Beer Drinking: Daily Habit To Alcoholism?

Alcohol is a drug that can have both short-term and long-term effects on the body and brain. While some studies have shown that moderate drinking may have benefits for heart health, other research has found no benefit and links moderate drinking to diseases like breast cancer and an increased risk of stroke. Drinking beer or any alcoholic beverage every day can lead to unwanted health consequences and increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder, previously referred to as alcoholism.

Beer drinking and cancer risk

Drinking beer, or any alcoholic beverage, every day can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there is a strong consensus that alcohol consumption can cause several types of cancer. The NCI also states that the more alcohol a person drinks, especially over a long period, the higher their risk of developing cancer.

Types of Cancer Linked to Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of the following types of cancer:

• Head and neck cancer: This includes cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx (throat), and larynx (voice box). Moderate drinkers have a higher risk of oral and pharyngeal cancers, while heavy drinkers have an even higher risk.
• Esophageal cancer: Alcohol consumption, regardless of the amount, is associated with an increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Those with a deficiency in an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol are at a much higher risk if they consume alcohol.
• Liver cancer: Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a nearly doubled risk of developing certain types of liver cancer.
• Breast cancer: Studies have consistently found a link between alcohol intake and an increased risk of breast cancer. Even one drink per day can increase a woman's risk by 5% to 15% compared to non-drinkers.
• Colorectal cancer: Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum.
• Other cancers: There is emerging evidence that alcohol consumption is associated with increased risks of melanoma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Mechanisms of Alcohol-Induced Carcinogenesis

There are several proposed mechanisms by which alcohol consumption may increase the risk of cancer:

• Acetaldehyde formation: Alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical and probable human carcinogen. Acetaldehyde can damage DNA and proteins, impairing their function.
• Reactive oxygen species: Alcohol consumption can lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species, which can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in the body through oxidation.
• Nutrient absorption: Alcohol interferes with the absorption of vital nutrients such as vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, K, and folate, which are important for immunity and protection against oxidative damage.
• Hormonal effects: Alcohol can alter hormone levels, such as estrogen, which can affect cell growth and division, increasing the chances of cancer development.
• Contaminants: Alcoholic beverages may contain carcinogenic contaminants introduced during fermentation and production, such as nitrosamines, asbestos fibers, phenols, and hydrocarbons.

Reducing Cancer Risk

It is important to note that reducing alcohol consumption can lower the risk of cancer. Lowering the amount of alcohol consumed is beneficial, as the risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, drinking less alcohol can have a positive impact on reducing cancer risk. Additionally, choosing non-alcoholic beverages, opting for mocktails, or having alcohol-free days can help reduce cancer risk.

Alcohol's impact on the brain

Alcohol can have a significant impact on the brain, affecting its appearance and function. Here is a detailed look at how alcohol can influence the brain:

Interference with Brain Function

Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways and can affect how the brain processes information. This disruption can alter mood, behaviour, coordination, and the ability to think clearly. It can also lead to changes in mood, including increased anxiety and irritability, insomnia, and difficulty in regulating emotions.

Stages of Alcohol Intoxication

The effects of alcohol on the brain can be understood through different stages of intoxication, which are determined by blood alcohol content (BAC):

• Subliminal intoxication (BAC 0.01-0.05): At this stage, an individual's reaction time, behaviour, and judgment may be slightly altered, even though they may not appear drunk.
• Euphoria (BAC 0.03-0.12): The brain releases more dopamine, leading to feelings of relaxation and confidence. However, reasoning and memory may be impaired.
• Excitement (BAC 0.08-0.25): This is the stage of legal intoxication, where multiple lobes of the brain are affected. Side effects include blurred vision, slurred speech, hearing impairment, and lack of control.
• Confusion (BAC 0.18-0.3): Disorientation, loss of coordination, and blackouts are common at this stage due to the impact on the hippocampus and cerebellum.
• Stupor (BAC 0.25): All mental, physical, and sensory functions are severely impaired, with a high risk of passing out, suffocation, or injury.
• Coma (BAC 0.35): Compromised respiration, circulation, and reflexes can lead to a coma.
• Death (BAC over 0.45): A BAC above this level can cause death due to alcohol poisoning or the failure of the brain to control vital functions.

Brain Damage and Cognitive Impairment

Chronic heavy drinking can lead to permanent brain damage, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is characterised by amnesia, extreme confusion, and eyesight issues. It can also cause atrophy or shrinkage of the brain, particularly in the frontal lobes, and is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline.

Neurotransmitter Systems

Alcohol affects various neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including glutamate, GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine. Changes in these systems can lead to seizures, sedation, depression, agitation, and other mood and behaviour disorders.

Increased Risk of Dementia

While moderate drinking has been associated with few ill effects, recent studies suggest that even moderate consumption may be linked to shrinkage in brain areas involved in cognition and learning, increasing the risk of dementia.

Recovery

The good news is that the brain is resilient. Within a year of stopping drinking, most cognitive damage can be reversed or improved. However, it is important to seek professional help when trying to quit, as alcohol withdrawal can be challenging and sometimes life-threatening.

