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Does alcohol cause organ damage?


What long-term effect does alcohol have on the liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, heart and any other part of the body?

Does it cause any serious damage to the internal organs?


There is considerable confusion about the effect of alcohol consumption within the guidelines of 14 units per week for women and 21 for men.

One unit is equal to one small glass of wine, a single purchased measure of spirits or half a pint of beer.

What is very clear is that excess consumption particularly over a prolonged period of time causes damage to many of the body's organs.

The brain may be affected causing confusion and memory loss. The peripheral nerves may be damaged causing changes in sensation and numbness.

The liver's function is to break down the alcohol, but prolonged excess can cause scarring of the liver called cirrhosis.

It may also cause disease of the pancreas and inflammation of the stomach. In some patients it may predispose to stomach cancer.

Excess alcohol can produce heart irregularities and weakening of the muscle of the heart wall. It can also upset the body's natural control of blood fats and blood sugar levels.

Prolonged alcohol may also have an effect on the bones causing bone thinning called osteoporosis and reduce the production of blood cells.

The effect of alcohol varies from person to person although it is greatest among women. For this reason women should set their limits at a lower level.

Alcohol is addictive. It is important to remember that alcohol addiction can have a devastating effect on social relationships and work.

Often this comes before the physical effects and will have a huge impact on the people who live and work with the person affected.

It is very important that from an early age that alcohol is treated with caution and respect.

Providing simple and obvious personal control is exercised and the limits are respected it will not cause harm.

From your notes you are 15-years-old and therefore under age. It is important to understand that the law is there to protect all young people from the social as well as the medical harmful effects.

There are increasing numbers of ‘responsible retailer’ schemes that are there to reduce the purchase of alcohol by those who are under age.

To work well they need the support of you and your contemporaries.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

Last updated 01.12.2010