ALCOHOL-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS

The relationship of chronic alcohol use to the structure and function of the body is reasonably well understood.  Heavy alcohol use causes a variety of changes to the body that lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality.

Research shows that chronic alcohol use also damages the immune system and the nervous system.  Thus chronic users are at high risk for a variety of infections and neurological complications.  Additionally, many alcoholics suffer from malnutrition, in part because they do not consume a variety of foods.  With the deterioration of the liver, stomach, and pancreas, chronic heavy drinkers also have poor absorption and metabolism of many nutrients.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects

A growing body scientific evidence indicates that alcohol use by pregnant women can result in birth defects in unborn children.  When alcohol crosses the placenta, it enters the fetal bloodstream in a concentration equal to that in the mother’s bloodstream.  Because of the underdeveloped nature of the fetal liver, this alcohol is oxidized much more slowly than the alcohol in the mother.  During this time of slow detoxification, the developing fetus is certain to be overexposed to the toxic effects of alcohol.  Mental retardation frequently develops.

This exposure has additional disastrous consequences for the developing fetus.  Low birth weight, facial abnormalities (e.g., small head, widely spread eyes), and heart problems are often seen in such infants.  This combination of effects is called fetal alcohol syndrome.  Recent estimates indicate that the full expression of this syndrome occurs at a rate of between 1 and 3 per 1000 births.  Partial expression (fetal alcohol effects [FAE]) can be seen in 3 to 9 per 1000 live births.  In addition, it is likely that many cases of FAE go undetected.

Is there a safe limit to the number of drinks a woman can consume during pregnancy? Since no one can accurately predict the effect of drinking even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy, the wisest plan is to avoid alcohol altogether.

Because of the critical growth and development that occur during the first months of fetal life, women who have any reason to suspect they are pregnant should stop all alcohol consumption.  Furthermore, women who are planning to become pregnant and women who are not practicing effective contraception must also consider keeping their alcohol use to a minimum.