Alcohol use disorder is a chronic disease

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Neuroscience
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing brain disease with significant health, societal, and economic consequences.
• Alcohol misuse is a major driver of multimorbidity, exacerbating conditions like cancer and liver disease.
• AUD remains a prevalent and costly public health issue in the US, contributing to over 90,000 deaths annually.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the widespread and systemic impact of alcohol misuse on US citizens and society.
• To highlight the need for sustained investment in translational alcohol research.
• To underscore the public health imperative of addressing alcohol-related diseases.

Main Methods:

• This paper provides a comprehensive summary of existing research on the health impacts of alcohol misuse.
• It synthesizes data on the effects of alcohol on various organ systems and comorbidities.
• The review examines the economic burden and societal consequences of alcohol use disorder.

Main Results:

• Chronic heavy alcohol use adversely affects nearly every organ system, including the brain, liver, heart, and endocrine system.
• Alcohol misuse contributes to neurological and psychiatric comorbidities, cognitive decline, and increased cancer risk.
• Specific populations, such as women and older adults, face heightened vulnerability due to rising alcohol misuse rates.

Conclusions:

• Sustained and enhanced support for alcohol-related biomedical research is essential.
• Despite available treatments, underutilization and variable patient response necessitate further research and investment.
• Addressing the substantial burden of disease, disability, and death from alcohol misuse is a critical public health priority.