dangers of Alcohol Abuse

Dangers of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is a malaise that is prevalent across all sections of the society. It is different from alcohol dependence as the person suffering from alcohol abuse is not totally relying on alcohol. This does not undermine the dangers of alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse can lead to a series of complications in the life of a person. It is a deceptive condition in which a person remains under the impression that he/she is not alcohol dependent and can counter the harmful effects of alcohol abuse effectively if the need arises. Nevertheless, this is not true. A person suffering from this affliction is seldom able to escape the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Some of the dangers of alcohol abuse are as follows-

Alcoholism: A person suffering from alcohol abuse runs a major risk of developing the problem of alcohol dependence or alcoholism. There is a thin line that separates the two conditions. Alcoholism is a higher degree of alcohol abuse, which can easily happen because a person suffering from alcohol abuse is likely to have work-related and family problems due to his/her drinking habit.  This is one of the major dangers of alcohol abuse.

Adverse effect on work and relationships: Since the person suffering from alcohol abuse is not able to devote his/her time and attention to work and family,  he/she is likely to be neglecting the work and personal relationship including his/her children. Other adverse effects include reporting late for work, inability to meet deadlines, etc. Inability to sustain family and work relationships may lead to unemployment and divorce, which may further become reasons for the patient to continue his/her habit or dependence on alcohol. 

Adverse effect on the Liver: A person suffering from alcohol abuse is susceptible to liver damage and is likely to suffer from liver cirrhosis and hepatitis, which may prove to be fatal. 

Cardio problem: Long term abuse of alcohol leads to increase in heart rate and high blood pressure problem which in turn may cause cardiac arrest and heart failure.

Respiratory problem: Long term abuse of alcohol may lead to Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an affliction of the lungs which makes breathing difficult and may even lead to lung failure.

Neurological complications: Unchecked alcohol abuse can lead to serious neurological problems. Dangers of alcohol abuse include loss of vision, short term amnesia and blackouts after bouts of drinking.


Other Physiological problems: Constant alcohol abuse leads to inflammation of the lining of the stomach and damage to pancreas and cause diabetes related problems.  The person abusing alcohol may gain a lot of excessive weight due to too much drinking.

Effect on Unborn child: Alcohol abuse during pregnancy may cause serious birth defects in the unborn child including the child’s mental growth.

Cancer: Alcohol abuse carried on over for long term can be the reason for developing cancer of the mouth, throat, liver and breast.