Short and long-term effects of drinking beer

Drinking beer every day can have both short- and long-term effects on the body and mind.

Short-term effects of drinking beer:

• Feelings of relaxation or drowsiness.
• A sense of euphoria or giddiness.
• Slowed or slurred speech.
• Changes in hearing, vision, and perception.
• Loss of coordination.
• Trouble focusing or making decisions.
• Loss of consciousness or memory gaps (blackouts).
• Dehydration-related effects like nausea, headache, and dizziness.
• Trouble controlling emotions.
• Mishaps such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, drownings, and burns.
• Violent activities, including homicide, suicide, and sexual assault.

Long-term effects of drinking beer:

• Cardiomyopathy (stretching and drooping of heart muscle).
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).
• High blood pressure.
• Steatosis or fatty liver.
• Pancreatitis (a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas).
• Increased risk of several types of cancer, including mouth, throat, breast, oesophageal, colon, and liver cancer.
• Weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
• Persistent changes in mood, including anxiety and irritability.
• Insomnia and other sleep concerns.
• Changes in libido and sexual function.
• Changes in appetite and weight.
• Problems with memory and concentration.
• Difficulty focusing on tasks.
• Increased tension and conflict in romantic and family relationships.
• Damage to the central nervous system, with symptoms like numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
• Damage to the frontal lobe, impacting executive functions like abstract reasoning, decision-making, social behaviour, and performance.
• Malnutrition, as heavy drinking may displace essential nutrients from the diet.
• Bone density issues, leading to thinner bones and an increased risk of fractures.
• Muscle weakness, cramping, and atrophy.

Beer drinking and liver disease

Drinking beer every day can cause alcoholism, as alcohol is a drug, and frequent drinking can lead to alcohol dependence. Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is characterised by drinking more over time, being unable to stop drinking, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences.

Beer drinking can also cause liver disease, which is common but preventable. Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALRD) is caused by heavy alcohol use, which is defined as:

• For men, consuming 5 or more drinks on any day or 15 or more drinks per week
• For women, consuming 4 or more drinks on any day or 8 or more drinks per week

The liver breaks down alcohol, but if you drink more than it can process, it can become badly damaged. Beer drinking can lead to a build-up of fat in the liver, known as alcoholic fatty liver disease. This is the first stage of ARLD and can lead to an enlarged liver, upper belly discomfort, tiredness, and weakness.

If beer drinking continues, inflammation levels can increase in the liver, leading to alcoholic hepatitis, which is the second stage of ARLD. Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis include abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, and fluid build-up in the belly (ascites).

Continued liver damage due to beer consumption can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which replaces healthy liver tissue. This is referred to as fibrosis and can progress to alcoholic cirrhosis, the third stage of ARLD. Symptoms of alcoholic cirrhosis include portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the liver), ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (brain damage due to increased toxin levels in the blood), bleeding from veins in the upper digestive tract, and an increased risk of infection.

The early stages of alcohol-related liver disease often have no symptoms, but if present, they may include pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include yellowing of the eyes or skin, swelling in the ankles and tummy, confusion or drowsiness, and vomiting blood or passing blood in stools.

Treating ARLD involves stopping drinking alcohol, preferably for the rest of one's life. This allows the liver to recover and prevents further damage. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be required.

Mental health and beer drinking

Alcohol and mental health are closely linked. Drinking beer every day can affect your mental health and well-being. While moderate beer consumption is associated with good physical and mental health, heavy drinking can have several negative effects on your mental health.

The Positive Effects of Moderate Beer Consumption

Moderate beer consumption is associated with good physical and mental health, as well as increased social support. In a study of the Spanish adult population, occasional and moderate beer drinkers reported better mental health, self-perceived health, and social support compared to abstainers and ex-drinkers.

The Negative Effects of Heavy Drinking

Heavy drinking is defined as drinking more than the weekly "upper limits" for healthy adults, which are four drinks in one day or 14 per week for men, and three drinks in one day or seven per week for women. Heavy drinking can have several negative effects on your mental health:

• It can affect your mood over time, leading to increased anxiety, irritability, and depression.
• It can cause insomnia and other sleep problems.
• It can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
• It can lead to alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder, which is characterised by a strong urge to drink, difficulty controlling alcohol intake, and continued drinking despite negative consequences.
• It can cause alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which includes symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, shakiness, and hallucinations.
• It can increase the risk of self-harm and suicide.
• It can worsen symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
• It can lead to alcohol-induced mental health conditions, such as alcohol-induced bipolar disorder, alcohol-induced psychotic disorder, and alcohol-induced depressive disorder.
• It can negatively impact brain health, including changes in memory and concentration.
• It can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer.
• It can cause alcohol-related liver disease, which can be life-threatening.
• It can affect the heart, leading to cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.
• It can cause inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in pancreatitis.
• It can lead to skeletal and muscle problems, such as muscle weakness, cramping, and atrophy.

Frequently asked questions