Long-term Negative Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Arthritis

Promotes swelling and joint inflammation; however, recent research suggests that rheumatoid arthritis patients who drink alcohol tend to experience less severe symptoms than those of non-drinkers

Brain

Causes lesions and neurological problems that include dementia, stroke, and neuropathy

Cancer

Enhances risk of liver, pancreas, mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus, breast, colorectal, and other cancers

Digestive System

Gastrointestinal problems include pancreatitis and gastritis

Dementia

Hastens shrinkage of important regions in the brain and can result in memory loss and other dementia symptoms

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

May harm the fetus and result in permanent physical and behavioral abnormalities

Gout

Aggravates existing conditions of gout, a form of arthritis

Heart Attack

Platelets are more likely to clump together and create blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke

Heart Disease

Raises blood pressure, blood lipids, and the risk of stroke and heart disease

Hyperglycemia

Elevates blood glucose levels

Hypoglycemia

Lowers blood glucose levels

Kidney Disease

Enlarges the kidneys, increases risk of kidney disease and failure, and affects hormone production, which can result in reproductive problems

Liver Disease

May cause liver deterioration (fatty liver) and lead to alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and death

Malnutrition

Damages cells lining the stomach and intestines, and blocks the absorption and breakdown of nutrients; interferes with the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients; and suppresses appetite

Muscles

Diminishes protein synthesis and results in decreased muscle build-up

Nerve Damage

Compromises nerve function and produces pain or numbness in the extremities, and causes muscle weakness, incontinence, constipation, erectile dysfunction, and other problems

Nervous Disorders

Impairs balance and memory (dementia)

Obesity

Reduces the body’s ability to burn fat, which can lead to weight gain

Osteoporosis

Reduces the body’s production of vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium uptake

Psychological

Disturbances

Causes depression, anxiety, craving, irritability, and insomnia

Seizures

Can cause epilepsy and trigger seizures even in individuals with no history of  epilepsy, and interferes with medications used to treat convulsions

Skin and Premature Aging

Dilates blood vessels and gives the skin a ruddy appearance