Long-term effects of alcohol

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The

alcohol use disorder) causes severe health consequences which outweigh any potential benefits.[3]

Long-term alcohol consumption is capable of damaging nearly every organ and system in the body.

fetal alcohol syndrome for women who drink while pregnant.[11]

Conversely, light intake of alcohol may have some beneficial effects. The association of alcohol intake with reduced cardiovascular risk has been noted since 1904

cholelithiasis.[14] However, these are only observational studies and high-quality evidence for the beneficial effects of alcohol is nonexistent.[15] Alcohol does have psychosocial benefits such as stress reduction, mood elevation, increased sociability, and relaxation,[3] but it is unclear if these outweigh the confirmed increase in the risk of cancer.[15]

Overall effect

Disability-adjusted life year for alcohol use disorders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2004:
  No data
  Less than 50
  50–150
  150–250
  250–350
  350–450
  450–550
  550–650
  650–750
  750–850
  850–950
  950–1050
  more than 1050

The level of ethanol consumption that minimizes the risk of disease, injury, and death is subject to some controversy.[16] Several studies have found a J-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and health,[17][18][2][19] meaning that risk is minimized at a certain (non-zero) consumption level, and drinking below or above this level increases risk, with the risk level of drinking a large amount of alcohol greater than the risk level of abstinence. Other studies have found a dose-response relationship, with lifetime abstention from alcohol being the optimal strategy and more consumption incurring more risk.[20] The studies use different data sets and statistical techniques so cannot be directly compared. Some older studies included former and occasional drinkers in the "abstainers" category, which obscures the benefits of lifetime abstention as former drinkers often are in poor health.[21] However, the J-curve was reconfirmed by studies that took the mentioned confounders into account.[22][23][24][25] Nonetheless, some authors remain suspicious that the apparent health benefits of light alcohol use are in large part due to various selection biases and competing risks.[18][26] Mendelian randomization studies have been inconsistent regarding the risk curve, with 3 studies finding no non-linearity (dose-response) and 2 studies finding a J-shape for lipid profiles. The variance in alcohol consumption that is explained by genetics is small, requiring large sample sizes and potentially violating assumptions of the analysis.[27]

As one reviewer noted, "Despite the wealth of observational data, it is not absolutely clear that alcohol reduces risk, because no randomized controlled trials have been performed."

β-carotene. Similarly to alcohol, observational studies for each of these treatments showed significantly reduced risk of coronary heart disease. However, initial randomized trials of these treatments failed to replicate the effect.[15] For HRT, pooling multiple RCTs and stratifying the data by age and time since menopause showed the benefits were limited to treatment soon after menopause.[32] For vitamin E, trials have shown that the benefits are limited to certain populations such as those with diabetes and a specific genotype.[33] For β-carotene, the randomized trials have shown that β-carotene increases CVD risk when supplemented, with all beneficial effects due to other vitamins in foods providing β-carotene.[34]

In light of the conflicting evidence, many have cautioned against recommendations for the use of alcohol for health benefits. At a symposium in 1997, Peter Anderson labeled such alcohol promotion as "ridiculous and dangerous".

alcohol industry, with industry participation in the wording of messages and warnings.[37][38] Considered as a treatment for cardiovascular disease, alcohol is addictive, has greater risk of adverse effects, and is less effective than other interventions such as heart medications,[35] exercise, or good nutrition.[39] The available evidence is in agreement that current drinking levels are too high. The World Health Organization has emphasized the need to revise alcohol control policies worldwide in order to reduce overall alcohol consumption.[1]

The World

Globally, assuming the J-shaped curve is correct, the age-standardised, both-sexes consumption that minimizes risk is about 5 grams of ethanol per day, and an average individual would cause themselves harm by drinking more than 17 grams per day.[2] However, the average intake among current drinkers in 2016 was approximately 40 grams of ethanol per day.[a] Alcohol use accounted for 1.78 million deaths in 2020 and was the leading risk factor for mortality among males aged 15–49 years. 1.03 billion males (35.1% of the male population aged ≥15 years, ~2/3 of male drinkers) and 312 million females (10.5% of the female population aged ≥15 years, ~1/3 of female drinkers) consumed harmful amounts of alcohol.[2][b] The proportion of the population consuming harmful amounts of alcohol has stayed at approximately the same level over the past three decades. Risk is greatest in the population aged 15–39,[2] due to binge drinking which may result in violence or accidents.[21] 3 million deaths each year result from harmful use of alcohol worldwide. This represents 5.3% of all deaths across the globe. Besides this, 5.1% of the global burden of disease and injury is attributable to alcohol, as measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by the World Health Organization all as of May 2022.[40]

