Question: My husband drinks five to six beers every night. For age 60, he is in good health, but I’m afraid this much alcohol will eventually hurt him. What is this much beer doing to his body?

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:

Your husband is drinking in excess of any reasonable amount and is a chronic alcoholic. Most alcoholics will try to deny and explain away their excessive use to the detriment of their work and family. I recommend you seek out the nearest Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and go with him to help him recognize his condition. In addition, see your doctor so a proper and safe detox program can be set up and coordinated.

You can bet that his body is being harmed by this level of daily alcohol intake. Common effects are alcoholic hepatitis, pancreatitis, premature cerebral atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, vitamin deficiency, dementia, immune suppression, malabsorption with gastritis, and perhaps even direct toxic effects on the heart (called cardiomyopathy). Alcoholism can also cause withdrawal, agitation, job loss, and mood disorders.