Alcohol beverages stimulate the production of saliva and gastric acids that cause the stomach contractions we call hunger pangs. Moderate amounts, which may help stimulate appetite, are often prescribed for geriatric patients, convalescents, and people who do not have ulcers or other chronic gastric problems. According to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention 1 study, men and women who consume more than two drinks a day are at a higher risk of cancer of the mouth and throat. The risk increases if they smoke. The same study also showed an increased risk of breast cancer among women consuming more than three drinks a week.
Alcoholism is an addiction disease, the inability to control one's alcohol consumption.
It is a potentially life-threatening condition, with a higher risk of death by accident, suicide, malnutrition, or acute alcohol poisoning, a toxic reaction that kills by paralysing body organs, including the heart. Malnutrition is another possible adverse effect of alcohol. While moderate alcohol consumption stimulates appetite, alcohol abuses depresses it. In addition, an alcoholic may drink instead of eating. When grapes are fermented, their long protein molecules are broken into smaller fragments.