Effects of Alcohol on Each Part of the Body

Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery.

• You may also have a higher pain threshold, which may increase your risk for injury.
• Your bones get thinner and more fragile, a condition called osteoporosis.
• If you reach a BAC of 0.25, you may have concerning signs of alcohol poisoning.
• Keep in mind that even moderate alcohol use isn’t risk-free.

Blood alcohol concentration is the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. It is expressed as the weight of ethanol in grams per 100 milliliter of blood. At first, the person may feel relaxed, uninhibited, or giddy. Within minutes of consuming alcohol, it is absorbed into the bloodstream by blood vessels in the stomach lining and small intestine. Alcohol is known to be harmful to developing brains, from before birth to adolescence. Country profiles present selected data, statistics and information to provide national health profiles at given points in time. This short document summarizes the key content of the WHO report Reducing the harm from alcohol by regulating cross-border alcohol marketing, advertising and…

Alcohol Poisoning

While some people may experience multiple side effects, others may face fewer complications. Unfortunately, the effects of heavy drinking affects more than the person struggling with alcohol abuse – it affects the people around them. Even the short-term effects of drinking can cause extensive harm, ranging from driving under the influence and effects of alcohol on the body criminal activities to unintentional self-harm. High blood pressure is another effect of alcohol addiction that can occur because of chronic abuse. Excessive ethanol consumption will lead to health issues with the cardiovascular system because it increases one’s heart rate and places more stress on their body, leading to hypertension.

Certain factors may increase your chances of experiencing alcohol use disorder. Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult and, in some cases, life threatening. Depending on how often you drink and how much, you may need support from a healthcare professional if you want to stop drinking. That’s because drinking during pregnancy doesn’t just affect your health. It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. Over time, drinking can also damage your frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for executive functions, like abstract reasoning, decision making, social behavior, and performance. If your body can’t manage and balance your blood sugar levels, you may experience greater complications and side effects related to diabetes.

Long-term effects of alcohol

One of the most dangerous short-term risks of heavy binge drinking is alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning. The effects of intoxication will be present until the liver metabolizes all the ethanol. Ethanol can also cause nausea and vomiting, which is why people often become sick if they drink too much of this substance at one time. Problem-solving is another mental function that gets affected when a person has been drinking alcohol for extended periods. They find it difficult to resolve issues and develop new ideas or solutions that may not have been present before they started consuming large amounts of ethanol.

From the first sip, alcohol impacts the body—even if you don’t realize it. Any amount of alcohol can diminish your judgment and functioning, and even low or moderate alcohol use can have harmful effects on different organs. It’s time to put an end to alcohol abuse, and live a strong and healthy life. Contact a treatment provider to help you find alcohol treatment programs. While every organ in your body can feel the effects from drinking, some are more at risk for extensive damage. The best way to prevent health issues now and in the future is to quit drinking with the help of a professional treatment program.

What is moderate drinking?

Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can also lead to dependence, which means your body and brain have grown used to alcohol’s effects. With these conditions, you’ll only notice symptoms during alcohol intoxication or withdrawal. These symptoms typically improve quickly when alcohol use stops.