Long-term heavy drinking causes liver, nerve, and brain damage, high blood pressure, stomach problems, sexual problems, and cancer. Alcohol abuse can also lead to violence, accidents, social isolation, and difficulties at work and home or with the law. A person with alcoholism may gulp or sneak drinks, drink alone or early in the morning, and suffer from the shakes. He or she may also have family or work problems, or get in trouble with the law due to drinking. Alcohol abuse patterns vary.
Some people get drunk every day.
Some drink large amounts of alcohol at specific times, such as weekends. Others may be sober for long periods and then go on a drinking binge that lasts for weeks or months. Once alcohol dependency develops, it becomes very difficult to abstain without outside help. Medical detoxification may be needed. Copyright 1998, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Image copyright 1998, PhotoDisc, Inc.