What is alcohol abuse?

Alcohol abuse is defined by the World Health Organisation as the consumption of more than 21 units of alcohol per week for males, and 14 units of alcohol per week for females. It is well established that on average females are more susceptible than are males to the harmful effects of alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is also considered by some to be occurring if a person drinks routinely on more than 5 days of the week. In practical terms, alcohol abuse for a male equates the consumption of more than 8 pints of typical strength lager in a week, on an on-going basis. Alcohol abuse for a female equates to the consumption of more than 1.5 bottles of wine in a week on an on-going basis. Consumption of 1 unit of alcohol daily on 5 days of the week in contrast to alcohol abuse, is actually likely to improve health, through a protective effect on the heart.

What are the physical effects of alcohol abuse?

Alcohol abuse can lead to many harmful effects on a range of body systems. The most well recognized adverse effect of alcohol abuse is liver damage, leading in severe cases to liver cirrhosis. However, alcohol abuse can damage almost any body system. Brain damage caused by alcohol abuse includes dementia and severe memory loss. Alcohol abuse increases the chances of heart attacks occurring and raises blood pressure. Alcohol abuse increases the chances of occurrence of many cancers of the gastro-intestinal tract, including stomach cancer. The pancreas can be severely damaged by alcohol abuse, as can the body´s nervous system.

What are the social effects of alcohol abuse?

Alcohol abuse is well recognized as a cause of deteriorating relationships. Alcohol abuse is also associated with increases in crime, violence and unemployment.
What are the psychological effects of alcohol abuse?

Alcohol is a depressant and alcohol abuse is a common cause of depression. Typically depression caused by alcohol abuse resolves by itself when the alcohol abuse ceases. Alcohol abuse can cause increased anxiety levels and panic attacks. Paranoia and mental confusion can occur in severe cases of alcohol abuse.

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