Alcohol abuse can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
• Long-term heavy drinking can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can lead to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Alcohol abuse can lead to several mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to several serious health problems. The diseases linked to alcohol abuse are numerous and can be life-threatening. It’s important to be aware of the dangers of excessive drinking and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse.