The Glands

Chronic alcohol use can reduce the secretions of the glands throughout the body, and this can result in a number of side effects, most noticeably on the sexual systems. In men, there is often an increase in estrogen, an increase in female sex characteristics such as breast development and a reduction in body hair, and decreased sexual ability. Erections are achieved less easily, erection size is diminished and erections will not occur as frequently. Women are less able to achieve orgasm, and as well less able to feel the pleasurable sensations of sexual contact. Infertility is common in chronic long term alcoholics.

In addition to the discrete effects on all of the body's systems and organs, chronic and heavy alcohol use also greatly increases the risk factors for a number of cancers and other diseases. Alcohol is incredibly destructive, and although some of the changes are irreversible, many are not, and the sooner an alcoholic achieves sobriety, the better their long term health prognosis.

In addition to the social costs of alcoholism, the toll on the body and mind is incredible and tragic. An addiction to alcohol needs to be addressed as early as possible, and the best time to start fighting any alcoholism is now.

Today's treatments are better than ever, and the combination of available pharmaceutical medicines with psycho social therapies, cognitive behavioral training and after care treatment is very effective.