A history of alcohol Death toll in 1991 How reporters researched and wrote this series Staff art by Alfred Wood with research by Meredith Goad W hen consumed in large amounts over time, alcohol can cause widespread damage to the body. Alcohol is associated with nearly half of the cancers of the esophagus, mouth and larynx. People who vomit too intensely after getting drunk can cause tears in their esophagus.
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and contracts brain tissue.
And yes, it destroys brain cells. Taken in large amounts over a long period of time, alcohol can cause serious problems with cognition and memory. Longtime alcoholics can develop a thiamine deficiency that can lead to severe short-term memory loss. Heavy drinking can cause heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and heart failure. An intoxicated person loses his reflexes and can t clear his airway when he vomits.