Health Hazards of Alcohol
Muscles and Bones
Excess drinking can damage the muscles of the body, causing muscle wasting and reduced power. It can also cause a deficiency of calcium and thinning of the bones, which is known as osteoporosis.
Obesity
Alcohol can affect one’s metabolism. 
It has the potential to be quite fattening. One gram of alcohol has 9 calories, which is the same amount of calories as 1 gram of fat. As well as that, alcohol has ‘empty calories’. In other words, it has no nutritional value. This can lead to malnourishment through deficiency of valuable vitamins and minerals.
Alcohol stimulates the appetite, often causing men to consume more calories, for example, the trip to the chipper or a Chinese takeaway, which becomes more desirable after a few pints. Alcohol can trigger food cravings and compulsive eating patterns. This can clearly contribute to a bulging waistline and eventual obesity. It can also lead to a raised blood fat level (triglycerides), which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Digestive Tract
Alcohol can cause inflammation of the food pipe, causing heartburn or reflux of acid. It can damage the lining of the stomach, eroding it and sometimes aggravating stomach ulcers. This toxic effect on the gut wall can also lead to poor absorption of nutrients, which can contribute to malnutrition. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of pancreatitis, a painful condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas gland.
Immune System
Alcohol can affect the immune system and increase your risk of many immune-related disorders. A weakened immune system combined with malnutrition is one of the reasons why heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB). Alcohol can increase the risk of many infections, including pneumonia. Health Care Canadian
Blood
Alcohol affects the blood and can cause anaemia (low iron) and a low white cell count (the army that fights infection) as well as affecting the blood platelets and other blood-clotting factors, making bleeding more likely.
Sex Life
Excess alcohol can cause erectile dysfunction. As a depressive drug it will reduce libido. Alcohol can also lower the sperm count, contributing to male infertility.
Nervous System
Alcohol can damage the nerves and nervous system. It can damage nerves in the skin and legs, which can affect your ability to sense and touch objects. This is known as neuropathy. Alcohol can also damage the brain cells, leading to memory loss and confusion. Adolescents are thought to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol on the brain because their brains are still developing.
