That
alcohol has negative health is a fact known to all. Yet, excessive alcohol
consumption, which includes binge drinking and heavy drinking, is very
prevalent and is becoming a public health problem.
As per
WHO estimates, worldwide, 3.3 million (~6%) deaths every year result from
harmful use of alcohol. The harmful use of alcohol is a causal factor in more
than 200 disease and injury conditions. The latest causal relationships have
been established between harmful drinking and incidence of infectious diseases
such as tuberculosis as well as the course of HIV/AIDS. Overall 5.1 % of the
global burden of disease and injury is attributable to alcohol, as measured in
disability- adjusted life years (WHO).
Here
is a recap of the harmful health effects of alcohol, including social effects,
which not only affect the individual, but also the family, friends and society.
The
short term health risks include
- Injuries, especially
from drunk driving, falls, burns; often, homicides and suicides are also
alcohol-related
- People, especially
younger people, may engage in risky sexual behavior or use other drugs or
other acts of violence under the influence of alcohol.
- Alcohol poisoning
or acute alcohol intoxication of time is a medical emergency due to
drinking too much alcohol over a short period
- In pregnant women,
miscarriage or stillbirth or fetal alcohol syndrome
Drinking
too much alcohol over a long period of time may lead to chronic diseases.
- Liver disease:
Cirrhosis, leading to liver failure requiring a liver transplant
- High blood
pressure, heart disease, stroke, heart failure
- Dementia and
behavioral disorders
- Alcohol has been
linked to seven types of cancer: Mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver,
colon and rectum, breast. Alcohol may also increase the risk of cancers of
the stomach and pancreas.
- Higher risk of
depression, anxiety, and addiction leading to relationship problems,
poor social interactions, unemployment and financial problems
- Alcohol dependence
(Source:
Harvard, CDC, WHO)
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri Awardee
Vice President CMAAO
Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications
President Heart Care Foundation of India
Immediate Past National President IMA
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