Alcohol Abuse: Other Health Problems That May Occur

Topic Overview

It is common to have other mental health or physical conditions along with alcohol abuse or dependence.^{1, 2}

Mental health problems might include:

• Depression.
• Anxiety and anxiety disorders.
• Antisocial personality disorder.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Schizophrenia.
• Panic attacks or panic disorder.
• Social anxiety disorder.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Physical problems might include:

• Seizures.
• Delirium and dementia.
• Stroke.
• Peripheral neuropathy.
• Gastrointestinal problems, including:
  • Esophageal disease such as esophageal cancer.
  • Gastritis.
  • Peptic ulcer.
  • Acid reflux.
• Liver diseases such as:
  • Hepatitis.
  • Cirrhosis.
• Cardiovascular system problems such as:
  • High blood pressure (hypertension).
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias).
  • Cardiomyopathy.
• Pancreatic disorders such as:
  • Pancreatitis.
  • Cancer of the pancreas.

It is common for someone with alcohol problems to also misuse other substances, such as cigarettes, illegal drugs, or prescription medicines. Quitting tobacco and drinking at the same time will actually improve the success of your treatment for both.³

Related Information

• Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
• Alcohol problems: Helping someone get treatment

References

Citations

1. Schuckit MA (2009). Alcohol-related disorders section of Substance-related disorders. In BJ Sadock et al., eds., Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, 10th ed., vol. 1, pp. 1268–1288. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

2. O'Connor PG (2009). Alcohol abuse and dependency. In EG Nabel, ed., ACP Medicine, section 13, chap. 3. Hamilton, ON: BC Decker.

3. Drobes DJ (2002). Concurrent alcohol and tobacco dependence. Alcohol Research and Health, 26(2): 136–142.

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