In addition, alcohol destroys blood platelets which help the blood clot. Excessive bleeding and hemorrhages are common in alcoholics. Also, due to high risk behavior by reduced inhibitions, alcoholics risk higher exposure to the HIV virus . Because alcohol lowers the immune system, alcoholics are more prone to being infected when exposed. Alcohol affects the adrenal glands which are responsible for production of steroids and adrenaline which help us respond to stress and infection.
Alcohol affects the reproductive system .
Very common among alcoholic men are disorders stemming from alcohol - impotence , low testosterone levels , low sperm count , and testicular atrophy or shrinkage. Alcohol seems to affect women ' s reproduction functions. Because alcohol suppresses hormone secretion, women alcoholics seem to have an earlier onset of menopause as well. Alcohol affects the brain and neurological system directly and indirectly . Alcohol directly affects the brain by causing change and deterioration in the brain cells.