What exactly are the dangers of drinking?

libnation

Aside from the obvious ones (hangovers, liver disease, getting fights etc) what are the other medical dangers of drinking.

Are most deaths related to accidents and liver disease or are there other long term issues like respitary or heart problems.

I'm just curious as we are always told there are dangers of drinking but I'm never quite sure what they are.

L.Jenkins

http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm

Long-Term Health Risks

Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases, neurological impairments and social problems. These include but are not limited to—

• Neurological problems, including dementia, stroke and neuropathy.14, 15
• Cardiovascular problems, including myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation and hypertension.16
• Psychiatric problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicide.17
• Social problems, including unemployment, lost productivity, and family problems.18, 19
• Cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast.20 In general, the risk of cancer increases with increasing amounts of alcohol.
• Liver diseases, including—

• Alcoholic hepatitis.
• Cirrhosis, which is among the 15 leading causes of all deaths in the United States.21
• Among persons with Hepatitis C virus, worsening of liver function and interference with medications used to treat this condition.22

• Other gastrointestinal problems, including pancreatitis and gastritis.23, 24

Not a pretty list of potential health risks related to Alcohol consumption.