Prolonged alcohol use has a serious effect on nearly every organ in the body. While some effects are irreversible, many can be fixed over time with the right treatment and care. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, please seek help as soon as possible to prevent any further physical deterioration. Not only can drinking cause temporary complications such as memory loss and coordination, it can also lead to long-term side effects that are sometimes irreversible. You might be wondering about some of the more physiological and long-term effects of alcohol. There’s been an uptick in non-alcoholic drink options, as more and more companies are creating alternatives.

  • For example, some studies suggest that moderate alcohol drinking can affect fertility for some women.
  • Many people assume the occasional beer or glass of wine at mealtimes or special occasions doesn’t pose much cause for concern.

However, a prospective study following almost 15,000 men at four-year periods found only an increased risk of minor weight gain with higher intakes of alcohol. [19] Compared to those who did not change their alcohol intake, those who increased their intake by 2 or more drinks a day gained a little more than a half-pound. It was noted that calorie intake (not from alcohol) tended to increase along with alcohol intake.

Overall Effects of Alcohol

Because alcohol is a depressant, it can also contribute to mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. Research indicates that heavy alcohol use can also increase the risk of suicide. If you’re concerned about the effects of alcohol use on your health, contact your health care provider for help. Of heavy drinkers, 10%–20% develop cirrhosis, a serious condition that usually develops after 10 or more years of drinking.

Is 12 beers a day too much?

Consuming 12 beers a day would put someone well above the threshold for heavy drinking, and could lead to a number of health problems, including liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer. One of the primary concerns with excessive alcohol consumption is its impact on the liver.

Additionally, research has shown that alcohol may alter the composition of helpful microorganisms in your gut. These organisms play a crucial role in your gut and immune system function. While alcohol sends you into dreamland quicker, there’s a good chance that having too much will lead to a night of tossing and turning once its sedative effects wear off. For some of us, half a dozen drinks during a night out aren’t yet enough to faze us.

How do I know if I’m drinking too much?

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you effects of alcohol on the body have questions about your health. If you have questions about whether it is safe for you to drink, talk with your health care provider.

Hence, seeking professional medical advice is crucial if you notice such symptoms. Drinking too much alcohol may lead to a tingling sensation or numbness in your legs, feet, or hands, known as alcoholic neuropathy. This is one of the most common side effects of long-term alcohol consumption. Experts believe alcohol slows down the chemicals in the brain, which are responsible for several functions including concentration, focus, mood and reflexes.

Finding treatment for alcohol use disorder

Long-term alcohol abuse can eventually cause the blood vessels around the pancreas to swell, leading to pancreatitis. This greatly increases your risk of developing pancreatic cancer – a type of cancer that spreads rapidly and is very dangerous. Symptoms of an acute pancreatic attack may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fast heart rate and fever. While medications and other treatment methods can help manage the effects of pancreatitis, it is very difficult to reverse the condition. Alcohol can impact various parts of the body, including the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas, as well as essential body systems like the immune and digestive systems.

Repeated abuse combined with a poor diet, also hinders the body from repairing damaged muscles. The pancreas is part of the digestive process and helps regulate your body’s blood sugar levels. Drinking alcohol over many years can start to negatively impact your https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcoholism-statistics-you-need-to-know/ pancreas and cause lasting health complications. Unfortunately, the early stages of many pancreatic conditions are often unfelt and therefore, left untreated. Every person has their own reasons for drinking or wanting to reduce their alcohol consumption.

Start building healthier drinking habits today.

In addition to the short-term, visible side effects of alcoholism, there are also long-term effects. Individuals who consume alcohol over a prolonged period are more at risk of developing these complications. Symptoms gradually surface over the course of months and years. Even though you’re unable to see the damage drinking causes to your internal organs, it’s important not to ignore the warning signs of alcoholism.

  • Long-term alcohol use can affect bone density, leading to thinner bones and increasing your risk of fractures if you fall.
  • The best way to prevent health issues now and in the future is to quit drinking with the help of a professional treatment program.
  • Always determine if it’s safe for you to drink while taking any drugs, medicines or supplements.
  • Heavy drinking greatly affects not only the liver, but also many other parts of the body system.