Most people are unaware of the fact that alcohol, in conjunction with medications, can actually make your condition worse. If you take medications on a regular basis you should know that there at least 150 types of medicine that will actually make your condition worse if taken while under the influence of alcohol. Antihistamines are a prime example of alcohol increasing the sedative effect thereby hindering the users ability to drive or handle machinery.

It should be common knowledge that regular, heavy use of Tylenol or other pain relievers can damage your liver; however, when it is taken in conjunction with alcohol the risks increase dramatically. These examples are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the types of problems that can occur when people decide to self medicate and then drink alcohol. If you have a medical condition that requires medication it is always the wisest choice to talk with your doctor regarding which medications should be taken and whether they are compatible with alcohol.

If you are a heavy drinker you not only need to be aware of potential medical concerns but also legal and social problems as well. Heavy drinking often leads to problems at work as well as with family and friends. No one can do their best work hung over and eventually continued poor performance will lead to the loss of your job.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a serious condition and if you are pregnant and are drinking alcohol you need to stop immediately. Children born with fetal alcohol syndrome are more prone to ongoing learning difficulties and serious behavioral problems. In severe cases there are physical as mental problems in children born with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Long-Term Health Problems: Heavy drinkers may expect liver problems, heart disease and certain forms of cancer. These problems don’t occur immediately however continued heavy drinking will guarantee that you will be affected with at least one of them. Medical studies have proven that women who drink are even more prone to breast cancer than those who do not.

Alcohol Related Liver Complications: Liver diseases related to alcohol consumption include hepatitis and inflammation. Be warned that Hepatitis and alcohol abuse is a fatal combination. Approximately 10-20% of all heavy drinkers come down with Cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, which often requires liver transplants. Furthermore heavy drinkers have a greater risk of contracting hepatitis C virus-HCV-infection which may cause liver cancer.

Another debilitating side effect of drinking is depression. While alcohol initially stimulates the mind continued use turns alcohol into a sedative. It also changes our cognitive processes, giving us less ability to make sound decisions. Overall muscle coordination is also affected by continued heavy use of alcohol. These problems as well as others could eventually lead the alcoholic to fall into a coma.

Problems with Diabetics: It is common knowledge that drinking alcohol slows down the release of glucose from the liver thereby increasing the risk of low blood sugar which causes a disease called hypoglycemia. Diabetes is a dangerous disease and if you notice symptoms you want to get it checked out immediately.

Your pancreas is also at risk since this is where insulin, which regulates your blood sugar, is produced. Alcohol also slows metabolism and affects the production of other hormones. The pancreas also produces vital enzymes that aid in the digestion of proteins and carbohydrates. Long term drinking will cause pancreatitis and an acute pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss which could be fatal. So quit drinking alcohol now.

Stop Drinking Advice - How To Remain Sober