Long-term complications of alcohol use

The long-term effects of alcohol are seen after drinking alcohol for years. Alcohol affects most organs of the body including the brain. Long-term heavy alcohol use can lead to brain damage, which may in turn lead to loss of memory. People with alcohol abuse may, for instance, forget familiar places (e.g. they walk aimlessly, often missing their own houses) or may no longer recognise people who are familiar to them. The brain damage may also cause slurred speech and decreased motor coordination. Alcohol abuse can also lead to deficiencies in nutrition. People with alcohol problems often eat poorly (limiting their supply of essential nutrients) and alcohol interferes with the nutritional process in the body, so that the nutrients are not fully absorbed. Alcohol may also affect the fetus if a pregnant woman consumes alcohol. The use of alcohol increases the risk of delivering a low birth weight baby and may increase the child's risk of developing learning difficulties later in life.