Extensive research of Western cultures has consistently shown increased survival associated with light to moderate alcohol consumption.[21][41] One study reported a "safe" drinking limit of up to 100 grams of pure alcohol per week.[42] In contrast to studies of Western cultures, research in other cultures has yielded some opposite findings.

India

A large study of 4465 subjects in India confirmed the possible harm of alcohol consumption on coronary risk in men. Compared to lifetime abstainers, alcohol users had higher blood sugar (2 mg/dl), blood pressure (2 mm Hg) levels, and the HDL-C levels (2 mg/dl) and significantly higher tobacco use (63% vs. 21%). Asian Indians who consume alcohol had a 60% higher risk of heart attack which was greater with local spirits (80%) than branded spirits (50%).[43] The harm was observed in alcohol users classified as occasional as well as regular light, moderate, and heavy consumers.[43]

Russia

One study claims that "excessive alcohol consumption in Russia, particularly by men, has in recent years caused more than half of all the deaths at ages 15–54 years."[44] However, there are some difficulties with this study. For instance, the same study also found a protective effect of heavy drinking on breast cancer mortality. This contradicts the well established scientific view that alcohol increases breast cancer risk.[45] On this account in further correspondence it was advised that "careful interpretation of mortality statistics in relation to alcohol use is needed, taking into account other relevant risk factors, incidence, and survival."[46]

South Asia

The landmark INTERHEART Study has revealed that alcohol consumption in South Asians was not protective against CAD in sharp contrast to other populations who benefit from it.[47]

United Kingdom

A governmental report from Britain has found that "There were 8,724 alcohol-related deaths in 2007, lower than 2006, but more than double the 4,144 recorded in 1991. The alcohol-related death rate was 13.3 per 100,000 population in 2007, compared with 6.9 per 100,000 population in 1991."[48] In Scotland, the NHS estimate that in 2003 one in every 20 deaths could be attributed to alcohol.[49] A 2009 report noted that the death rate from alcohol-related disease was 9,000, a number three times that of 25 years previously.[50]

A UK report came to the result that the effects of low-to-moderate alcohol consumption on mortality are age-dependent. Low-to-moderate alcohol use increases the risk of death for individuals aged 16–34 (due to increased risk of cancers, accidents, liver disease, and other factors), but decreases the risk of death for individuals ages 55+ (due to decreased risk of ischemic heart disease).[51]

A study in the United Kingdom found that alcohol causes about 4% of cancer cases in the UK (12,500 cases per year).[52]

United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, "From 2001–2005, there were approximately 79,000 deaths annually attributable to excessive alcohol use. In fact, excessive alcohol use is the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death for people in the United States each year."[53] A 1993 study estimated US deaths through alcohol at 100,000.[54] Another CDC report from 2001 estimated that medium and high consumption of alcohol led to 75,754 deaths in the United States in 2001. Low consumption of alcohol had some beneficial effects, so a net 59,180 deaths were attributed to alcohol.[55]

Cardiovascular system

Alcohol has been found to have anticoagulant properties.[56] Thrombosis is lower among moderate drinkers than abstainers.[57] A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that alcohol consumption in moderation decreases serum levels of fibrinogen, a protein that promotes clot formation, while it increases levels of tissue type plasminogen activator, an enzyme that helps dissolve clots.[58] These changes were estimated to reduce coronary heart disease risk by about 24%. Another meta-analysis in 2011 found favorable changes in HDL cholesterol, adiponectin, and fibrinogen associated with moderate alcohol consumption.[59] A systematic review based on 16,351 participants showed J-shaped curve for the overall relationship between cardiovascular mortality and alcohol intake. Maximal protective effect was shown with 5–10 g of alcohol consumption per day and the effect was significant up to 26 g/day alcohol consumption.[60] Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a putative marker of inflammation and predictor of CHD (coronary heart disease) risk, are lower in moderate drinkers than in those who abstain from alcohol, suggesting that alcohol consumption in moderation might have anti-inflammatory effects.[61][62][63] Data from one prospective study suggest that, among men with initially low alcohol consumption (</=1 drink per week), a subsequent moderate increase in alcohol consumption may lower their CVD risk.[64]

