Alcoholism - Complications

Moreover, a 2002 report indicated that over time chronic alcohol abuse can impair so-called "executive functions," which include problem solving, mental flexibility, short-term memory, and attention. These problems are usually mild to moderate and can last for weeks or even years after a person quits drinking. In fact, such persistent problems in judgment are possibly one reason for the difficulty in quitting. Alcoholic patients who have co-existing psychiatric or neurologic problems are at particular risk for mental confusion and depression.

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Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a serious consequence of severe thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency in alcoholism. Symptoms of this syndrome include severe loss of balance, confusion, and memory loss. Eventually, it can result in permanent brain damage and death. Once the syndrome develops, oral supplements have no effect, and only adequate and rapid intravenous vitamin B1 can treat this serious condition.

Peripheral Neuropathy. Vitamin B1 deficiencies can also lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes pain, tingling, and other abnormal sensations in the arms and legs.

Click the icon to see an image of the nervous system.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

People with alcoholism should be sure to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Even apparently well-nourished people with alcoholism may be deficient in important nutrients. Deficiencies in vitamin B are particularly health risks in people with alcoholism. Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, however, can also cause widespread health problems.

Folate Deficiencies. Alcohol interferes with the metabolism of folate, a very important B vitamin, called folic acid when used as a supplement. Folate deficiencies can cause severe anemia. Deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the infant. Folate deficiencies and alcoholism have also been associated with a higher risk for cancer and heart disease, particularly in women under 60.

Vitamin B1 Deficiencies. Many of the B vitamins are essential for nerve protection. Severe deficiencies are common in alcoholism and can have serious consequences on the central nervous system, notably peripheral neuropathy and, in very severe cases, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Drug Interactions

The effects of many medications are strengthened by alcohol, while others are inhibited. Of particular importance is alcohol's reinforcing effect on anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications. Alcohol also interacts with many drugs used by diabetics. It interferes with drugs that prevent seizures or blood clotting. It increases the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding in people taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen. Chronic alcohol abusers have a particularly high risk for adverse side effects from consuming alcohol while taking certain antibiotics. These side effects include flushing, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In other words, taking almost any medication should preclude drinking alcohol.

At a Glance: Effects of Alcohol
Medical Problem	Risks and Benefits form Light-Moderate Drinking	Risks from Binge Drinking and Hangovers	Risks from Heavy Chronic Drinking
Liver Disorders		Changes in liver function.	Alcoholic hepatitis. Fatty liver. Cirrhosis.
Gastrointestinal Problems	Benefits: May be protective against gallstones. (Binge drinking or heavy drinking is not protective.)	Diarrhea.	Diarrhea. Hemorrhoids. Pancreatitis. Bleeding in the intestines and stomach. Tears in the esophagus from violent vomiting.
Heart Disease	Benefits: May reduce risk for heart disease caused by blockage of arteries.	High blood pressure. Increased heart rate. Heart rhythm disturbances.	High blood pressure. Weakened heart muscles leading to failure.
Stroke	Benefits: Moderate drinking may help reduce risk for ischemic stroke (strokes caused by blockage in the arteries to the brain.)	Hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding into the brain).	Strokes caused by bleeding (hemorrhagic) or blocked arteries (ischemic).
Cancer	Risks. Associated with higher risk for breast cancer in women.		Cancers in the head and neck, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, cervix, and vagina. (Such cancers may be related to smoking, however.) Effect of heavy drinking on breast cancer is unclear.
Neurologic or Mental Disorders	Benefits: May be protective against dementia. Risks: Insomnia. Headache.	Memory impairment and problems in thinking and concentration.	Nerve damage from severe vitamin deficiencies. Impairment in mental functioning and memory. Emotional disorders, psychosis. Loss of restorative sleep. Dementia. Peripheral neuropathy.
Genital and Reproductive Problems	Risks: Although increases sexual drive, even modest drinking can cause impotence in men. Even moderate drinking during pregnancy increases risk for birth defects.	Any drinking during pregnancy increases risk for birth defects.	Impotence in men. Menstrual disorders and infertility in women. Drinking during pregnancy increases risk for birth defects.
Immune System			Increased susceptibility to infections.
Skin, Muscle, and Bone Disorders			Osteoporosis. Muscular deterioration from malnutrition. Skin sores. Itching.
Diabetes	Benefits. May protect against type 2 diabetes. Risks: Associated with hypoglycemia.	Hypoglycemia.	Hypoglycemia. Weight gain may increase risk for type 2 diabetes.
Blood	Benefits: Chemicals in red wine, called polyphenols, may reduce the risk for blood clots.		Anemia from folate deficiencies. Low white cell count (increased risk for infection). Low platelet count.
Lung Disorders			Acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pneumonia.