Alcoholism - Complications

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The Effects of Hangover

Although not traditionally thought of as a medical problem, a 2000 review of studies found that hangovers have significant consequences that include changes in liver function, hormonal balance, and mental functioning and an increased risk for depression and cardiac events. Hangovers can impair job performance, increasing the risk for mistakes and accidents. Interestingly, hangovers are generally more common in light-to-moderate drinkers than heavy and chronic drinkers, suggesting that binge drinking can be as threatening as chronic drinking. Any man who drinks more than 5 drinks or any woman who has more than 3 drinks is at risk for a hangover.

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Accidents, Suicide, and Murder

Alcohol plays a large role in accidents, suicide, and crime.

• In a 2002 study, nearly half of all drunken drivers were alcohol dependent, and alcohol plays a major role in more than half of all automobile fatalities.
• Alcohol-related automobile accidents are the leading causes of death in young people.
• Less than 2 drinks can impair the ability to drive.
• One study of emergency room patients found that having had more than 1 drink doubled the risk of injury, and more than 4 drinks increased the risk by 11 times.
• Another study reported that among emergency room patients who were admitted for injuries, 47% tested positive for alcohol and 35% were intoxicated. Of those who were intoxicated, 75% showed evidence of chronic alcoholism.
• Alcoholism is the primary diagnosis in one-quarter of all people who commit suicide.
• Alcohol is implicated in 67% of all murders.

Domestic Violence

Alcoholic households are less cohesive and have more conflicts, and their members are less independent and expressive than households with nonalcoholic or recovering alcoholic parents. Domestic violence is a common consequence of alcohol abuse.

Effect on Women. Research suggests that for women, the most serious risk factor for injury from domestic violence may be a history of alcohol abuse in her male partner.

Effect on Children. Alcoholism in parents also increases the risk for violent behavior and abuse toward their children. Children of alcoholics tend to do worse academically than others, have a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress and lower self-esteem than their peers. One study found that children who were diagnosed with major depression between the ages of 6 - 12 were more likely to have alcoholic parents or relatives than were children who were not depressed. In addition to their own inherited risk for later alcoholism, one study found that 41% of children of alcoholics have serious coping problems that may last their entire life.