Peripheral arterial disease

A prospective study published in 1997 found "moderate alcohol consumption appears to decrease the risk of PAD in apparently healthy men."[65] In a large population-based study, moderate alcohol consumption was inversely associated with peripheral arterial disease in women but not in men. But when confounding by smoking was considered, the benefit extended to men. The study concluded "an inverse association between alcohol consumption and peripheral arterial disease was found in nonsmoking men and women."[66][67]

Intermittent claudication

A study found that moderate consumption of alcohol had a protective effect against intermittent claudication. The lowest risk was seen in men who drank 1 to 2 drinks per day and in women who drank half to 1 drink per day.[68]

Heart attack and stroke

Drinking in moderation has been found to help those who have had a

heart attack survive it.[69][70][71] However, excessive alcohol consumption leads to an increased risk of heart failure.[72] A review of the literature found that half a drink of alcohol offered the best level of protection. However, they noted that at present there have been no randomised trials to confirm the evidence which suggests a protective role of low doses of alcohol against heart attacks.[73] There is an increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and stroke if three or more standard drinks of alcohol are taken per day.[74] A systematic review reported that reducing alcohol intake lowers blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner in heavy drinkers. For people who drank two or fewer drinks per day, no difference was found.[75]

Cardiomyopathy

Large amounts of alcohol over the long term can lead to alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy presents in a manner clinically identical to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, involving hypertrophy of the musculature of the heart that can lead to congestive heart failure.[76]

Hematologic diseases

Alcoholics may have

hypersplenism.[78]

Atrial fibrillation

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm. This remains true even at moderate levels of consumption.[79]

Nervous system

Results of the ISCD 2010 study ranking the levels of damage caused by drugs, in the opinion of drug-harm experts. When harm to self and others is summed, alcohol was the most harmful of all drugs considered, scoring 72%.

Chronic heavy alcohol consumption impairs brain development, causes

blackout phenomenon
.

Strokes

Epidemiological studies of middle-aged populations generally find the relationship between alcohol intake and the risk of stroke to be either U- or J-shaped.[88][89][90][91] There may be very different effects of alcohol based on the type of stroke studied. The predominant form of stroke in Western cultures is ischemic, whereas non-western cultures have more hemorrhagic stroke. In contrast to the beneficial effect of alcohol on ischemic stroke, consumption of more than two drinks per day increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The National Stroke Association estimates this higher amount of alcohol increases stroke risk by 50%.[92] "For stroke, the observed relationship between alcohol consumption and risk in a given population depends on the proportion of strokes that are hemorrhagic. Light-to-moderate alcohol intake is associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke which is likely to be, in part, causal. Hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, displays a log-linear relationship with alcohol intake."[93]

Brain

Alcohol misuse is associated with widespread and significant brain lesions. Alcohol related brain damage is not only due to the direct toxic effects of alcohol; alcohol withdrawal, nutritional deficiency, electrolyte disturbances, and liver damage are also believed to contribute to alcohol-related brain damage.[94]

Cognition and dementia

Excessive alcohol intake is associated with impaired prospective memory. This impaired cognitive ability leads to increased failure to carry out an intended task at a later date, for example, forgetting to lock the door or to post a letter on time. The higher the volume of alcohol consumed and the longer consumed, the more severe the impairments.[95] One of the organs most sensitive to the toxic effects of chronic alcohol consumption is the brain. In the United States approximately 20% of admissions to mental health facilities are related to alcohol-related cognitive impairment, most notably alcohol-related dementia. Chronic excessive alcohol intake is also associated with serious cognitive decline and a range of neuropsychiatric complications. The elderly are the most sensitive to the toxic effects of alcohol on the brain.[96] There is some inconclusive evidence that small amounts of alcohol taken in earlier adult life is protective in later life against cognitive decline and dementia.[97] However, a study concluded, "Our findings suggest that, despite previous suggestions, moderate alcohol consumption does not protect older people from cognitive decline."[98]

symptoms are amnesia and executive dysfunction.[100] "Banana bags", intravenous fluid containers containing vitamins and minerals (bright yellow due to the vitamins), can be used to mitigate these outcomes.[101][102]

