The Risks and Difficulties of Excessive Alcohol Use

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most widespread public health issues in the UK and across the globe. While moderate drinking is socially accepted and even celebrated in many cultures, drinking beyond safe levels carries severe consequences. These effects extend far beyond physical health, influencing mental wellbeing, relationships, work, and wider society.

In the UK, alcohol use is deeply embedded in social life. The pub culture, celebrations, and even work events often normalise drinking. However, statistics reveal a troubling picture: around 24% of adults in England and Scotland regularly exceed the Chief Medical Officers’ recommended limit of 14 units per week (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 2022). Binge drinking remains common, especially among younger adults, while harmful drinking is present across all age groups. The fallout is immense, from rising NHS costs to personal tragedies within families.

This article explores the risks and difficulties of excessive alcohol use, examining physical, psychological, and social consequences. It also highlights why recovery can be challenging and how Cheshire Sobriety Clinic provides compassionate, evidence-based support for lasting change.

Physical Health Risks

Liver Disease

The liver is the body’s main detoxification organ, processing over 90% of the alcohol consumed. Chronic heavy drinking overwhelms this system, leading to progressive damage. Alcohol-related liver disease typically develops in stages:

• Fatty liver: Fat deposits in the liver, often reversible with abstinence.

  
  

• Alcoholic hepatitis: Inflammation of liver tissue, which can cause jaundice and liver failure.

  
  

• Cirrhosis: Irreversible scarring, leading to loss of liver function, internal bleeding, and cancer (NHS, 2023a).

  
  

Alcohol-related liver disease is one of the biggest causes of premature death in the UK, and mortality rates have risen sharply over the past two decades (Public Health England, 2016).

Cardiovascular Disease

Alcohol is often mistakenly associated with heart health due to earlier studies suggesting small benefits. However, recent evidence shows risks outweigh benefits. Heavy drinking raises blood pressure, promotes irregular heart rhythms, and weakens the heart muscle (Wood et al., 2018).

A study involving almost 600,000 participants found that consuming more than 100 grams of alcohol per week (around 12.5 UK units) increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, and early death (Wood et al., 2018).

Cancer Risk

Alcohol is a known carcinogen, contributing to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, throat, and liver cancers (World Health Organization, 2018). Cancer Research UK (2023) estimate that 4% of new cancer cases each year in the UK are directly linked to alcohol. Importantly, no safe level of drinking exists when it comes to cancer risk.

Brain and Nervous System Damage

Alcohol has immediate effects on brain chemistry, impairing judgment, coordination, and memory. But long-term use is even more damaging. Neuroimaging research shows that even moderate drinking is associated with reduced brain volume, particularly in the hippocampus, which is vital for memory and learning (Topiwala et al., 2017).

Another study involving UK Biobank participants found widespread reductions in brain volume associated with alcohol intake, visible even at one or two drinks per day (Daviet et al., 2022). Chronic drinking also increases the risk of Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome, a condition caused by thiamine deficiency that leads to confusion, memory loss, and mobility problems (Ridley et al., 2013).

Other Illnesses and Weakened Immunity

Alcohol weakens the immune system, leaving drinkers vulnerable to infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis (Rehm et al., 2010). It also increases the risk of pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

Mental Health Risks

Depression and Anxiety

Many people drink to cope with stress, sadness, or anxiety. However, alcohol is a depressant that disrupts brain chemistry, worsening these conditions over time. Evidence shows a strong association between heavy drinking and depression, with misuse often fuelling a cycle of negative emotions and increased alcohol use (Boden and Fergusson, 2011).

Addiction and Dependence

Alcohol dependence develops gradually as tolerance builds and withdrawal symptoms set in. Dependence is not simply a lack of willpower but a brain-based condition involving changes to reward and stress systems (Koob and Volkow, 2016). Withdrawal can include sweating, tremors, nausea, and severe anxiety, making stopping without support very difficult.

