ABSTRACT
Abuse of alcohol has multiple effects on both cellular and humoral immune responses. Alcoholinduced immunodeficiency is related to an increased risk for infectious diseases and certain cancers. Several rheumatic diseases can be triggered by alcohol consumption. The risks of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, however, appear reduced in women with low daily consumption of alcohol. Alcohol intake increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding after administration of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Chronic alcohol intake also increases methotrexate hepatotoxicity.
