The Truth About Alcohol’s Impact on Your Health

Short-Term Effects
Impaired judgment and coordination: Alcohol affects the brain, leading to poor decision-making, reduced motor skills, and increased risk of accidents.

  1. Alcohol and the Brain: An Overview

www.niaaa.nih.gov


Alcohol poisoning: Excessive consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.   1. Alcohol Use and Your Health – CDC

www.cdc.gov


Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, causing your body to lose fluids and electrolytes.   1. Hydration Status and the Diuretic Action of a Small Dose of Alcohol – Oxford Academic

academic.oup.com


Long-Term Effects
Liver damage: Chronic heavy drinking can lead to liver diseases like fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.   1. Alcohol and Cancer Risk Fact Sheet – NCI

www.cancer.gov


Heart problems: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.   1. Alcohol and Heart Health: Separating Fact from Fiction | Johns Hopkins Medicine

www.hopkinsmedicine.org


Digestive issues: Alcohol can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to ulcers, gastritis, and pancreatitis.   1. Alcoholic Pancreatitis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov


Weakened immune system: Heavy drinking can impair the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and diseases.   1. Understanding alcohol and our immune system – Alcohol and Drug Foundation

adf.org.au


Mental health problems: Alcohol can contribute to or worsen depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.   1. Mental Health Issues: Alcohol Use Disorder and Common Co-occurring Conditions

www.niaaa.nih.gov


Increased risk of cancer: Regular heavy drinking is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon cancer.   1. Alcohol Use and Cancer | Health Effects

www.cancer.org


It’s important to note that even moderate alcohol consumption can have negative health consequences for some individuals. If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption or have a history of alcohol-related problems, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional