Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. It’s also one of the most misunderstood substances in the world. While it’s woven into many aspects of society, from celebrations to casual socializing — it is not without risk. Knowing the short- and long-term effects on the human body and mind can help individuals make more informed choices when it comes to their health and well-being.
Alcohol, formally known as ethanol, is a chemical substance found in beer, wine, and spirits. It’s produced by yeast through the fermentation of sugars. Because alcohol is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier, its effects can be felt within minutes of consumption. Alcohol impacts nearly every organ in the body with varying effects depending on the amount consumed, how often, the individual’s tolerance, weight, gender, and overall health.
Despite being legal and socially accepted, alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant that slows brain function and neural activity. The interference with the brain’s communication pathways can affect mood, behavior, and cognitive functions. Short term, it can lead to impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, memory blackouts, and decreased coordination. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to permanent brain damage, cancer risks, and increased chances of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
The liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol, but it can only process about one standard drink per hour. Chronic alcohol use forces the liver to work overtime and can lead to fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis — a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, which can be fatal.
While some studies have suggested that low levels of alcohol may have heart-protective benefits, heavy or long-term use significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and cardiomyopathy. Alcohol can also irritate the digestive tract, leading to issues like gastritis, ulcers, and pancreatitis. It also interferes with nutrient absorption, which can potentially lead to vitamin deficiencies. In general, excessive alcohol weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable. Even a single session of heavy drinking can slow the body’s ability to ward off infections for up to 24 hours.
There is a strong relationship between alcohol and mental health. Many people use alcohol to self-medicate when dealing with trauma or feeling depressed or anxious. Not only does alcohol oftentimes exacerbate the problem, it can create new ones and lead to dependency.
Women, in particular, are more likely to experience depression and are biologically more vulnerable to alcohol’s effects. In recent years, studies have shown a significant increase in alcohol use among women — a trend partially attributed to targeted marketing and stress-related coping.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. One standard drink is equivalent to a 5% alcohol 12 oz of beer, a 12% alcohol 5 oz of wine, or a 40% alcohol 1.5 oz of distilled spirits. Drinking more than these recommended limits can increase the risk of long-term health complications — especially if you’re drinking regularly.
Habitual heavy drinking can lead to alcohol misuse, as it is a progressive disorder. Research shows significant increases in drinking, binge drinking and extreme binge drinking among U.S. adults. Nearly 28.9 million people ages 12 and older met the criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health per the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
The misuse of alcohol can have lasting effects, some of which are life-threatening—not only to the individual using, but to those who suffer from the results of their choices. The CDC reported that in 2020, alcohol caused 178,000 deaths, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 24 years. Alcohol is the third most preventable cause of death in the United States.
If alcohol use is causing problems in your personal, professional, or physical life, it may be time to talk to someone. Recognizing the signs of problematic use and knowing when to seek help are critical steps in promoting a healthier relationship with drinking. Support is available 24/7 at Hickory Recovery Network. Reach out to our team at 800-604-2117 for a private, no-obligation conversation. It’s never too late to take the first step.