Alcohol has been a part of human culture for centuries and is currently the most used recreational drug in the United States. Although it may seem harmless, alcohol consumption can have serious effects on your physical and mental health. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the short-term and long-term effects that drinking alcohol can have on your health.
Short-Term Effects
In the short term, drinking too much alcohol can lead to impaired judgment and decision making, memory loss, poor coordination, nausea, vomiting, and even blackouts. It can also lead to an increase in risk taking behavior such as driving while intoxicated or engaging in unprotected sex. If consumed excessively over a short period of time it can also cause alcohol poisoning which can be fatal.
Long-Term Effects
Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time can have serious repercussions on one’s health. Heavy drinking increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer such as liver cancer and breast cancer as well as other diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver. It can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression and anxiety disorders. Additionally, heavy drinking impairs cognitive functioning which can lead to difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Alcohol is a widely used substance but its effects on one’s health should not be underestimated. Both short-term and long-term use can have serious consequences on one’s physical and mental wellbeing so it should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether if possible. Understanding the risks associated with alcohol use is key to making informed decisions about how much you consume or whether you choose to abstain all together.