Essential tremor

Essential tremors—or, in the case of essential tremors on a background of family history of essential tremors, familial tremors—can be temporarily relieved in up to two-thirds of patients by drinking small amounts of alcohol.[103]

Ethanol is known to activate aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) and inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors, which are both implicated in essential tremor pathology[104] and could underlie the ameliorative effects.[105][106] Additionally, the effects of ethanol have been studied in different animal essential tremor models. (For more details on this topic, see Essential tremor).

Sleep

Chronic use of alcohol used to induce sleep can lead to

REM sleep and REM sleep fragmentation. During withdrawal REM sleep is typically exaggerated as part of a rebound effect.[107]

Mental health effects

High rates of major depressive disorder occur in heavy drinkers. Whether it is more true that major depressive disorder causes self-medicating alcohol use, or the increased incidence of the disorder in people with an alcohol use disorder is caused by the drinking, is not known though some evidence suggests drinking causes the disorder.[108] Alcohol misuse is associated with a number of mental health disorders and alcoholics have a very high suicide rate.[109] A study of people hospitalized for suicide attempts found that those who were alcoholics were 75 times more likely to go on to successfully commit suicide than non-alcoholic suicide attempts.[110] In the general alcoholic population the increased risk of suicide compared to the general public is 5-20 times greater. About 15 percent of alcoholics commit suicide, the most common methods being overdosing and cutting/scratching. There are high rates of suicide attempts, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and self-harm ideation in people with substance dependence who have been hospitalized.[111] Use of other illicit drugs is also associated with an increased risk of suicide. About 33 percent of suicides in the under 35s are correlated with alcohol or other substance misuse.[112]

alcohol use disorder include impairments in perceiving facial emotions, prosody perception problems and theory of mind deficits; the ability to understand humor is also impaired in people with an alcohol use disorder.[113]

Studies have shown that alcohol dependence relates directly to

thiamin deficiency. It is possible in some cases that excessive alcohol use, via a kindling mechanism, can cause the development of a chronic substance-induced psychotic disorder, i.e. schizophrenia. The effects of an alcohol-related psychosis include an increased risk of depression and suicide as well as psychosocial impairments.[120] However, moderate wine drinking has been shown to lower the risk for depression.[122]

While

rebound anxiety syndromes and sleep disorders. A person who is experiencing the toxic effects of alcohol will not benefit from other therapies or medications as they do not address the root cause of the symptoms.[124]

Addiction to alcohol, as with any

N-acetylcysteine have been proposed for the treatment of addiction to cocaine, nicotine, and alcohol.[125]

The effect on depression and returning to drinking among individuals with alcohol dependence has always been controversial. Studies show that after doing a study on men and women hospitalized for alcohol dependence the likelihood of returning to drinking with depression is extremely high. A diagnosis of major depression at entry into an inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence showed shorter times to first drink and also relapse in both women and men.[126]

Digestive system and weight gain

The impact of alcohol on weight-gain is contentious: some studies find no effect,[127] others find decreased[128] or increased effect on weight gain.

Alcohol use increases the risk of chronic gastritis (stomach inflammation);[3][129] it is one cause of cirrhosis, hepatitis, and pancreatitis in both its chronic and acute forms.

