Physical Effects

Alcohol addiction can cause a number of physical effects, many of them very dangerous, some even deadly. Common ones include cirrhosis of the liver, chronic inflammation, malnutrition, cancer and heart-related problems. Some of these ailments can be improved if a person stops drinking. Others may never improve. Below, we will discuss in more detail the physical effects of chronic and long term alcohol abuse and addiction.

a. Cirrhosis of the liver: The liver suffers a lot of damage when a person is addicted to alcohol. Cirrhosis can develop which is very serious and dangerous. A person may experience liver failure or cancer. Cirrhosis of the liver can cause death.

b. Chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation is another very serious physical effect of alcohol addiction. The stomach, and digestive organs may become inflamed. This can result in ulcers and poor digestion. The latter may cause malnutrition.

c. Cancer: Those with an alcohol addiction have higher incidences of larynx, esophageal, liver and colon cancer.

d. Malnutrition: A person that becomes addicted to alcohol may suffer from malnutrition. As a result, they won’t get the nutrients that they need. This can result in memory disorders such as Korsakoff’s syndrome or Wernicke’s disease.

e. Heart-related problems: Alcohol addiction can cause heart problems. It may lead to high blood pressure which can result in damage to the heart muscle. If this is not treated or if a person continues to drink excessively, they may suffer from a heart attack or heart failure.

Individuals who live in the California area and have questions about the physical effects of alcoholism and who are interested in getting help for their alcohol addiction should call the Alcoholism Treatment in California (888) 371-5720 for help. Individuals in the Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Fresco, Long Beach, Sacramento, Oakland, Santa Ana and Anaheim area may benefit a great deal from making this call.