DISEASE

Following are links on the Internet about alcohol-related diseases.  Links to sites containing practical information are included.

Academy of Medical Science (Scotland)
Calling Time: The Nation's Drinking As a Major Health Issue
A report from the UK Academy of Medical Sciences about the national consumption of alcohol. Evidence indicates that consumption patterns are a major determinant of harm and that for the health of the public, action is required to reduce the consumption of alcohol at a population level. March 2004

Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand
Your Body
The effects of alcohol on different parts of the body.

Alcohol Concern, UK
Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Misuse: Factsheet
This factsheet outlines the relationship between bipolar disorder and alcohol misuse, exploring treatment and diagnostic issues. This factsheet is intended primarily for clinicians and staff working in mental health services, alcohol agencies and primary care.

American Cancer Society
Alcohol & Cancer: Factsheet
This factsheet has been produced specifically for healthcare professionals. It aims to provide current data and evidence-based information on a variety of cancer topics. This fact sheet focuses on alcohol and cancer and covers oral cancer, oesophageal cancer, liver cancer, risk reduction, and emerging trends.

American Council on Science and Health (ACSH)
Does Moderate Alcohol Consumption Prolong Life?
A report on moderate alcohol consumption and longevity. This report states that death rates from coronary heart disease are lower among consumers of small to moderate amounts of alcohol than among non-drinkers. 

Beer, Wine and Spirits Council of New Zealand
Medical Matters
Information about the effects of alcohol on numerous diseases.

Boston Medical Center, USA
Alcohol and Health: Current Evidence
A free online newsletter that summarizes the latest clinically relevant research on alcohol and health. Through its summaries and other features, the newsletter aims to highlight alcohol issues and provide information that can be applied in clinical teaching, practice, and research. Published every two months.

Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS)
Factsheet
A factsheet developed by the IAS on the health effects of alcohol. It also includes information about the impact of alcohol on the UK National Health Service; admissions to hospitals for alcohol related diagnosis and a brief note on estimated numbers of deaths attributed to alcoholism. (pdf file)

Mayo Clinic
Alcohol and Your Health : Weighing the Pros and Cons
This fact sheet weighs ‘the pros and cons' of the benefits and risks from drinking. This patient-oriented fact sheet discusses both the benefits and risks of alcohol drinking. Issues covered include the benefits of moderate drinking on heart health, coronary artery disease, stroke prevention, and peripheral arterial disease. Also discussed are the risks and effects of misuse or abuse of alcohol.

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Cancer Factsheet  
A factsheet developed by the NHMRC about alcohol and cancer. (pdf file)
Heart Disease Factsheet  
A factsheet developed by the NHMRC that highlights about alcohol and heart disease. (pdf file)
Evidence Regarding the Level of Alcohol Consumption Considered to be Low-Risk For Men and Women
This report comprises an update and summary of the best available evidence regarding low-risk levels of alcohol consumption. The Australian Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services has contracted Single and Associates, Research Consulting, Ltd., to undertake an examination of the evidence on alcohol, health and safety in the light of recent research and international developments.
Australian Alcohol Guidelines: Health Risks and Benefits
This document contains information about enjoying alcohol yet avoiding or minimising its harmful consequences. October 2001 (875 Kb pdf file)
Alcohol and your health
A brochure stating recommended drinking guidelines.

National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Alcohol’s Effects on the Risk for Coronary Heart Disease
This article reports that although the consumption of up to two drinks per day can promote changes in the levels of molecules that reduce the risk of heart disease, it also increases the levels of certain molecules that promote heart disease.
Helping Patients With Alcohol Problems: A Health Practitioner's Guide
This guide is written for primary care practitioners--physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others who see patients for general health care and has been produced, with guidance from health practitioners and clinical researchers.

The Quarterly Review of Alcohol Research
This journal is published by The Portman Group. It provides a regular, easily-digested summary of recent research into the psycho-social and medical aspects of alcohol consumption.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): the Office of Research on Women’s Health, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Alcohol: A Women's Health Issue
The effects of drinking on women's health. 2003

Toronto Cancer Prevention Coalition Alcohol Work Group
Report on the Links Between Alcohol and Cancers