Metabolic syndrome

A national survey (NHANES) conducted in the U.S. concluded, "Mild to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, with a favorable influence on lipids, waist circumference, and fasting insulin. This association was strongest among whites and among beer and wine drinkers."[130] Similarly, a national survey conducted in Korea reported a J-curve association between alcohol intake and metabolic syndrome: "The results of the present study suggest that the metabolic syndrome is negatively associated with light alcohol consumption (1–15 g alcohol/d) in Korean adults," but risk increased at higher alcohol consumption.[131]

Gallbladder effects

Research has found that drinking reduces the risk of developing

gallstones. Compared with alcohol abstainers, the relative risk of gallstone disease, controlling for age, sex, education, smoking, and body mass index, is 0.83 for occasional and regular moderate drinkers (< 25 ml of ethanol per day), 0.67 for intermediate drinkers (25-50 ml per day), and 0.58 for heavy drinkers. This inverse association was consistent across strata of age, sex, and body mass index."[132] Frequency of drinking also appears to be a factor. "An increase in frequency of alcohol consumption also was related to decreased risk. Combining the reports of quantity and frequency of alcohol intake, a consumption pattern that reflected frequent intake (5–7 days/week) of any given amount of alcohol was associated with a decreased risk, as compared with nondrinkers. In contrast, infrequent alcohol intake (1–2 days/week) showed no significant association with risk."[133]

A large self-reported study published in 1998 found no correlation between gallbladder disease and multiple factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and coffee consumption.

ascorbic acid) supplement use in drinkers was associated with a lower prevalence of gallbladder disease, but this association was not seen in non-drinkers.[135]

Liver disease

silymarin, appear to offer some benefit.[136][137] Alcohol is a leading cause of liver cancer in the Western world, accounting for 32-45% of hepatic cancers. Up to half a million people in the United States develop alcohol-related liver cancer.[138][139]

Pancreatitis

Alcohol misuse is a leading cause of both acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.[140][141] Alcoholic pancreatitis can result in severe abdominal pain and may progress to pancreatic cancer.[142] Chronic pancreatitis often results in intestinal malabsorption, and can result in diabetes.[143]

Body composition

Alcohol affects the nutritional state of chronic drinkers. It can decrease food consumption and lead to malabsorption. It can also create imbalances in skeletal muscle mass and cause muscle wasting. Chronic consumption of alcohol can also increase the breakdown of important proteins in the body which can affect gene expression.[144]

Oral and dental implications

In fetal alcohol syndrome

The frequency, time, and amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause various dental anomalies in children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Not only does it increase the chance of children developing cleft lip and palate, newborns will tend to show agenesis, maxillary overjet, crowded incisors, anterior open bite and diastemas. These dental and maxillofacial changes are thought to be caused by the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the fetus in which FAS causes an alteration in the MSX1 and MSX2 genes. Both genes play an important part in the maxillary process's fusion and odontogenic formation.[citation needed]

Oral clefts

Various maternal behavioral factors have been known to increase the risk of oral clefts such as folate deficiency, antiepileptic drugs, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Even though alcohol is known to be a folic acid antagonist, there is no significant correlation between mild to moderate consumption of alcohol during pregnancy and the risk of oral clefts. However, as a baby's palate and lip develop during the first trimester of the pregnancy (first 12 weeks), mothers should be aware to avoid drinking during this time. Research on the correlation between heavy drinking and orofacial cleft is still necessary for confirmation.[145]

Oral cancer

The consumption of alcohol alone is not associated with an increased risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); however, the synergistic consumption of alcohol and tobacco is positively associated with the occurrence of (OSCC), and significantly increases an individual's risk. Studies confirm that alcohol dissolves the lipid component of epithelium and increases the permeability, amplifying the toxicity of carcinogenic components of tobacco. Limiting the overall consumption of the two has shown to reduce the risk of OSCC by three-fourth. The knowledge provided is useful for better understanding the differences in the effect of the combined consumption of alcohol and tobacco, in the development of OSCC.[146]

Alcohol consumption has frequently been associated with an increased risk of oral cancer in current literature. Studies have found that people that consume alcohol were two times more likely to develop oral cancer in comparison to people who did not. The mechanisms in which alcohol acts as a carcinogen within the oral cavity are currently not fully understood. It is thought to be a multifactorial disease which then gives rise to a cancerous lesion. Many theories have become apparent in research, including alcohol being responsible for high estrogen and androgen levels, specifically in women, which may facilitate the alcohol-related immunodeficiency and/or immunosuppression that causes carcinogenesis. Therefore, immediate cessation of the habit of alcohol consumption can aid in decreasing the risk of oral cancer.[147]

