Excessive consumption of alcohol will have devastating effects on your body, either sooner or later.

This Rehabilitation Guide guide outlines the top 10 diseases caused by excessive drinking.

Cancer

This is the one that gets most people’s attention the fastest. According to a large volume of research, chronic, excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), esophagus, liver, breast and colorectal region.

Heart Diseases

Binge drinking and other forms of heavy drinking cause clumping of the platelets that can lead to blood clots and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. There are a host of other heart problems alcohol abuse leads to including weakened heart muscles, atrial and ventricular fibrillation an hearth arrhythmia.

Cirrhosis

This is the classic disease associated with excessive drinking. Alcohol kills liver cells. In extreme cases, the liver is unable to function any longer. Both women and men are vulnerable, though rates for women are higher.

Dementia

Excessive amounts of alcohol also kill brain cells. Chronic drinking leads to abnormal shrinking of the brain, especially those sectors related to memory, logical thinking, judgment, ability to discern reality, problem solving and other “higher” abilities.

Depression

Depressed people choose alcohol to “self-medicate.” But it is also now established that alcohol can be a contributing factor in the formation of depression in many adults who drink excessively.

Pancreatitis

The pancreas is inflamed by excessive alcohol consumption. When the drinking is chronic, pancreatitis disrupts the digestive system leading to chronic pain and ongoing diarrhea.

Epileptic Seizures

Chronic alcoholism can produce epileptic seizures in people even if they don’t have epilepsy. The alcohol will also interfere with ant-seizure medication in epileptics.

High Blood Pressure

One of the diseases caused by excessive drinking is high blood pressure. When a person drinks excessively, their nervous system can be disrupted. Results include constriction of the blood vessels leading to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and kidney disease.

Infectious Disease

Heavy alcohol consumption suppresses the immune system. It can make you more susceptible to a wide range of infectious diseases including pneumonia, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other STDs.

Nerve Damage

Alcohol abuse damages nerves. The results can be pain in extremities, feelings of being poked by needles and numbness. As the nerve damage worsens, its effects can include muscle weakness, constipation, incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

These are the most common diseases caused by alcohol abuse, but there are more. To decrease your risk, seek treatment of alcoholism if you are an excessive drinker. Alcohol treatment programs have proven effective for millions, reducing their risk of disease and improving their lives.

Learn more about drug addiction, alcoholism treatment, prescription drugs, rehabilitation programs and addiction treatment facilities, by visiting our library of helpful guides and articles.