Sober living

Effects of Alcohol on the Body

consequences of alcohol

When your liver finishes that process, alcohol gets turned into water and carbon dioxide. Dr. Sengupta shares some of the not-so-obvious effects that alcohol has on your body. A weakened immune system has a harder time protecting you from germs and viruses. Over time, alcohol can cause damage to your central nervous system. Drinking too much alcohol over time may cause inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can activate the release of pancreatic digestive enzymes and cause abdominal pain.

  • Alcohol is the leading risk factor for premature mortality and disability among those aged 20 to 39 years, accounting for 13% of all deaths in this age group.
  • Loss of coordination (ataxia) is a common short-term effect of alcohol and is linked to how alcohol affects the brain’s cerebellum.
  • Alcohol abuse during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of birth defects in the US.
  • At this point, you may have alcohol cravings or drink to avoid the low feelings withdrawal causes rather than for the pleasurable feelings alcohol consumption may offer.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) links about 8.1 percent of all tuberculosis cases worldwide to alcohol consumption.

Excessive alcohol use

consequences of alcohol

Over the long term, alcohol can increase your risk of more than 200 different diseases, including in the liver and pancreas, and certain cancers. Alcohol can impact various parts of the body, including the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas, as well as essential body systems like https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the immune and digestive systems. Alcohol use can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, cognitive decline, liver disease, mental health conditions, and more. While alcohol intoxication is only temporary, chronic alcohol abuse can impair brain function permanently.

Health risks of alcohol use

Shortly after consumption, your body rapidly absorbs alcohol into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol affects every organ in the body, including your brain. Over time, your brain’s structure and function change, leading to tolerance, meaning you may require higher amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effects. These brain changes contribute to the compulsive nature of addiction, making it difficult to abstain from alcohol.

Help for Mental Illnesses

consequences of alcohol

While there is no one-size-fits-all method for recovering from AUD, there are lots of effective treatment options. Some examples include behavioral treatments, support groups, and FDA-approved medications. NIAAA can help people find information and resources about AUD and treatments that consequences of alcohol might work best for them. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has information on how alcohol impacts your health. It also has resources to help those looking to change their drinking habits. Heavy drinking, including binge drinking, is a high-risk activity.

consequences of alcohol

Research Funded by NIMH

consequences of alcohol

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