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- Long-term alcohol use can affect bone density, leading to thinner bones and increasing your risk of fractures if you fall. Weakened bones may also heal slower. Drinking alcohol can also lead to muscle weakness, cramping, and eventually atrophy.
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6 days ago · 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.
- Short Term vs Long Term Effects of Alcohol Use
- Long Term Effects of Alcohol Use
- How to Get Treatment For Alcohol Use
Before we dive in, let’s break down the difference between the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol. Alcohol’s short-term effects describe both the sensations associated with intoxication, and the hangover and/or withdrawal symptoms as alcohol leaves your system. Short-term side effects may include: 1. Drowsiness 2. Mood changes 3. Slowed mo...
1. High Blood Pressure
Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressuredue to the alcohol itself, and also the sugar and calories that are often in alcoholic drinks. Up to 16% of all individuals with consistent medical high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, are diagnosed due to heavy drinking.
2. “Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy”
Unhealthy alcohol use can cause a change in shape and loss of motion in the lower chambers of the heart, which is a medical condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This condition affects blood circulation, which can lead to other health problems.
3. Increased Risk of Blood or Brain Disease
Unhealthy alcohol use is one of the most consistent factors that increases the likelihood of developing a blood or brain vessel blockage disease, respectively called coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease. These conditions have very serious consequences, and can even manifest as heart attacks and strokes when blockages prevent blood flow to the brain or heart.
While the health conditions associated with heavy alcohol use can be very serious, creating a healthier relationship with alcohol can reduce these risks and give your body time to heal in incredible ways. Luckily, there are many treatment options, alcohol support groups, and AA alternativesavailable to you. There are treatment facilities, in-person...
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.
May 15, 2024 · Key points. Excessive alcohol use can have immediate and long-term effects. Excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking during pregnancy or by people younger than 21. Drinking less is better for your health than drinking more. You can lower your health risks by drinking less or choosing not to drink.
- Liver. Your liver detoxifies and removes alcohol from your blood through a process known as oxidation. When your liver finishes that process, alcohol gets turned into water and carbon dioxide.
- Metabolism. You probably are keenly aware of the so-called “beer belly.” That’s shorthand for a round midsection that some people associate with drinking too much beer.
- Gut health. Your gut microbiome is a hotbed of bacteria that help keep your digestive system happy and healthy. The trillions of microbes in your colon and large and small intestines are critical to proper digestion.
- Heart health. Too much alcohol is bad for your heart. Alcohol can cause: Increased heart rate. Spikes in blood pressure. Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia).
Sep 29, 2023 · 1 /15. Alcohol can affect your body in different ways, depending on how much you drink. In general, experts say it’s OK to have up to one drink a day if you’re a woman or two if you’re a man....
