What are the long-term effects of alcohol use?
There are many. It especially affects the liver, heart and brain. We will deal with them first.
Liver / Gastrointestinal System
Alcohol can harm the liver, whose job it is to break down harmful substances in the body. This can lead to liver inflammation (hepatitis), going yellow in colour (jaundice) and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the build-up of scar tissue that eventually destroys the organ, leading to liver failure, an even a liver transplants. These are only offered to people that have drink no alcohol for over a year.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also damage the pancreas (pancreatitis) which can lead to diabetes and other problems.
Heart
Problems include damaging the heart muscle cells (cardiomyopathy), causing heart failure; and an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), high blood pressure, and heart attack (ischaemic heart disease). The risk is higher for females.
Brain and Central Nervous System
Alcohol damages different areas of the brain including the cerebellum (leading to unsteadiness and falls). It also causes memory loss and dementia. Alcohol can also damage your nerves (a neuropathy), leading to a lack of feeling in the arms and legs. Heavy drinking can lead to dependency that may have severe withdrawal effects.
Are there any other longterm effects of alcohol?
Yes. These other systems of the body are also affected.
Immune System
Alcohol slows the immune system, making bacteria-fighting white blood cells sluggish and much less efficient. Therefore heavy drinkers are more likely to get infections such as tuberculosis or pneumonia, and an increased risk of numerous forms of cancer.
Skeletal System
Alcohol abuse inhibits new bone production, causing osteoporosis (bone weakening) and fractures.
Reproductive System
One common side effect of alcohol abuse in men is erectile dysfunction (impotence). In women, alcohol may cause a ceasing of menstruation and infertility. It also heightens the risk of breast cancer.
Hospital referral
If your GP thinks you have any of these issues, they may refer you to a clinic for people with alcohol problems at your local hospital; where you will see a senior doctor (a consultant, or their deputy called a registrar) or specialist nurse.
Summary
We have described what are the long-term effects of alcohol. We hope it has been helpful.
Other resource
This is the wikipedia page on the longterm effects of alcohol.
