Drinking alcohol every day can have a significant and lasting impact on your life, from physical to mental, emotional, and social consequences. Here are some of the effects of drinking alcohol every day:
Short-term effects:
- Impaired coordination, leading to clumsiness or difficulty walking
- Slurred speech
- Slowed reaction time
- Blurred vision
- Increased risk of injury due to falls or accidents
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Decreased inhibitions, which can lead to risky behavior like driving while intoxicated
- Blackouts
Long-term effects:
- High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems
- Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum
- Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick
- Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance
- Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
- Social problems, including family problems, job-related problems, and unemployment
- Alcohol use disorders, or alcohol dependence
Chronic alcohol use can also lead to other adverse health conditions, including cardiovascular problems, liver disease, digestive problems, and weakened immune system. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can change the way areas of the brain work, impacting balance, memory, speech, and judgement—all of which can increase the likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease.
It is important to note that any level of alcohol consumption can pose an increased risk of chronic disease development. The best way to avoid the effects of alcohol on your body is to not drink alcohol. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help is recommended.