A new review published in Addiction confirms alcohol causes substantial harm to health. Some harms may be reversible with reduced or stopped drinking.
A new review published in the journal Addiction has confirmed that alcohol consumption is linked to a multitude of health issues affecting over 60 diseases and injuries, according to a study by Society for the Study of Addiction. The research was edited by Sadie Harley and reviewed by Robert Egan, both from the same organization.
The World Health Organization's (WHO) current 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases lists over 60 diseases and injuries that are directly attributable to alcohol consumption. These include conditions such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy, alcoholic liver diseases like cirrhosis, and fetal alcohol syndrome. Most of these health issues stem from heavy drinking habits.
Several infectious diseases have also been found to be partly linked to alcohol use. Recent reviews indicate that excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of tuberculosis, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections. Alcohol impairs liver function and weakens immune responses, making individuals more susceptible to various types of infections.
Non-infectious diseases are another significant category associated with alcohol consumption. The review identifies five broad categories: cancer (mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, breast, cervix), cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, stroke), type 2 diabetes, neuropsychiatric diseases (dementia, epilepsy), and gastrointestinal disorders (liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis).
Injuries are also partly attributable to alcohol consumption. Alcohol impairs balance, reaction time, and judgment at even low levels of intake, increasing the risk of injuries such as traffic accidents, falls, and violence. For example, alcohol can impair a person's ability to react quickly or make sound judgments in emergency situations.
While some health harms caused by alcohol may be reversible with reduced or stopped drinking, others are more permanent. Short-term risks like sexually transmitted infections decrease when drinking stops. However, long-term heavy drinking can lead to lasting damage such as cirrhosis and heart disease, which are not fully reversible.
Senior author Dr. Jürgen Rehm from the Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) notes that while there is a lack of conclusive evidence supporting a beneficial effect of moderate alcohol consumption on ischemic heart disease and stroke, further research in this area remains necessary.
The review's findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting that even low levels of alcohol intake can increase the risk of various diseases. For instance, a systematic review published in 2023 found that alcohol use, even at low levels, increases the risk of developing over 60 diseases and injuries.
Dr. Rehm emphasizes that while there is no clear evidence to support a beneficial effect of moderate drinking on heart health, more research is needed to fully understand these complex relationships. He adds, "Our review underscores the importance of reducing alcohol consumption as part of public health strategies."
The study's authors stress that despite some reversible effects, chronic alcohol-related diseases such as liver cirrhosis and cardiovascular issues can have lasting impacts. Sinclair Carr, a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and lead author of the review, concludes, "Our findings highlight the need for comprehensive public health campaigns to reduce excessive alcohol consumption."
The Society for the Study of Addiction's editorial team has highlighted the credibility of this publication through rigorous peer-review processes and fact-checking. The review serves as a critical resource for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and individuals seeking information on the multifaceted impacts of alcohol use on human health.
In conclusion, the new review confirms that alcohol consumption is linked to significant harm across multiple health categories, underscoring the importance of reducing or abstaining from drinking to mitigate these risks.
