Expert: Rebos - 6/10/2007

Question
my boyfriend is a binge drinker hasn't stop for two years constant drinking.hes now started with heart burn and now being sick he doesn't eat properly and hes weight is just coming off. hes very slim  hes no yellow but hes tanned so i cant really tell. I'm really worried because now hes becoming very aggressive

Answer

Good morning Linda, and thank you for your question.

Below you will find a number of danger signs that I have seen as the result of being an alcoholic.

Mental confusion, stupor, coma or cannot be awakened when your boyfriend passes out from drinking.

Vomiting and seizures.

Slowdown of breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute) or irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)

Low body temperature, bluish skin color and /or paleness.

Liver damage and reduced testosterone (less desire for sex) and erectile disfunction.

Fatigue and short term memory loss.

Weakness of eye muscles.

Cirrhosis of the liver (which is irreversible)

Gastrointestinal problems (which includes gastritis, damage to the pancreas, and damage to the stomach lining).

High blood pressure which increases risk of heart failure or stroke.

Thinning of the bones that could lead to fractures.

Higher risk of getting various cancers (throat, colon, liver, larynx and esophagus)

Higher risk for domestic abuse and higher divorce rate

Higher risk of arrests due to driving drunk.

Weight loss from the side effects of any one of the above illnesses or situations.

And last but not least a greater risk for suicide and murder.


The list is a long one, but unfortunately the life expectancy becomes shorter with each problem.

If I can be of further service to you concerning alcoholism and recovery please feel free to send me a follow-up question. Thank you, Rebos