Alcoholism - Complications

Highlights	Complications	Therapy
Introduction	Diagnosis	Medications
Causes	Treatment for Alcoholism	Resources
Risk Factors	Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal	References

Complications

Alcoholism reduces life expectancy by 10 to 12 years. Next to smoking, it is the most common preventable cause of death in America. Although studies indicate that adults who drink moderately (about one drink a day) have a lower mortality rate than their nondrinking peers, their risk for untimely death increases with heavier drinking. The earlier a person begins drinking heavily, the greater their chance of developing serious illnesses later on. Once one becomes dependent on alcohol, it is very difficult to quit.

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Alcoholism and Early Death

Alcohol can affect the body in so many ways that researchers have a hard time determining exactly what the consequences are from drinking. Interestingly, although heavy drinking is associated with earlier death, studies suggest it is not from a higher risk of the more common serious health problems, such as heart attack, heart failure, diabetes, lung disease, or stroke. It is well known, however, that chronic consumption leads to many problems that can increase the risk for death:

In general, people who drink regularly have a higher rate of death from injury or violence.
Alcohol overdose can lead to death. This is a particular danger for adolescents who may want to impress their friends with their ability to drink alcohol but cannot yet gauge its effects. It is important to note that alcohol overdose doesn't only occur from any one heavy drinking incident, but may also occur from a constant infusion of alcohol in the bloodstream.
Severe withdrawal and delirium tremens. Delirium tremens occurs in about 5% of alcoholics. It includes progressively severe withdrawal symptoms and altered mental states. In some cases, it can be fatal.
Frequent, heavy alcohol use directly harms many areas in the body and produce dangerous health conditions (e.g., liver damage, pancreatitis, anemia, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, nerve damage, and impotence).
Alcohol abusers who require surgery have an increased risk of postoperative complications, including infections, bleeding, insufficient heart and lung functions, and problems with wound healing. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms after surgery may impose further stress on the patient and hinder recuperation.

The Effects of Hangover

Although not traditionally thought of as a medical problem, a 2000 review of studies found that hangovers have significant consequences that include changes in liver function, hormonal balance, and mental functioning and an increased risk for depression and cardiac events. Hangovers can impair job performance, increasing the risk for mistakes and accidents. Interestingly, hangovers are generally more common in light to moderate drinkers than heavy and chronic drinkers, suggesting that binge drinking can be as threatening as chronic drinking. Any man who drinks more than five drinks or any woman who has more than three drinks is at risk for a hangover.