Physical Effects of Alcoholism

The physical health risks of alcoholism include:

• Delirium tremens
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy)
• High blood pressure
• Cerebral haemorrhage (stroke)
• Coronary heart disease

The psychiatric risks include:

• Depression
• Suicidal feelings
• Personality deterioration
• Sexual performance problems
• Dementia and mental impairments
• Hallucination
• Memory loss

Alcoholism affects not only physical and mental health, but all aspects of life: relationships, careers, finances, law-abiding behaviour and leisure time activities. Alcohol abuse may also affect personal safety, as impaired judgement may lead the sufferer into dangerous situations they would normally avoid.

Other information about alcoholism:

• Alcoholism Treatment at Lynwode Manor
• 12 Step Programme
• Alcoholism Family Counselling
• What is Alcoholism?
• Signs of Alcoholism
• Alcoholism in the Workplace
• Alcohol Facts and Figures