Alcohol is a legal drug that affects every organ of the body and alters brain chemistry. When low amounts are consumed safely, alcohol can produce a relaxed, pleasant effect. When consumed in excess, alcohol can be dangerous to your health and well-being.
What is alcohol?
Alcohol is any beverage that contains the powerful ingredient ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is created by fermenting starches, sugars, and yeast.
These are the most common types of alcohol:
• Beer
• Cider
• Wine
• Spirits (whiskey, vodka, brandy, gin, tequila, rum)
• Cordials or liqueurs
How does alcohol affect the body?
Alcohol is a depressant, which means it has a slowing effect on the central nervous system. But alcohol actually affects the entire body.
Because alcohol is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, it acts rapidly. The liver is the organ that breaks down alcohol. But it can only handle a small amount at once.
If too much alcohol is consumed, the rest is left in the bloodstream. This means the effects are more intense. The more alcohol you drink, the greater the effects are.
Everyone is affected differently by alcohol. But for most people, the short-term effects of moderate to heavy alcohol use are:
• Lowered inhibitions
• Moodiness
• Poor judgment
• Coordination loss
• Sleepiness
• Flushed skin
• Raised heart rate
• Headache
• Nausea
• Slowed breathing
• Confusion
More severe effects:
• Vomiting
• Passing out
• Unconsciousness
• Seizures
• Memory loss
Alcohol can be dangerous in both the short and long term.
Short- and long-term health risks of excessive alcohol use
• Alcohol poisoning
• Violence and sexual assault
• Injuries from drinking impairment
• Risky sexual behavior
• For pregnant women: miscarriage, stillbirth, or babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
• Chronic diseases such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease
• Certain cancers, such as those of the colon, throat, mouth, or liver
• Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions
• Family and work issues
• Trouble with the law or at school
• Alcohol dependence
Who should not use alcohol?
Those younger than 21: The legal drinking age is 21 in all states.
Pregnant and nursing women: Women who are pregnant or nursing should not drink alcohol. In fact, even when you are simply trying to conceive, it’s best to stop all alcohol use.
Those suffering from specific medical issues: such as liver or kidney diseases, infections, diabetes, or mental health conditions.
Those taking certain over-the-counter medications or prescriptions: such as medications for sleeping, anxiety, or pain.
Anyone planning to drive: Or anyone planning to use heavy machinery or do an activity that requires focus, concentration, and skill.
What is the safe way to use alcohol?
If you do not fall into one of the above listed categories, it may be safe to consume alcohol moderately. Still, remember that there are no proven health benefits to drinking alcohol. So, if you don’t drink alcohol now, the best thing you can do for your health is to never start.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the following amounts are safe for moderate and safe alcohol consumption:
Women: 1 standard drink or less per day
Men: 2 standard drinks or less per day
It is important to know how much alcohol equals “one standard drink.” Here are the current standard drink amounts according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• Liquor or Distilled Spirits (40% alcohol): 1.5 ounces
• Wine (12%): 5 ounces
• Malt Liquor (7% alcohol): 8 ounces
• Beer (5% alcohol): 12 ounces
How to know if you have a drinking problem
Drinking can be safe when done in moderation. But sometimes, alcohol abuse problems can develop over time. It may be hard to see when a serious problem starts, but you can keep an eye out for symptoms.
Common symptoms of an alcohol abuse problem are:
• Frequently drinking more than the recommended daily alcohol limit
• Frequently having a hangover
• Regularly craving alcohol
• Creating reasons to drink
• Using alcohol at inappropriate times
• Needing to drink first thing in the morning
• Drinking and driving
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Experiencing problems with family relationships or friendships because of alcohol use
• Having performance issues at work or school because of alcohol use
• Growing a tolerance for alcohol, in which you have to drink more than you used to to feel the effects
• Hiding your alcohol use from others
What should you do if you have an alcohol abuse problem?
If you suspect that you or someone close to you has an alcohol abuse problem, it’s important to get help right away. Speak to your doctor, a trusted loved one, or a local addiction resource center. There are likely treatment programs in your community or at your local hospital.
The National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service is another good resource if you don’t know where to turn for help. Learn more by calling 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/pdfs/alcoholyourhealth.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#what