What Happens When You Quit Alcohol? By rjoachim | August 25, 2022 Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. These are most often the result of binge drinking and include the following:Injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.6,7Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.6-10Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels.11Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.12,13Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) among pregnant women.6,12,14,15Long-Term Health RisksOver time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including:High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.6,16Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.6,17Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.6,16Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.6,18Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.6,19Social problems, including family problems, job-related problems, and unemployment.6,20,21Alcohol use disorders, or alcohol dependence.5 https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm Posted in Health & Wellness