For many of us,alcoholis embedded in our social and cultural activities.
From the first sip, alcohol impacts the bodyeven if you don’t realize it.
It impacts us both physically and psychologically.
Alcohol consumption continues to be on the rise.
This article discusses the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and how to change your drinking habits.
What Parts of the Body Does Alcohol Affect?
We can all experience temporary and long-term effects of alcohol, depending on our consumption.
Research indicates that heavy alcohol use can also increase the risk ofsuicide.
How Common Is Alcohol Consumption?
Below we explore the specific parts of the body alcohol affects.
Brain/Memory
Alcohol use can damage thehippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for memory and learning.
Some studies have found that even light or moderate drinking can lead to some deterioration of the hippocampus.
As a result, prolonged alcohol use is associated with cognitive decline anddementia, including early-onset dementia.
Alcohol is also a known trigger ofheadachesandmigraines.
Heart
Drinking can harm your heart muscle and influence your heartbeat and heart rate.
When the pancreas becomes irritated and inflamed, you could developpancreatitis.
Skeletal and Muscle Systems
Alcohol use can impact your bones.
Whether you’re a light, moderate, or heavy drinker, alcohol can reduce bone mass.
This decrease can lead to conditions likeosteoporosis.
It powers key functions and processes like movement, memory, speech, thought processes, and more.
Alcohol use suppresses the central nervous system and destroys neurons.
Alcohol also causes damage to nerves and pathways, which disrupts communication between essential organs and bodily functions.
Digestive System
Ourdigestive systemprocesses everything we consume.
Alcohol agitates and kills cells in your digestive system.
Drinking alcohol can influence your psychological functioning and well-being.
These brain chemicals are responsible for regulating your mood, concentration, motivation, and reward-seeking behavior.
Alcohol is a depressant.
Alcohol is also associated with increased suicide risk due to impaired judgment.
Research shows that alcohol use is linked to increasedsuicidal thoughts, behaviors, and death.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat1-800-273-8255for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Minor Benefits of Alcohol
There are many risks associated with drinking alcohol.
At the same time, research shows there may be some perks.
Winespecifically red winecontains high levels of antioxidants.
In low to moderate alcohol consumption, antioxidants may provide some cardiovascular benefits.
However, when researchers evaluate these potential factors, the risks outweigh any benefits.
In people assigned female at birth, consuming more than four drinks in one sitting is considered binge drinking.
However, there may be legal, financial, or relational consequences for drinking heavily.
When making changes, its important to do so safely.
Short-term and long-term effects of alcohol can negatively impact the mind and body, despite any potential benefits.
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