Alcoholism - Complications

Skin, Muscle, and Bone Disorders

Severe alcoholism is associated with osteoporosis (loss of bone density), muscular deterioration, skin sores, and itching. Alcohol-dependent women seem to face a higher risk than men for damage to muscles, including muscles of the heart, from the toxic effects of alcohol. Peripheral neuropathy, damage to the nerves in the limbs, occurs in 5 - 15% of people with alcoholism. Such injuries cause tingling, pain, and numbness in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.

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Effects on Reproduction and Fetal Development

Effects Sexual Function and Fertility. Alcoholism increases levels of the female hormone estrogen and reduces levels of the male hormone testosterone, factors that possibly contribute to impotence in men and infertility in women. Such changes may also be responsible for the higher risks for absent periods and abnormal uterine bleeding in women with alcoholism.

Drinking During Pregnancy and Effects on the Infant. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can have damaging effects on the developing fetus, including low birth weight and an increased risk for miscarriage. High amounts can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition that can cause mental and growth retardation. One study indicated a significantly higher risk for leukemia in infants of women who drank any type of alcohol during pregnancy. A 2003 study also suggested that children of mothers who drink during pregnancy have a higher risk for alcohol dependence as they grow older.

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Effect on Weight and Diabetes

Moderate alcohol consumption may help protect the hearts of adults with type 2 diabetes. Heavy drinking however is associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for this form of diabetes. In addition, alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, a drop in blood sugar, which is especially dangerous for people with diabetes who are taking insulin. Intoxicated diabetics may not be able to recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia, a potentially hazardous condition.

The Effect on Central Nervous System and Mental Functioning

Drinking too much alcohol can cause immediate mild neurologic problems in anyone, including insomnia and headache. Long-term alcohol use may even physically affect the brain. Except in severe cases, however, any neurologic damage is not permanent, and abstinence nearly always leads to eventual recovery of normal mental function.

Effect on Mental Functioning. Studies have reported less blood flow in the frontal lobes of the brain, which may reflect links to deeper levels. In a 1999 study, even recent high alcohol use (i.e., within the last 3 months) was associated with some loss of verbal memory and slower reaction times. Researchers are also interested in the effects on the hippocampus. This region in the brain is associated with learning and memory and the regulation of emotion, sensory processing, appetite, and stress. One 2000 study suggests that during adolescence the hippocampus is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of alcohol.