Alcoholism | Common Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Risk Factors, Complications, and Treatments

Complications

Complications

When not controlled, alcoholism can lead to several complications:

  • Liver cirrhosis: It is one of the most commonly addressed complications. Alcohol is toxic to the liver, and this organ is equipped to break it down, but not in a large quantity. A volume of alcohol that overcomes the liver’s capacity causes injuries by forming free radicals and other substances that slowly destroy the normal structure of the organ.
  • Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is also common in alcoholic people because pancreatic enzymes are activated when exposed to alcoholic drinks. This leads to the destruction of the pancreas when the enzymes are activated inside of this organ.
  • Cancer: Many cancers have alcoholism as one of the risk factors. It is known to increase the risk of rectal cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, mouth cancer, and larynx cancer.
  • Gastric ulcers: Alcoholism leads to inflammation of the stomach, and when sustained for a long time, this inflammation turns into ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Brain and cognitive problems: They are a direct consequence of alcohol and become a long-term consequence of alcoholism. Alcohol is an inhibitor of the nervous system and slows down its response and its capacity to store and retrieve memories. Studies show that heavy drinking increases the incidence of dementia in older adults.
  • Nutritional problems: Alcohol obstructs the absorption of different nutrients, especially B vitamins. Thus, these patients often have nutritional problems.
  • Cardiovascular disease: Heavy alcohol consumption increases cardiovascular risk. It increases blood pressure and the risk of heart failure, angina, and stroke.
  • Injuries and accidents: Drinking and driving are one of the most common sources of car accidents. It is also linked to falls, drowning, domestic violence, and other problems with long-lasting consequences after a night out.
  • Social and psychologic disturbances: Alcoholism affects our social life and our relationship with others, especially our loved ones and those who care for us. Domestic violence, break-ups, and becoming unemployed are expected consequences, not to mention psychological dependency and withdrawal syndrome.