Effects of Alcohol on the Body: Short & Long-Term Effects

Dependent drinkers with a higher tolerance to alcohol can often drink much more without experiencing any noticeable effects. These hormones influence various functions, including growth, metabolism, and breathing. A person with AUD has an impaired ability to stop consuming alcohol, despite adverse consequences. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We’ll be able to tell you if your insurance provider is in network with an American Addiction Centers treatment facility.

Effects of long-term alcohol use

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. Firstly, unhealthy drinking habits can lower dopamine levels and decrease endorphins over time. The way extended alcohol use depletes these “happy hormones” can exacerbate or cause mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. 50-70% of people who drink heavily are found to have varying degrees of cognitive impairments. The severity of this form of dementia is “dose-dependent,” meaning a person who drinks five drinks daily will typically have fewer symptoms than someone who drinks ten drinks daily. Memory blackouts are also a side effect of binge drinking and heavy drinking, which can put an individual’s safety at risk.

• But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions.
• Once you quit drinking, your body can begin to recover from some of the damage or, at the very least, prevent it from getting worse.
• Professional treatments and support can help you overcome alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder and improve your overall health and well-being.
• Acetaldehyde is a toxin that can damage the body’s organs and tissues before it is further broken down into acetate.

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Alcohol misuse often strains relationships, leading to broken trust, financial stress, and emotional turmoil. It can also increase the risk of domestic violence and negatively impact children. Levels of alcohol in the blood can continue rising for 30 to 40 minutes after the last long term alcohol misuse may cause drink, and symptoms can worsen.

Damage to Nerve Tissue

• Repeated blackouts signal problematic drinking and may indicate alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• If you drink more than 12 units of alcohol, you’re at considerable risk of developing alcohol poisoning, particularly if you’re drinking many units over a short period of time.
• Research has shown that when alcohol is removed from the body, it activates brain and nerve cells, resulting in excessive excitability (hyperexcitability).
• Blackouts often lead to risky behaviors like driving or unsafe interactions, despite outward functionality.
• From short-term effects like impaired judgment to long-term conditions such as liver disease and cancer, the consequences of chronic alcohol use are far-reaching.

This condition affects blood circulation, which can lead to other health problems. The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for these health effects, including several types of cancer. Excessive alcohol use is a term used to describe four ways that people drink alcohol that can negatively impact health.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Use

If you drink more than 12 units of alcohol, you’re at considerable risk of developing alcohol poisoning, particularly if you’re drinking many units over a short period of time. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, contributing to approximately 178,000 deaths annually. Over time, alcohol use takes a toll on your body and increases your risk of over 200 health conditions. From a glass of wine with dinner to a night out with friends or a celebratory toast, alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in many social practices and cultural traditions worldwide. In the United States, over 84% of adults report drinking alcohol at least once in their lifetime.

Seeking professional help, rebuilding trust, and engaging in support groups can help individuals repair relationships and regain stability. It may still be possible to treat the alcohol use disorder and the health problems caused by chronic, heavy drinking. If you or someone you know is ready to discuss treatment, our admissions navigators are available 24/7 to speak with you today at . True Self Recovery offers specialized programs that address alcohol addiction and memory loss through detox, therapy, and nutritional support. Their comprehensive approach promotes cognitive healing and long-term recovery.

Alcohol and Cancer Risks

Chronic alcohol use and binge drinking damage the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Alcohol can also contribute to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and hypertension (high blood pressure), increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that has immediate effects on the body, like intoxication (feeling drunk) and hangovers (unpleasant aftereffects from drinking). While these effects are short-lived, long-term alcohol use can trigger systemic (bodywide) inflammation, which damages the body’s tissues and vital organs over time. By the time a person is in the end stages of alcoholism, there can be no denying that drinking has taken over their life and damaged their health. Relatively new research reveals that the pancreas aids the liver in metabolizing and detoxifying alcohol.

Many use alcohol to cope with stress or emotional pain, leading to dependency. Over time, alcohol worsens underlying conditions, creating a harmful cycle that affects overall well-being. Alcohol disrupts brain chemistry, often worsening depression and anxiety.

• Alcohol is a toxin, and it’s your liver’s job to flush it out of your body.
• The system allows air to reach the lungs, helps oxygen circulate through the blood, and removes waste gases.
• Liver damage can lead to irreversible symptoms including jaundice, swelling of legs and abdomen, internal bleeding, fever, brain fog, and nausea.

The misuse of alcohol occurs when drinking leads to negative consequences, including health issues, impaired judgment, or disruptions in personal and professional life. Alcohol misuse includes binge drinking, drinking in hazardous situations, and continued alcohol use despite harmful effects. Successfully overcoming alcohol misuse requires a structured, professional approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction. True Self Recovery offers alcoholism treatment comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether you require medical detox, outpatient care, or long-term recovery planning, their expert team provides personalized support at every stage of the healing process. The liver metabolizes most of the alcohol you consume, breaking it down into acetaldehyde.