The term alcoholism may be used to refer to a wide range of issues associated with alcohol. Simply put, it is a situation whereby an individual cannot stay without alcohol. An alcoholic usually drinks alcohol uncontrollably and persistently. Alcoholism usually leads to ill health, and it affects relationships between the individual and the people around him. It may also be considered as a disease and may be referred to as an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol abuse may also cause damage to vital organs in the human body, including the brain and heart.

Therefore, it may lead to psychiatric and medical issues. Psychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia, may occur. Others include phobias, dysthymia, mania, and depression. Alcoholism may also cause neurologic deficits. These deficits may be manifested through certain impairments such as brain damage and memory loss. Such individuals also have difficulty executing certain functions and may experience issues with body balance and gait.

Alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate or severe, based on the number of symptoms you experience. Signs and symptoms may include:

* Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink

* Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so

* Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use

* Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol

* Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alcohol use

* Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it’s causing physical, social, work or relationship problems

* Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies to use alcohol

* Using alcohol in situations where it’s not safe, such as when driving or swimming

* Developing a tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect or you have a reduced effect from the same amount

* Experiencing withdrawal symptoms - such as nausea, sweating and shaking - when you don’t drink, or drinking to avoid these symptoms

Alcohol use disorder can include periods of being drunk (alcohol intoxication) and symptoms of withdrawal.

* Alcohol intoxication results as the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream increases. The higher the blood alcohol concentration is, the more likely you are to have bad effects. Alcohol intoxication causes behavior problems and mental changes. These may include inappropriate behavior, unstable moods, poor judgment, slurred speech, problems with attention or memory, and poor coordination. You can also have periods called “blackouts,” where you don’t remember events. Very high blood alcohol levels can lead to coma, permanent brain damage or even death.

* Alcohol withdrawal can occur when alcohol use has been heavy and prolonged and is then stopped or greatly reduced. It can occur within several hours to 4 to 5 days later. Signs and symptoms include sweating, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, problems sleeping, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness and agitation, anxiety, and occasionally seizures. Symptoms can be severe enough to impair your ability to function at work or in social situations.

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLISM ON THE BODY

Alcoholism and chronic heavy drinking are associated with many serious health problems. Below are some of the ways alcohol may affect the body:

* Liver health risks: One of the possible severe medical consequences of chronic alcohol abuse is liver disease. Over time, with consistent alcohol abuse, the liver may become inflamed and/or scarred. Conditions such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis may develop. A person may also develop liver cancer.

* Gastrointestinal system risks: Alcohol can wear down the lining of the stomach and increase the production of stomach acid, which can contribute to ulcers. Alcohol may also alter nutrient breakdown, absorption, transportation, storage, and excretion, leading to nutrient deficiencies and/or trouble fully using nutrients. For example, thiamine deficiency is common and can lead to serious neurological issues. Alcohol can also impair blood sugar control.

* Pancreatic health risks: Alcohol prompts pancreatic production of harmful substances, which can lead to pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that impairs digestion.

* Brain health risks: Thiamine, or vitamin B1, deficiency associated with chronic heavy drinking can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome or ‘Wet Brain’. Symptoms may include confusion, impaired coordination, learning problems, and memory difficulties. Liver disease can also harm the brain, resulting in symptoms such as sleep changes, alterations in mood, personality changes, depression, anxiety, impaired concentration, and incoordination. Too much alcohol may also hinder new brain cell growth.

* Cardiac health risks: Drinking alcohol has complicated impacts on cardiovascular health. In 2016, alcohol-related CV diseases caused an estimated 593,000 deaths globally. Consuming too much alcohol is linked to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, trouble pumping blood through the body, blood clots, stroke, cardiomyopathy (sagging, stretched heart muscle), or heart attack. Excessive alcohol use, both directly and through malnutrition, can also lead to anemia.

* Reproductive health risks: Consuming too much alcohol can lead to reproductive problems, including erectile dysfunction and irregular menstruation. Both men and women may have reduced fertility with long-term, heavy drinking. Women who drink while pregnant are at increased risk for miscarriage, stillbirth, or having a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

* Musculoskeletal fitness risks:  Alcohol abuse can cause a calcium imbalance in the body, which is an important nutrient to maintain healthy bones. Consuming too much alcohol can also cause a disruption to the production of vitamin D, which is needed for calcium absorption. Lack of calcium increases the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures, which can cause serious pain and disability.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 10 2023

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