Alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths annually, making it the third leading cause of preventable mortality in the US, after tobacco and diet/activity patterns. At least 8% of males and 4% of females drink what is considered to be hazardous or harmful levels of alcohol regularly. The prevalence of regular drug taking is lower, with marijuana use remaining the most widely used illicit drug.
Alcohol use is also a major cause of drug or alcohol-related deaths. It has been estimated that approximately 5% of the total burden of disease in Western countries is attributable to drug and alcohol misuse.
Alcohol:
• can harm virtually every organ and system in the body
• is the single most important cause of illness and death from liver disease (alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis).
• is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as cardiomyopathy, hypertension, arrhythmias, and stroke).
• contributes to approximately 65% of all cases of pancreatitis.
• depresses the immune system and results in a predisposition to infectious diseases, including respiratory infections, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
• increases risk for cancer, with an estimated 2-4% of all cancer cases thought to be caused either directly or indirectly by alcohol. The strongest link between alcohol and cancer involves cancers of the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, the mouth, the pharynx, and the larynx. Less consistent data link alcohol consumption and cancers of the liver, breast and colon.
• can lead to inadequate functioning of the testes and ovaries, resulting in hormonal deficiencies, sexual dysfunction and infertility.
• is related to a higher rate of early menopause and a higher frequency of menstrual irregularities (duration, flow, or both) in women.
Members, we are here to help you along your journey. Please write about your experiences with alcohol.
Samantha, Bilingual Health Educator
