The Side Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol or substance abuse is one the fundamental causes for untimely deaths and illnesses. Drinking too much, whether on a single occasion or over a long period of time, can take a serious toll on the health of an individual and the side effects of alcohol can be damaging.

Alcohol is a depressant that affects the functionality of different parts and systems of the body.

The Side Effects of Alcohol on the Brain 

Alcohol has a way that interferes with the brains communication patterns, and alters the way the brain perceives emotions, situation and interactions. It affects the coordination of limbs and slows the cognitive processes, making it harder to think, reason out and make judgments. These disruptions can change the mood and behavior and individuals under the influence of alcohol can make rash life altering decisions which can have dire consequences on their lives.

Effects of Alcohol on the Heart

Consuming alcohol over a long period or too much on a single occasion can cause damage to the heart. Especially people who are pre-diagnosed with heart related diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes etc., are advised not to indulge in the harmful vice as it increases the risk of severe conditions and stroke.

Alcohol abuse leads to: 

• Heart stroke 
• High blood pressure 
• Cardiomyopathy – Stretching and drooping of heart muscle
• Arrhythmias – Irregular heart beat 

The Side Effects of Alcohol on the Liver

Just as smoking is linked to lung cancer, Alcohol abuse increases the risk and damage to the liver.

Long term alcohol abuse causes liver inflammations including various lethal conditions like:

• Alcohol hepatitis
• Fatty liver or Steatosis
• Fibrosis
• Cirrhosis 

The Side Effects of Alcohol on the Pancreas

Drinking alcohol can result in the inflammation and swelling of blood vessels in the pancreases that prevents proper digestion. Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that ultimately leads to pancreatitis.

The Side Effects of Alcohol on the Immune system

The immune system helps us keep protected from various diseases and infections. Alcohol weakens the immune system making the body susceptible to diseases and infections. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia and drinking even on a single occasion as alcohol slows the body’s natural ability to ward of infections up to 24 hours.

Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing certain cancers such as:

• Mouth
• Esophagus
• Throat
• Breast
• Liver

Apart from physical repercussions, there are various psychological changes associated with alcohol which leads to conflicts in relations, disruptions in personal lives, career etc. More importantly it has lasting effects on pregnant and underage groups of the society.

Alcohol and Pregnancy

Evidence shows that maternal alcohol consumption can cause irreversible damage to the developing fetus or breastfeeding baby. This is the reason why women who are pregnant, planning for a baby or breastfeeding are advised against drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause pre natal abnormalities and can lead to dysfunction of the brain.

Underage Drinking 

The law against underage drinking has been imposed keeping in mind the health of adolescents. Early drinking is related to increased alcohol dependency in adulthood. Drinking patterns are also related to the possibility of the damage to the developing of the brain. Children less than 15 years are at the greatest risk of harm from drinking alcohol.

Alcohol Ranks #5 on the Danger List

For more information on the side effects of alcohol or if you need help call (800) 444-1838