Alcohol abuse means having unhealthy or dangerous

drinking habits, such as drinking every day or drinking too

much at a time. Alcohol abuse can harm yourrelationships,
cause you to miss work, and lead to legal problems such as
driving while drunk (intoxicated). When you abuse alcohol,
you continue to drink even though you know your drinking
is causing problems.
If you continue to abuse alcohol, it can lead to alcohol
dependence. Alcohol dependence is also calledalcoholism.
You are physically or mentallyaddictedto alcohol. You have
a strong need, or craving, to drink. You feel like you must
drink just to get by.

 Long-term alcohol abuse poses great dangers to an

alcoholic's physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual
health. alcoholism can cause irreversible damage to critical
organs and body systems:
Liver
Nervous system
Heart
Stomach (intestines)
Brain
Common medical side effects include:
High blood pressure
Sexual problems
Cancer
Stomach problems
Osteoporosis, especially in women

 Alcohol is a substance that impairs judgement when

consumed and can lead to drinking and driving, unintended
sexual activity, violence or other dangerous behaviors.

 75% of esophageal cancers are attributable to chronic

excessive alcohol consumption.

 Nearly 50% of cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx

are associated with heavy drinking

 Among emergency room patients admitted for injuries, 47%

tested positive for alcohol and 35% were intoxicated; of
those who were intoxicated, 75% showed signs of chronic
alcoholism.

 As many as 36% of the cases of primary liver cancer are

linked to heavy chronic drinking.

 There are more deaths and disabilities each year in the U.S.
from substance abuse than from any other cause.

Preventable Cause of
Death