The Harmful Effects of Alcohol on Your Body

Alcohol is a substance that is widely consumed throughout the world and is advertised on TV and in print, yet its effects on the body are often understated. Regular or heavy alcohol use can interfere with relationships, careers, and physical well-being. Over time, alcohol can very seriously affect just about every major organ in the body.

One of the clearest signs of alcohol addiction is when people continue to use alcohol even when it is causing physical harm. That harm tends to appear gradually, in the form of persistent fatigue or digestive issues, which can lead to it passing unnoticed. Physical harm can, however, manifest more suddenly, in the shape of serious medical emergencies. In this article, as an aid to understanding, we will take a closer look at how alcohol affects the body in both the long and short term and discuss recovery.

Physical Effects of Alcohol Use

Alcohol can affect nearly every function of the human body. Below is information on alcohol’s impacts on different organs and systems when consumed regularly or heavily in a single sitting. Recognizing the issues presented below, prolonged excessive alcohol consumption can lead to organ failure and death, especially where there are pre-existing health conditions.

Brain function

Alcohol affects neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters control thoughts and functions and can slow communication as well as impair cognitive function. Over time, impacted neurotransmitters can severely affect memory, mood regulation, and decision-making. Chronic alcohol use has been linked to structural changes in the brain and long-term cognitive decline. It has also been suggested as a risk factor for conditions as severe as dementia.

Nausea and vomiting

Drinking heavily can irritate the stomach lining, which often leads to nausea or vomiting, especially when consumed in large amounts at once. It can also be recognized by the body as a toxin, which leads to the digestive system seeking to purge it in the form of vomiting. While these symptoms seem situational and temporary, they can cause dehydration and, in more extreme cases, esophageal damage.

Heart symptoms

While occasional drinking may not result in serious long-term issues, prolonged and chronic use increases the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), irregular heartbeat, cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart’s muscle tone), and even stroke. The longer the consumption goes on, the greater the risk.

Liver

The liver is the organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol (processing it and breaking it down), and prolonged or heavy alcohol use places a significant strain on the organ. This can result in fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, the latter being a potentially life-threatening condition.

Kidneys

Alcohol dehydrates the body, and this affects the kidneys’ ability to regulate fluid and electrolytes. Over time, this can contribute to high blood pressure and reduced kidney function.

Pancreas

Alcohol activates the production of toxic substances that can cause pancreatitis, which is the swelling of the pancreas. Pancreatitis affects food digestion, and chronic pancreatitis can lead to diabetes.

Digestive system

As already noted, alcohol can inflame the stomach; it can also affect the intestines, disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, and interfere with absorption. This can result in ongoing issues that include bloating, ulcers, and malnutrition.

Short-Term Physical Effects of Alcohol Use

While long-term physical effects usually develop gradually, even short-term drinking can have pronounced effects on the body, including the following:

Dehydration

Alcohol has a diuretic effect, increasing fluid loss in the body. This can lead to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Dehydration can also worsen existing conditions, including diabetes and infections.

Coordination and reactions

Even a small amount of alcohol will slow your motor responses, connecting to why it is illegal to drive while under the influence. Impaired coordination and delayed reaction times also increase the risk of falls and other accidents.

Long-Term Physical Effects of Alcohol Use

The longer alcohol use continues, the more severe its potential physical consequences become. Repeated exposure can magnify the issues described earlier, and the damage that results can become more long-term or even irreversible.

Chronic alcohol use is also known to contribute to the risk of several forms of cancer, including but not limited to cancers of the liver, breast, esophagus, mouth, and colon. It has a detrimental effect on the immune system, causing the body to have difficulty fighting infections and healing from injuries and illnesses.

Alcohol also impacts the brain. Over time, heavy drinking can lead to shrinkage of the brain, persistent cognitive loss, and even serious conditions including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which affects coordination and the brain’s ability to recall events and make new memories.

Seeking help for alcohol dependency through residential treatment can greatly reduce the long-term risks, breaking the cycle of dependence and creating healthier habits.

Mixed Alcohol Use

Alcohol use becomes even more dangerous when drinking is combined with the use of other substances, which can include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed medication. Mixing alcohol with drugs may aggravate side effects or cause unforeseen reactions.

Mixing alcohol with opioids (such as oxycodone or codeine), benzodiazepines (including diazepam or temazepam), or antihistamines can cause respiratory difficulties. These combinations can slow the central nervous system to the point where breathing stops. In many overdoses, alcohol is a contributing factor.

Even medications that are benign when taken on their own can become dangerous when mixed with alcohol. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, among others, can cause nausea, dizziness, internal bleeding, or organ damage when combined with drinking alcohol. The same can be true of antidepressants, particularly those in the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class such as tranylcypromine.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in San Diego

Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible. At Jackson House Recovery Centers, we use a personalized, compassionate approach to treatment and help individuals heal emotionally and physically. Programs include:

• Individualized treatment plans tailored to a person’s needs and triggers
• Therapeutic support, including counseling and behavioral therapy
• Residential treatment options for those who would benefit from 24/7 care and a structured environment

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, we encourage you to reach out to our team. We are available to support you so that treatment can begin in safety, with dignity, and with the best chance for long-term success.