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Alcohol excess

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International health organisations like the World Health Organisation agree that alcohol can cause a range of illnesses, particularly

Cancer: Mouth & Oesophagus (gullet) | Bowel | Breast | Liver. The link between alcohol and cancer increased association has been established by a number of well conducted clinical trials but evenso to the direct causative link is still uncertain. Evidence is also compromised by knowledge that heavy drinkers also tend to smoke, eat poorly and lack exercise. Some researchers feel the independent alcohol risk lies in the understanding that alcohol is converted into a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde a carcinogenic, damaging DNA and preventing it being repaired.  People who smoke and drink heavily have very high levels of acetaldehyde in their saliva. Alcohol is fattening and this leads to a higher risk of obesity. Alcohol excess over long periods of time can lead to liver cirrhosis which greatly increases the risk of liver cancer.

Pancreatitis: Chronic irritation of the pancreas gland. This can lead to pain in the upper abdomen, failure to absorb fats from the diet leading to malnutrition and diabetes.

Liver disease: Initially hepatitis which is reversible, then cirrhosis which is associated with permanent damage leading to lack of protein in the blood causing fluid to leak out of the blood into the abdomen and ankles, jaundice and bleeding.

Heart damage: Both direct heart damage and damage to the arteries leading to an increase risk of angina and heart attacks.

Nerve damage: loss of sensation in the fingers and toes leading to damage and infection.

Brain damage: dementia, loss of memory and loss of balance

Tips for cutting down:

  • keep an alcohol diary
  • set yourself an alcohol limit and stick to it
  • pace your drinks by sipping slowly
  • choose non-premium beers
  • alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks
  • try not to drink at home unless socialising
  • find something else to do instead - for example, going to the gym, museum arts clubs.
  • have alcohol-free days to remind yourself you don’t always have to drink.

Extra help: www.drinkaware.co.uk  | Drinkline 0800 917 82 82 | Alcoholics Anonymous on 0845 769 7555