Effects of Alcohol

                       Alcohol has direct toxic as well as sedative effects on the body, and failure to take care of nutritional and other physical needs during prolonged periods of excessive drinking may further complicate matters. Alcoholics frequently suffer from protein deficiency and lack of B vitamins. Advanced cases often require hospitalization for alcohol-related disabilities, and specialist psychiatric units may be necessary to deal with the withdrawal symptoms associated with the most severe aspects of alcohol dependence syndrome.

                  Excessive alcohol consumption compromises virtually all the major organ systems of the body and the effects are cumulative. Among the primary causes of excess mortality resulting from alcohol abuse are liver disease, severe respiratory infections, cancer (most commonly of the digestive system and upper respiratory system), cardiovascular disease, suicide, and the effects of violence and accidents.