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Risk factors. Finding support. Safety. Alcohol can cause both short-term effects, such as lowered inhibitions, and long-term effects, including a weakened immune system. You won’t necessarily...
The effects of alcohol can be seen throughout your body, even for moderate drinkers. Alcohol affects your liver, metabolism, brain and more. Alcohol’s effects go far beyond hangovers.
Alcohol's Effects on the Body. Drinking too much – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll on your health. Here’s how alcohol can affect your body: Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works.
In some situations, the risk of drinking any amount of alcohol is high. Avoid all alcohol if you: Are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant. Take medicine that has side effects if you drink alcohol. Have alcohol use disorder. Have medical issues that alcohol can worsen.
If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. It can range from mild to severe. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.
The toxic effects of alcohol overwhelm the body and can lead to impairment and some even more serious medical side effects, including death in severe cases. It is extremely important to call 911 if you feel a person is experiencing alcohol poisoning.
Science-based information on alcohol from NIAAA, including alcohol’s effects on the brain and body, drinking levels, alcohol use disorder, and when to get help.
Just one or two alcoholic drinks can impair your balance, coordination, impulse control, memory, and decision-making. This increases your risk of injuries. Too much alcohol can also shut down parts of your brain that are essential for keeping you alive.
Alcohol poisoning—high blood alcohol levels that affect body functions like breathing and heart rate. Overdose—from alcohol use with other drugs, like opioids. Sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancy—alcohol use can lead to sex without protection, which can cause these conditions.
Alcohol’s effects vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, including: How much you drink. How often you drink. Your age. Your health status. Your family history. Drinking too much can cause a range of consequences, and increase your risk for a variety of problems. Consequences of drinking too much.