Excessive alcohol use can have a significant impact on an individual's long-term health. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) [3], excessive drinking can lead to a range of health problems, including:
1. Liver disease: Long-term excessive alcohol use can cause a range of liver problems, including steatosis (fatty liver), alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis [3].
2. Digestive problems: Excessive alcohol use can also lead to digestive problems such as inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), ulcers, and malabsorption of nutrients [3].
3. Cardiovascular disease: Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke [3].
4. Neurological damage: Long-term excessive alcohol use can cause a range of neurological problems, including dementia, neuropathy, and cerebellar ataxia [3].
5. Immune system dysfunction: Excessive alcohol use can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections [3].
6. Increased risk of cancer: Long-term excessive alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast [1][3].
7. Mental health problems: Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of developing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety [2].
In summary, excessive alcohol use can have a significant impact on an individual's long-term health, increasing the risk of a range of health problems, including liver disease, digestive problems, cardiovascular disease, neurological damage, immune system dysfunction, cancer, and mental health problems.
Sources:
[1] <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ALCOHOL>
[2] <https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm>
[3] <https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body>