Consequences of Alcoholism on the Body

Chronic alcoholism has dangerous side effects that negatively impact a drinker’s physical health. We will break down the consequences of alcoholism on the body by categorizing the organs and bodily systems that are affected by chronic alcoholism. Whether on a single occasion, over time, or through binge drinking, alcohol is always poisonous to us if we drink too much and this has its consequences.

Side Effects of Alcoholism on the Brain

Without brain function we are brain dead, unable to live our daily lives, and excessive, chronic alcoholism can lead to that. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.

Consequences of Drinking Alcohol on the Heart

Your heart is by far the most important organ in the body, and it is strained when you become a chronic alcoholic. Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing problems including:

• Cardiomyopathy – Stretching and drooping of the heart muscle
• Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeat
• Stroke
• High blood pressure

Side Effects of Drinking on the Liver

It’s common knowledge that drinking destroys the liver. Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver and can lead to a variety of problems and liver inflammations including:
• Steatosis, or fatty liver
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Fibrosis
• Cirrhosis

Consequences of Alcohol Abuse on the Pancreas

Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion.

Alcoholism Help in New Jersey

If you or a loved one need alcoholism help in New Jersey or out-of-state, our addiction specialists are here to assist. We have decades of experience in treating substance use disorders including chronic alcoholism. The disease of alcoholism is progressive and fatal if you simply continue drinking without medical intervention. Allow the team at New Jersey Addiction Interventions to offer the resources, guidance, and support needed to achieve long-term sobriety.