One in ten Americans suffers from alcoholism. Is that someone you know?
By Dr. Annie Xu
April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, aimed to bring awareness to the prevention, intervention, and treatment of alcohol addiction. Currently, 1 out of every 10 American adolescents and adults suffer from alcoholism. Excessive drinking causes 140,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Chronic alcoholism can cause many wide-ranging effects including but not limited to:
- Fatty liver, which can lead to end-stage liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Cardiovascular disease from high blood pressure and heart failure
- Permanent balance issues due to brain damage
- Digestive issues from stomach ulcers or chronic pancreatitis
- Immune system suppression
- Cancers of the stomach, liver, colon, breast, and many more
For this month, consider challenging yourself and others to an “alcohol-free weekend” to examine your relationship to alcohol. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, consider joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous and go to your doctor to discuss medications and options to help you quit drinking.
Dr. Annie Xu is a local primary care physician at Hot Springs Internal Medicine Clinic, specializing in chronic care management, women’s health, and general practice medicine. Her clinic is located at 301 Exchange St, Hot Springs. To schedule an appointment, call 501-621-4222.
