The Effects of Alcohol on Your Body

Posted: January 8, 2024

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01 Jan 2024

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We’ve all read the studies that tell us having a glass or two of wine a day is beneficial to our health. But what happens when that glass or two turns into three, four, or more? Or if we have chronic health conditions made worse because of alcohol? Drinking too much alcohol can have serious ramifications on our health. Here are just some of the ways alcohol negatively affects your body and overall health:

Liver Damage and Toxic Buildup

Your liver is responsible for breaking down and removing harmful substances from your body, including alcohol. When we drink too much alcohol, over time, it can damage our liver leading to a condition called cirrhosis. Once your liver becomes damaged, it can no longer remove harmful toxins from your body and you can experience another type of health crisis.

Type 2 Diabetes

Drinking too much can also damage your pancreas where insulin is made. When the pancreas is no longer functioning optimally and it cannot make enough insulin, your blood sugar levels begin to rise. This can eventually lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Damage to Your Central Nervous System

You know that when you drink too much, you begin to slur your speech. This is because alcohol impacts your central nervous system. Alcohol essentially reduces proper communication between your brain and your body. This is why you have slurred speech and horrible coordination when you’re drunk. Drinking in excess can eventually cause numbness and tingling sensations in your hands and feet. It can also cause you to lose memories because damage occurs to your frontal lobe.

Poor Digestion

The more you drink, the more you damage the lining of your digestive tract, so you soon become unable to absorb important nutrients from your food. Many alcoholics are suffering from malnutrition.

Drinking in excess also causes ulcers, and sometimes these ulcers can begin to bleed, causing more serious health complications.

Risk of Heart Disease

Chronic drinkers have a higher risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure. If left untreated, they also have a higher chance of having a stroke or heart attack.

Mental Health Conditions

Alcohol is a depressant that affects the production of serotonin and dopamine. After drinking, you can experience post-alcohol anxiety and depression. If you already have anxiety or depression, alcohol can make your symptoms worse. Long-term alcohol use can create even more intense mental health symptoms.

Alcohol in moderation can be beneficial to your health. But not everyone's. It is harmful to those with addictions, and certain health conditions. Despite the studies promoting the health benefits of daily consumption of alcohol, overall, the risks far outweigh the benefits. If you think you may have a drinking problem, please get help.

Suggested Resources

1) Alcoholics Anonymous is a free resource that has helped millions stay away from the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs. Go to their website for more information and see what help is available to you.

https:// AA.org

2) Speak to your primary care physician.

3) Speak to a licensed professional counselor.

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