Alcohol-based mouthwashes used to be very common and can still be purchased for use today. Correlation in the presence of alcohol in mouthwashes with development of oral and pharyngeal cancer is unknown due to lack of evidence. However, it has been suggested that acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, plays a role in the carcinogenesis of alcohol in oral cancer. Acetaldehyde, has been found to increase when in the salivary medium after an alcoholic beverage has been consumed and could possibly occur with alcohol-based mouthwashes as well, posing as a possible risk factor for oral cancer. However, more research must be conducted regarding these theories.[148]

Periodontitis

Alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the gums around the teeth. There was also found to be a dose-response relationship in which the risk of periodontitis increased by 0.4% for each additional gram of daily alcohol consumption. Mechanisms explaining the relationship between the two are still unclear; however, several explanations have been suggested. One explanation is the weakening of neutrophil activity by alcohol consumption which potentially leads to bacterial overgrowth and increases bacterial penetration subsequently leading to periodontal inflammation and periodontal disease. Characteristics of the disease include shrinkage of gingival height and increased mobility of teeth which may exfoliate if the disease continues to progress. A patient's consumption of alcohol needs to be monitored to estimate the risk of periodontitis, but further well-designed cohort studies are needed to reaffirm theses results.[149]

Other systems

Respiratory system

Chronic alcohol ingestion can impair multiple critical cellular functions in the lungs.[150] These cellular impairments can lead to increased susceptibility to serious complications from lung disease. Recent research cites alcoholic lung disease as comparable to liver disease in alcohol-related mortality.[151] Alcoholics have a higher risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and experience higher rates of mortality from ARDS when compared to non-alcoholics.[152] In contrast to these findings, a large prospective study has shown a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on respiratory mortality.[153]

Kidney stones

Research indicates that drinking beer or wine is associated with a lower risk of developing

kidney stones.[154][155][156][157]

Sexual function in men

Low to moderate alcohol consumption is shown to have protective effect for men's erectile function. Several reviews and

meta-analyses of existing literature show that low to moderate alcohol consumption significantly decrease erectile dysfunction risk.[158][159][160][161]

Men's sexual behaviors can be affected dramatically by high alcohol consumption. Both chronic and acute alcohol consumption have been shown in most studies

NADH ratio both in the liver and the testes; since the synthesis of testosterone requires NAD+, this tends to reduce testosterone production.[166][167]

Long term excessive intake of alcohol can lead to damage to the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system resulting in loss of sexual desire and impotence in men.[168] This is caused by reduction of testosterone from ethanol-induced testicular atrophy, resulting in increased feminisation of males and is a clinical feature of alcohol abusing males who have cirrhosis of the liver.[169]

Hormonal imbalance

Excessive alcohol intake can result in

testicular failure and the development of feminine traits including development of male breasts, called gynecomastia.[171][172] In women, increased levels of estrogen due to excessive alcohol intake have been related to an increased risk of breast cancer.[172][173]

Diabetes mellitus

A meta-analysis determined the dose-response relationships by sex and end point using lifetime abstainers as the reference group. A U-shaped relationship was found for both sexes. Compared with lifetime abstainers, the relative risk (RR) for type 2 diabetes among men was most protective when consuming 22 g/day alcohol and became deleterious at just over 60 g/day alcohol. Among women, consumption of 24 g/day alcohol was most protective, and became deleterious at about 50 g/day alcohol.[citation needed] A systematic review on intervention studies in women also supported this finding. It reported that alcohol consumption in moderation improved insulin sensitivity among women.[13]

The way in which alcohol is consumed (i.e., with meals or binge drinking) affects various health outcomes. It may be the case that the risk of diabetes associated with heavy alcohol consumption is due to consumption mainly on the weekend as opposed to the same amount spread over a week.[174] In the United Kingdom "advice on weekly consumption is avoided".[citation needed] A twenty-year twin study from Finland reported that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in men and women. However, binge drinking and high alcohol consumption was found to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in women.[175]

