Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse can affect your body from the inside and out in these ways:

• It can cause fatigue and affect the short-term memory.
• There is a much higher chance of developing irreversible and progressive conditions like hepatitis and cirrhosis.
• Excessive drinking is likely to raise blood pressure.
• It increases the risk of mental illnesses and makes existing mental conditions worse.
• It can increase nervous system problems like dementia, confusion or disordered thinking.
• Long-term alcohol abuse can eventually cause the blood vessels around the pancreas to swell, leading to pancreatitis.
• There is a higher risk of developing several cancers, including cancer of the mouth, liver, colon, rectum, breast, prostate, and pharynx.
• There is a higher risk of damaged heart muscles, heart failure or stroke.
• There is a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

People who suffer from alcohol use disorder may experience the following symptoms and behaviour:

• Not being able to limit how much alcohol is consumed.
• Drinking more to feel the effects of alcohol.
• Cutting back on recreational activities that were once important.
• Experiencing a strong urge or desire to consume alcohol.
• Making excuses to drink.
• Storing alcohol in unlikely places.
• Experiencing temporary black outs or short-term memory loss.

• Drinking alone or in secret.
• Showing signs of irritability or extreme mood swings.
• Continuing to drink even though it causes problems in your social, professional and financial life.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking and nausea when alcohol is not consumed, and drinking to avoid these symptoms.