Effects of Prolonged Alcohol Use
Type of Problem |
Effects |
Nutritional |
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Anemia (fatigue, weakness, and light-headedness) Birth defects |
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Neurologic damage, dementia, difficulty walking and controlling eye movements |
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Anemia |
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Pellagra (skin damage, diarrhea, and depression) |
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Gastrointestinal |
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Esophagus |
Inflammation (esophagitis) |
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Stomach |
Inflammation (gastritis) Ulcers |
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Liver |
A bleeding tendency (coagulopathy) Inflammation (hepatitis) Severe scarring (cirrhosis) |
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Pancreas |
Inflammation (pancreatitis) Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) |
Cardiovascular |
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Heart |
Disturbance of the heart’s rhythm (arrhythmia) |
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Blood vessels |
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Neurologic |
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Brain |
Confusion Poor short-term memory (poor recall of recent events) Psychosis (loss of contact with reality) Reduced coordination |
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Nerves |
Deterioration of nerves in the arms and legs that control movements (reduced ability to walk) and sensation. |
Genitourinary |
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Reproductive organs |
In men, enlarged breasts, smooth skin, and shrinking of the testes |