Rheumatoid arthritis

Regular consumption of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of

gouty arthritis[176][177] and a decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.[178][179][180][181][182] Two recent studies report that the more alcohol consumed, the lower the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Among those who drank regularly, the one-quarter who drank the most were up to 50% less likely to develop the disease compared to the half who drank the least.[183]

The researchers noted that moderate alcohol consumption also reduces the risk of other inflammatory processes such as cardiovascular disease. Some of the biological mechanisms by which ethanol reduces the risk of destructive arthritis and prevents the loss of bone mineral density (BMD), which is part of the disease process.[184]

A study concluded, "Alcohol either protects from RA or, subjects with RA curtail their drinking after the manifestation of RA".[185] Another study found, "Postmenopausal women who averaged more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week had a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis..."[186]

Osteoporosis

Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with higher

bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. "...Alcohol consumption significantly decreased the likelihood [of osteoporosis]."[187] "Moderate alcohol intake was associated with higher BMD in postmenopausal elderly women."[188] "Social drinking is associated with higher bone mineral density in men and women [over 45]."[189] However, heavy alcohol use is associated with bone loss.[190][191]

Skin

Chronic excessive alcohol use is associated with a wide range of skin disorders including

A 2010 study concluded, "Nonlight beer intake is associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis among women. Other alcoholic beverages did not increase the risk of psoriasis in this study."[193]

Immune system

Bacterial infection

Excessive alcohol consumption seen in people with an alcohol use disorder is a known risk factor for developing pneumonia.[citation needed]

Common cold

A study on the common cold found that "Greater numbers of alcoholic drinks (up to three or four per day) were associated with decreased risk for developing colds because drinking was associated with decreased illness following infection. However, the benefits of drinking occurred only among nonsmokers. ... Although alcohol consumption did not influence risk of clinical illness for smokers, moderate alcohol consumption was associated with decreased risk for nonsmokers."[194]

Another study concluded, "Findings suggest that wine intake, especially red wine, may have a protective effect against common cold. Beer, spirits, and total alcohol intakes do not seem to affect the incidence of common cold."[195]

Cancer

In 1988, the

Group 1 carcinogen, stating "There is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of alcoholic beverages in humans.... Alcoholic beverages are carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)."[196] The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' National Toxicology Program in 2000 listed alcohol as a known carcinogen.[197]

It was estimated in 2006 that "3.6% of all cancer cases worldwide are related to alcohol drinking, resulting in 3.5% of all cancer deaths."

World Cancer Research Fund panel report Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective finds the evidence "convincing" that alcoholic drinks increase the risk of the following cancers: mouth, pharynx and larynx, oesophagus, colorectum (men), breast (pre- and postmenopause).[201]

Even light and moderate alcohol consumption increases cancer risk in individuals, especially with respect to squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, oropharyngeal cancer, and breast cancer.[6][202]

Acetaldehyde, a metabolic product of alcohol, is suspected to promote cancer.[203] Typically the liver eliminates 99% of acetaldehyde produced. However, liver disease and certain genetic enzyme deficiencies result in high acetaldehyde levels. Heavy drinkers who are exposed to high acetaldehyde levels due to a genetic defect in alcohol dehydrogenase have been found to be at greater risk of developing cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract and liver.[204] A review in 2007 found "convincing evidence that acetaldehyde... is responsible for the carcinogenic effect of ethanol... owing to its multiple mutagenic effects on DNA."[205] Acetaldehyde can react with DNA to create DNA adducts including the Cr-PdG adduct. This Cr-PdG adduct "is likely to play a central role in the mechanism of alcoholic beverage related carcinogenesis."[206]

Alcohol's effect on the fetus

neurons and brain structures, and cause other physical, mental, or behavioural problems.[208] Fetal alcohol exposure is the leading known cause of intellectual disability in the Western world.[209] Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with brain insulin and insulin-like growth factor resistance.[190]

