Alcoholism, is also known as alcohol use disorder, is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. Furthermore, it is an addiction (inability to control drinking) due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. 

In the united states, the excessive use of alcohol is the fourth leading preventable cause of death. Over time, the excessive use of alcohol leads to the development of chronic diseases and some other serious problems such as;

• LIVER DISEASE

The liver is particularly at risk of damage as alcohol is metabolized there and it produces a toxic substance called acetaldehyde.

Excess drinking of alcohol affects the liver metabolism of fats while excess fats store up in the liver. Other effects of alcohol on the liver are long-term inflammation which can lead to scar tissue.

• CANCER

Cancer is not gotten through carcinogenic materials only; the excessive use of alcohol can increase the risk of developing different types of cancer.

The more drinks were taken, the greater the odds of cancer for the individual involved in alcoholism. According to statistics, drinking alcohol causes more than 100,000 cases of breast cancer worldwide every year.

• ACCIDENT AND INJURIES

A lot of road accidents, domestic violence, drowning, and suicide happening around today can be attributed to alcoholism. Driving after excessive use of alcohol impairs the driver thereby causing a greater severity of injury with an accident. 

• IMMUNE SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION

Excessive use of alcohol does harm by weakening the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections. Each series of excessive drinking reduces the body’s ability and strength to fight against infections and diseases. 

• DIABETES

The curvilinear relationship between alcohol consumption and diabetes is a bit too complex. That is, the higher the volume of alcohol consumes, the higher the risk of diabetes.