What are the consequences of heavy drinking?
Long-term alcohol abuse has a number of irreversible health effects. Cells are destroyed in nearly every organ of the body. Most of the damage is in the brain and the liver, but serious diseases can also develop in the heart and the stomach. Regular drinking promotes a tolerance to alcohol, allowing the individual to drink more and appear less inebriated. The appearance is deceptive. Despite clear speech, the physical damage to the brain and the liver continues, coordination is still severely affected, withdrawal effects are increased, and the cycle of dependence and addiction has started. Another clear danger from heavy drinking and the resultant alcoholism is the automobile accident. Nearly 50 percent of all fatal traffic accidents are caused by drunk drivers. These accidents are now the most frequent cause of death in the 1 5-to-24 age group. There are more fatalities per licensed driver at 18 than at any other age.