Effects of alcoholism on family and children

Children raised in alcoholic families have the potential to suffer emotional distress as they move into their own committed relationships. These children are at a higher risk for divorce and separation, unstable marital conditions and fractured families.[210] Feelings of depression and antisocial behaviors experienced in early childhood frequently contribute to marital conflict and domestic violence. Women are more likely than men to be victims of alcohol-related domestic violence.[211][212][213][214]

insecure attachment.[210][213][214] Insecure attachment contributes to trust and bonding issues with intimate partners and offspring. In addition, prior parental emotional unavailability contributes to poor conflict resolution skills in adult relationships.[210]
Evidence shows a correlation between alcoholic fathers who display harsh and ineffective parenting practices with adolescent and adult alcohol dependence. [213][214]

Children of alcoholics are often unable to trust other adults due to

fear of abandonment.[210] Further, because children learn their bonding behaviors from watching their parents' interactions, daughters of alcoholic fathers may be unable to interact appropriately with men when they reach adulthood.[210] Poor behavior modeling by alcoholic parents contributes to inadequate understanding of how to engage in opposite gender interactions.[210]

Sons of alcoholics are at risk for poor self-regulation that is often displayed in the preschool years. This leads to blaming others for behavioral problems and difficulties with impulse control. Poor decision-making correlates to early alcohol use, especially in sons of alcoholics.[211][212][214] Sons often demonstrate thrill-seeking behavior, harm avoidance, and exhibit a low level of frustration tolerance.[212][213][214]

Economic impact from long-term consumption of alcohol

There is currently no consistent approach to measuring the economic impact of alcohol consumption.[215] The economic burden such as direct, indirect, and intangible cost of diseases can be estimated through cost-of-illness studies.[216] Direct costs are estimated through prevalence and incidence studies, while indirect costs are estimated through the human capital method, the demographic method, and the friction cost method.[215] However, it is difficult to accurately measure the economic impact due to differences in methodologies, cost items related to alcohol consumption, and measurement techniques.

Alcohol dependence has a far reaching impact on health outcomes. A study conducted in Germany in 2016 found the economic burden for those dependent on alcohol was 50% higher than those who were not.[217] In the study, over half of the economic cost was due to lost productivity, and only 6% was due to alcohol treatment programs. The economic cost was mostly borne by individuals between 30 and 49 years old. In another study conducted with data from eight European countries,[218] 77% of alcohol dependent patients had psychiatric and somatic co-morbidity, which in turn increased systematic healthcare and economic cost. Alcohol consumption can also affect the immune system and produce complications in people with HIV, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.[219]

Indirect costs due to alcohol dependence are significant. The biggest indirect cost comes from lost productivity, followed by premature mortality.[220] Men with alcohol dependence in the U.S. have lower labor force participation by 2.5%, lower earnings by 5.0%, and higher absenteeism by 0.5–1.2 days. Female binge drinkers have higher absenteeism by 0.4–0.9 days. Premature mortality is another large contributor to indirect costs of alcohol dependence.[221] In 2004, 3.8% of global deaths were attributable to alcohol (6.3% for men and 1.1% for women). Those under 60 years old have much higher prevalence in global deaths attributable to alcohol at 5.3%.

In general, indirect costs such as premature mortality due to alcohol dependence, loss of productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism, and cost of property damage and enforcement, far exceed the direct health care and law enforcement costs.[222] Aggregating the economic cost from all sources, the impact can range from 0.45 to 5.44% of a country's gross domestic product (GDP).[223] The wide range is due to inconsistency in measurement of economic burden, as researchers in some studies attributed possible positive effects from long term alcohol consumption.[224][225]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Calculated as (1.5*1.7/0.39+0.9*0.87/0.25)/(1.5+0.9), with figures from GBD 2016 Alcohol Collaboration (2018). See also WHO figures by country
  2. ^ The fraction of current drinkers is estimated using WorldBank 2016 population numbers and combining the GBD 2016 and GBD 2020 analyses based on the statement that "Since 1990, the global proportion of drinkers consuming alcohol in excess of the NDE has not changed significantly." For example, GBD 2016 states there were 1.5 billion male current drinkers in 2016, WorldBank states there were 3,770,341,364 males and 1,018,695,045 males under 15, and we can assume based on GBD 2020 that 35.1% of males 15+ were drinking harmful amounts, so we calculate .351*(3770341364-1018695045)/1.5e9≈2/3

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External links