The relationship between alcohol and motor vehicle crashes is widely acknowledged. But having the disease is nothing to be ashamed of. Many teens have determined that they are alcoholics and are getting help through Alcoholics Anonymous. Although it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, and consume alcohol, many teenagers do drink. As a result, in addition to breaking the law, these teens are particularly vulnerable to the various problems that alcohol can cause.
Alcohol goes directly into the bloodstream, which is why it has effects on every system in the body.
Heavy drinking can cause cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. Children in families with alcoholic members are at a higher risk for alcoholism. Excessive drinking can decrease the amount of testosterone in a man's body and cause impotence. Alcohol abuse can lead to both homicides and suicides. Long-term effects of heavy alcohol use include loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies, stomach ailments, sexual impotence, liver damage, heart and central nervous system damage, and memory loss.