Long-term Consequences of Alcohol
Like any drug, alcohol will affect different people in different ways. The long-term effects of alcohol therefore vary from person to person and there is no way of knowing exactly how the drug will affect an individual in the long-term.
Everyday Australians are putting themselves at risk of alcohol-related harm in the long-term through alcohol misuse, binge drinking and drink driving. Excessive drinking and drinking long-term can increase the health risks of alcohol, such as damage to the liver, heart or pancreas. Damage to some body organs can be permanent.
Drinking a lot of alcohol regularly over time is likely to cause physical, emotional or social problems. These may include:
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Cancer, especially of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, bowel (in men) and breast (in women)
- A range of diseases affecting the heart and blood, and including stroke and hypertension
- Problems with the nerves of the arms and legs
- Alcohol-related brain injury
- Alcohol dependence
- Harm to the unborn baby through mixing alcohol and pregnancy or alcohol and breastfeeding
- Poor diet
- Stomach problems
- Frequent infections
- Skin problems
- Reproduction issues, such as sexual impotence and a reduction in fertility
- Concentration and term memory problems
- Depression
- Family and relationship problems
- Poor work performance
- Legal and financial difficulties
Data from the AIHW 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey Report show:
- In the 12 months prior to responding to the survey, 10.3% of respondents had consumed alcohol in a way considered risky or a high risk to their health, in the long-term
- Persons in the 20-29 years age group were most likely to consume alcohol in a way that put them at risk of alcohol-related harm in the long-term
- Females in the age groups 14-19 to 40-49 years were more likely than their male counterparts to consume alcohol at risk or high-risk levels for long-term harm
To reduce the long-term consequences of alcohol, follow the Australian Alcohol Guidelines and enjoy alcohol in moderation. For more information about the health risks of alcohol, click here.
