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Probably the most well known problem of alcohol abuse is Cirrhosis of the liver, this is when fibrous scar tissue develops instead of healthy ones which restricts the flow of blood through the organ thereby rendering it inefficient in its ability to carry out its usual functions of detoxifying the blood, converting glycogen to glucose, producing bile and other enzymes that are vital for a healthy body to function.
Heavy drinkers also run the risk of inflammation of the digestion tract which has been linked to cancer in these regions as well as the increased risk of ulcers.
This interruption in the stomach functions can in certain circumstances lead to a deficiency in iron and vitamin B which in turn brings other complications.
As alcohol primarily affects the brain, long term abuse can destroy cells, leading to atrophy and interrupting its ability to manufacture important chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin.
Finally, because alcohol enters the blood so easily, it is passed directly to a foetus affecting it in the same ways as it does an adult.
This may lead to a smaller birth weight and other more serious defects, which is why it is very important that not only pregnant women abstain from drinking alcohol, but anybody who is trying to conceive should too.
How to help an alcoholic. The first step is getting the person to recognise that they have a problem, if they are unwilling to face it you will find it almost impossible to continue. Research the local help groups or councillors so that you have the information to hand if the subject agrees to seeking help as time lost afterwards may be costly. Do not confront the person after they have been drinking as this can provoke arguments or worse, physical violence. Chose a time when the subject is sober and you are alone together preferably just after an alcohol related incident where the subject was involved and perhaps is feeling a measure of remorse, use other incidents to underline the problem.
Always indicate what you are prepared to do to help with the problem but do not promise anything that you are not prepared to see through. If you feel that you are too close to the problem or believe that the person will not listen to you, find another family member or very close friend who is willing to undertake the task.
© Ian Richards April 2006
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