Alcohol addiction is often seen as a problem that only harms the liver, but in reality its impacts are much broader. Drinking alcohol in excessive amounts can affect almost every organ system in the body and lead to various health problems that may not be noticed right away.

Impact of Alcohol Addiction on Health

Digestive and Pancreatic Disorders

In addition to the liver, the digestive system is highly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can inflame the lining of the stomach and lead to ulcers in the stomach and esophagus.

Alcohol also interferes with the absorption of important nutrients, especially B-complex vitamins such as thiamine (B1), essential for healthy brain and nerve function. In more severe situations, long-term alcohol intake can damage the pancreas and increase the risk of pancreatitis.

Impact on the Heart and Cardiovascular System

Heavy alcohol consumption, even if it happens occasionally, can cause heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation. Over time, alcohol can also increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, and cardiomyopathy.

Metabolic Disorders and Diabetes

Alcohol can disrupt the liver’s ability to release glucose into the bloodstream. This increases the risk of hypoglycemia, the condition in which blood sugar drops to dangerous levels, especially in people with diabetes who use insulin. If hypoglycemia is not treated quickly, it can lead to confusion, seizures, and even coma.

Reproductive and Sexual Health Issues

In men, alcohol addiction is frequently associated with sexual dysfunction. In women, drinking too much alcohol can disturb the menstrual cycle and reduce fertility.

For pregnant women, excessive alcohol intake also carries serious risks, ranging from miscarriage to babies born with developmental disorders due to alcohol exposure. These conditions can cause physical abnormalities, delayed growth, and learning difficulties.

Nerve and Brain Damage

The nervous system is especially sensitive to the toxic effects of alcohol. People who often drink large amounts of alcohol may experience tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet.

In addition, a lack of vitamin B1 caused by alcohol can lead to serious neurological disorders that are marked by confusion, poor coordination, and short-term memory loss. If these symptoms are not treated, the damage can become permanent.

Bone and Spinal Cord Disorders

Alcohol can slow down the formation of new bone cells, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It also harms the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. This damage can significantly reduce platelet counts, making bruises appear more easily and causing bleeding that is difficult to control.

Compromised Immune System

People who are addicted to alcohol are more likely to develop infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB).

When alcohol is consumed in large amounts over a long period, immune cells become less active and do not work properly. As a result, the body struggles to fight off invading germs, infections develop more easily, and existing illnesses can worsen quickly.

If alcohol addiction is not addressed, its impacts can damage almost every system in the body. If you or someone close to you starts to notice symptoms of alcohol addiction or health problems related to alcohol use, see a doctor right away or use the health consultation service in the Ai Care app, which is available on the App Store and Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!