Suicide and Self-Harm

Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, contributing to impulsive behaviours such as self-harm and suicide. Research suggests that alcohol is involved in up to 40% of suicide attempts (Sher, 2006).

Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Long-term heavy use is associated with alcohol-related dementia and accelerated cognitive decline. Some brain function may recover with abstinence, but not all damage is reversible (Ridley et al., 2013).

Social and Life Consequences

Family and Relationships

Alcohol misuse damages relationships, often leading to neglect, conflict, or abuse. Children of parents who drink heavily are more likely to experience emotional neglect, behavioural problems, and future substance misuse. Alcohol is also a major factor in domestic violence: a meta-analysis found strong links between drinking and intimate partner violence (Foran and O’Leary, 2008).

Employment and Productivity

The economic costs of alcohol misuse are staggering. Public Health England (2016) estimated alcohol-related harm at £21 billion annually, with lost productivity and workplace accidents making up a large portion. Alcohol misuse is linked to absenteeism, presenteeism (working while impaired), and unemployment.

Accidents and Crime

Alcohol is a leading factor in road traffic collisions, falls, drownings, and accidental injuries. According to NHS data, alcohol is involved in 39% of all violent crimes in England and Wales (NHS, 2023b).

Financial and Housing Instability

The financial burden of regular heavy drinking can be overwhelming, compounded by fines, medical bills, and job loss. This spiral sometimes ends in homelessness. Research shows a two-way relationship: alcohol misuse increases the risk of becoming homeless, and homelessness increases the likelihood of heavy drinking (Manning and Petrakis, 2017).

Vulnerable Populations

Adolescents and Young Adults

The adolescent brain is particularly sensitive to alcohol, as the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control is still developing. Drinking during adolescence increases the risk of long-term cognitive impairment and future addiction (Lees et al., 2020). Although fewer young people are drinking compared to previous decades, those who do often binge drink, increasing risks of accidents and risky behaviour (NHS Digital, 2022).

People with Mental Health Conditions

Around 30–50% of people with severe mental illness also misuse alcohol (Hunt et al., 2016). This dual diagnosis complicates treatment, as alcohol worsens psychiatric symptoms and can interfere with medication.

Social and Cultural Influences

Family history, social deprivation, and cultural norms all influence alcohol use. In the UK, drinking is often normalised through social gatherings, work events, and advertising. These cultural pressures can make it harder to recognise harmful use (Room, 2005).

Why Recovery Is Difficult

Despite the well-documented risks, recovery from alcohol misuse is not straightforward. Several factors make change challenging:

• Stigma: Fear of judgment deters many people from seeking help (Room, 2005).

  
  

• Denial: Problem drinking often escalates slowly, making it hard for individuals to see the harm.

  
  

• Withdrawal: Detoxing without medical support can be dangerous, with risks including seizures and delirium tremens (Mayo-Smith, 1997).

  
  

• Relapse: Stress, social triggers, and ingrained habits frequently lead to relapse (Marlatt and Donovan, 2005).

  
  

• Brain changes: Prolonged alcohol use reshapes the brain’s pathways, making cravings more powerful (Koob and Volkow, 2016).

  
  

• Limited access to services: Many face long waiting times or lack of awareness about treatment options.

  
  

How Cheshire Sobriety Clinic Can Help

At Cheshire Sobriety Clinic, we recognise that alcohol misuse is complex and deeply personal. Our goal is to support clients in achieving lasting sobriety through tailored, compassionate care.

Personalised Care Plans

Every client is unique. We create treatment plans that reflect individual needs, circumstances, and goals, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Addressing Conscious and Subconscious Drivers

Our approach combines evidence-based counselling with Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®), which helps clients uncover and resolve subconscious beliefs that fuel drinking.

Accessible and Flexible Support

We provide both in-person sessions at our Cheshire clinics (Lymm and Alderley Edge) and secure online consultations. This flexibility allows clients to choose the format that best suits their lifestyle.

