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Alcohol Abuse Health Center

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse affects the whole family. The health effects of alcohol abuse can include heart disease, liver disease, and even cancer. Treatment consists of medical attention, prescription medications, or treatment centers.

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Alcoholism May Alter Sleep Long-Term
Despite quitting drinking, alcoholics still have differences in their sleep than other people, a new study shows.

Cause

It's not clear why some people abuse alcohol or become addicted to it and others do not. Alcoholism often runs in families (genetic), but your drinking habits also are influenced by your environment and life situations, such as friends or stress levels.

Just because you have a family history of alcohol problems doesn't mean you'll have a drinking problem. A child of a parent with alcoholism will not always develop alcoholism. And a person with no family history of alcoholism can become alcohol-dependent. See the What Increases Your Risk section for more information.

webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Pros and Cons of Alcohol   Pros and Cons of Alcohol

How can alcohol be both harmful and helpful to the mind and body? Get the facts.

Watch Video: Pros and Cons of Alcohol (opens in a new window)

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