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The True Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Discover the actual effects, long and short-term, that alcohol has on the body
Most of us are aware that excessive use of alcohol over a long period has extremely harmful effects on the body. This Alcohol Awareness Month, it is important to uncover the impact of the most widely used social drug – alcohol – on the body.
What is Alcohol Awareness Month?
Created by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Alcohol Awareness Month was created to provide education on causes and effects and outreach surrounding the dangers of alcoholism to halt the growing number of alcohol addictions at a young age – like in college years.
The Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol does not have the same effect on every person – how much you drink, how often you drink, and what you drink play a large part in the effects seen. Also, your body’s unique composition like genetics, metabolism, and much more can affect how your body reacts to alcohol.
What are the Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body?
- Altered Behavior – more susceptible to falls and accidents and interpersonal conflicts
- Blurred or Disrupted Vision
- Hangovers – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration
- Alcohol Poisoning
- High Blood Pressure
- Inflammation of Skin
- Lack of Muscle Coordination
What are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body?
Alcohol is the leading factor for over 200 diseases and injuries. Here are some of the most common long-term effects.
- Nutrition-related issues like malnutrition or overweight/obesity
- Liver failure
- Increase in mental health conditions
- Cognitive impairment
- Nerve pain
- Muscle weakness or atrophy
- Decreased fertility
- Increase transmission rate of infectious diseases like HIV
In addition to the possible long-term effects, the top three diseases caused by alcoholism are:
How to Avoid The Effects of Alcohol?
Not drinking alcohol is the only way to avoid the effects alcohol has on the body. To minimize the negative responses, you can drink at a low level or avoid binge drinking.
The chance of long-term risks increases the more alcohol you intake. Here are some quick tips to reduce lifetime risks:
- Drink no more than ten alcoholic drinks per week.
- Drink no more than four drinks per day.
- The amount you drink reflects directly in the alcohol-related bodily harm, so for some, no drinking is necessary.
Compassionate & Exceptional Care
If you are suffering from a medical emergency from excessive alcohol intake, Albuquerque ER & Hospital is here 24/7/365 to get you feeling better quicker. At our state-of-the-art facility, you and your loved ones can be treated for any illness or injury, from IVs for severe dehydration to inpatient care for severe alcohol poisoning, by our expert staff, matched with our advanced technology.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Albuquerque ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.