Experienced Practitioners

Our team brings decades of experience in addiction recovery and mental health, offering professional support rooted in compassion and understanding.

Focus on Relapse Prevention

We equip clients with tools and strategies to identify triggers, manage stress, and prevent relapse. Sustained recovery is about long-term resilience, not quick fixes.

Safe and Supportive Environment

Recovery requires trust and openness. We provide a confidential, non-judgmental space where clients can speak honestly about their challenges.

Conclusion

Excessive alcohol use is not simply a lifestyle choice, it is a public health challenge with profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. From liver disease and cancer to depression, family breakdown, and financial instability, the impact can be devastating. Yet recovery is possible.

At Cheshire Sobriety Clinic, we believe that with the right guidance and support, people can break free from alcohol dependence and reclaim their lives. Our personalised, compassionate approach gives clients the tools they need to achieve lasting sobriety and renewed wellbeing.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, know that help is available. Change is difficult, but it is always possible.

References

Boden, J.M. and Fergusson, D.M. (2011) ‘Alcohol and depression’, Addiction, 106(5), pp. 906–914.

Cancer Research UK (2023) Alcohol and cancer risk. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

Daviet, R. et al. (2022) ‘Associations between alcohol consumption and gray and white matter volumes in the UK Biobank’, Nature Communications, 13, 1174.

Foran, H.M. and O’Leary, K.D. (2008) ‘Alcohol and intimate partner violence: A meta-analytic review’, Clinical Psychology Review, 28(7), pp. 1222–1234.

Hunt, G.E., Malhi, G.S., Lai, H.M.X. and Cleary, M. (2016) ‘Prevalence of comorbid substance use in major mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Journal of Affective Disorders, 196, pp. 1–15.

Koob, G.F. and Volkow, N.D. (2016) ‘Neurobiology of addiction: A neurocircuitry analysis’, The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(8), pp. 760–773.

Lees, B. et al. (2020) ‘Adolescent alcohol use, brain health, and policy implications’, The Lancet Public Health, 5(6), pp. e333–e340.

Manning, V. and Petrakis, I.L. (2017) ‘Substance use and homelessness’, Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 30(4), pp. 258–263.

Marlatt, G.A. and Donovan, D.M. (eds) (2005) Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors. 2nd edn. New York: Guilford Press.

Mayo-Smith, M.F. (1997) ‘Pharmacological management of alcohol withdrawal: A meta-analysis and evidence-based practice guideline’, JAMA, 278(2), pp. 144–151.

NHS (2023a) Alcohol-related liver disease. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

NHS (2023b) Alcohol-related crime and accidents. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

NHS Digital (2022) Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (2022) UK Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines. Available at: https://www.gov.uk (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

Public Health England (2016) The public health burden of alcohol and the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alcohol control policies: An evidence review. London: PHE.

Rehm, J. et al. (2010) ‘The relation between different dimensions of alcohol consumption and burden of disease: An overview’, Addiction, 105(5), pp. 817–843.

Ridley, N.J., Draper, B. and Withall, A. (2013) ‘Alcohol-related dementia: An update of the evidence’, Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 5(1), 3.

Room, R. (2005) ‘Stigma, social inequality and alcohol and drug use’, Drug and Alcohol Review, 24(2), pp. 143–155.

Sher, L. (2006) ‘Alcohol consumption and suicide’, QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 99(1), pp. 57–61.

Topiwala, A. et al. (2017) ‘Moderate alcohol consumption as risk factor for adverse brain outcomes and cognitive decline: Longitudinal cohort study’, BMJ, 357, j2353.

Wood, A.M. et al. (2018) ‘Risk thresholds for alcohol consumption: Combined analysis of individual-participant data for 599,912 current drinkers in 83 prospective studies’, The Lancet, 391(10129), pp. 1513–1523.

World Health Organization (2018) Global status report on alcohol and health 2018. Geneva: WHO.

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