What are the 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.
