It is estimated that there may be around 35,000 alcohol-related deaths occurring in the U.K. each year.

Heavy long-term alcohol consumption is associated with many medical / health problems. An outline of some of the more common problems is provided below.

If you have concerns about any of these conditions you should obtain medical advice from your doctor or practice nurse.

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS: This condition involves acute inflammation of liver tissue. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), abdominal pains, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and low mood. Treatment usually requires hospital treatment and complete abstinence from alcohol.

CANCER: Excessive alcohol use is associated with certain types of cancer - especially those of the gastro-intestinal tract, such as cancer of the colon. The risks are increased further when combined with heavy smoking.

GASTRITIS: This is often linked to heavy binge drinking. Symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pains. Treatment includes abstinence from alcohol and the use of "ulcer-healing" drugs such as losec and zantac.

HYPERTENSION: Heavy drinking is closely linked to raised blood pressure. Symptoms include headaches and flushing of the face. A reduction in drinking often results in a corresponding reduction of blood pressure. Uncontrolled hypertension is linked with a raised risk of heart disease and stroke (cerebro-vascular accident).

LIVER CIRRHOSIS: This is a complication of long-term heavy alcohol use. Scarring occurs within the liver tissue - and this can result in a range of further problems. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) often occurs - and there may be marked swelling of the abdomen (ascites) and feet. Eventually liver failure may develop - resulting in fatality.

PANCREATITIS: Although this condition is linked to heavy drinking it can also occur in moderate / social drinkers. Acute attacks are characterised by severe abdominal pains. Treatment involves the use of powerful painkilling drugs, bed rest and intra-venous infusions. Repeated attacks can result in chronic pancreatitis - often with a risk of developing diabetes.

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: This condition is caused by a deficiency of thiamin and other vitamins. Heavy drinking impairs the absorption of many vitamins - and is often associated with a diet lacking in adequate nutrition. Symptoms include loss of sensation and / or tingling in the fingers and feet. In advanced cases there may be paralysis and severe pain. Treatment involves use of vitamin supplements (often given by injection), abstinence and an improved diet. Thiamin-rich foods are recommended - such as cereals, whole-wheat bread, peanuts and green, leafy vegetables.