Alcohol-related conditions

The body adapts to the continual presence of alcohol in the bloodstream so that after a while you have to drink a lot more to notice a change in the way you feel. Just because a heavy drinker no longer appears to be getting drunk doesn't mean that the alcohol isn't causing serious damage to the body.

Alcohol can have a direct toxic or irritant effect on cells and tissues.

Many alcoholics eat little or no nutritious food and while the alcohol satisfies the body's calorie requirements, it doesn't provide any protein, vitamins or minerals. Consequently, the body is more susceptible to diseases caused by nutritional deficiency.

A continual high level of alcohol in the blood and tissues can cause wide-ranging disturbances in body chemistry. These disturbances can lead to hypoglycaemia (reduced glucose in the blood) and hyperlipdaemia (increased fat in the blood) which affects many body organs. In addition to the many health and social problems that may result from alcohol dependence, people who consume large quantities of a alcohol are susceptible to a wide variety of physical and mental disorders:

Depression, loss of memory, intellectual deterioration, and eventually dementia.

Damage to blood vessels near the surface of the skin due to repeated flushing to the face.

Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke.

Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, hepatitis, and liver cancer.

Cancer of the mouth, throat or oesophagus.

Problems with the digestive system including gastritis and pancreatitis, and peptic ulcers.

Temporary or permanent numbing, tingling and weakness of nerves.

Impotence due to hormonal changes and infertility due to sperm damage.

Neglect of personal hygiene, eg vile breath, dirty sweaty clothes. That's it then... anyone fancy a drink?! This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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