Alcohol: long-term effects
Heavy consumption of alcohol over a long period of time can cause damage to many parts of the body. Impairment of brain and liver functions can be permanent. If the person's diet is also poor, this can further affect their health. Emotional difficulties, such as depression and relationship problems, are also likely.
Other possible long-term effects include:
- cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, lips, liver;
- brain injury, loss of memory, confusion, hallucinations;
- high blood pressure, irregular pulse, enlarged heart and changes in red blood cells;
- weakness and loss of muscle tissue;
- sweating, flushing and bruising of the skin;
- inflamed stomach lining, bleeding and stomach ulcers;
- increased risk of lung infections;
- severe swelling of the liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis;
- inflamed pancreas;
- tingling and loss of sensation in hands and feet;
- for men, impotence, shrinking of testicles and damaged and reduced sperm; and
- for women, greater risk of gynaecological problems.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
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