Around two million Americans suffer from alcohol-related liver disease as a result of heavy drinking over a long period of time. Alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) can cause death if drinking continues, but if drinking stops it may be reversible. Alcoholic cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) occurs in 10-20 percent of heavy drinkers and can also cause death if drinking continues.

Women develop alcoholic liver disease more quickly and from drinking less alcohol than men, and are also more likely to develop alcoholic hepatitis and to die from cirrhosis.

Positive effects – Many other studies have shown moderate consumption of alcohol to be beneficial for a number of other health areas. These include a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and senile dementia, a greater resistance to the common cold virus, and a significant reduction in the risk of Peripheral Artery Disease which is a significant cause of death among the elderly.

Harmful effects – There are also a long list of other diseases and health problems which are partly caused, or greatly affected, by long-term heavy drinking. These include pancreatitis, peptic ulcer and gastritis, heartburn, nutritional deficiencies, menstrual problems, anxiety, headaches, sleep disturbance and insomnia. Heavy drinking is also associated with relationship problems, legal complications, work absenteeism and violence.