While alcohol affects each of us differently, regularly drinking to excess can cause problems in both the short and long term.
The effects of alcohol depend on a range of factors, including:
- Age
- Amount of fat or muscle
- Amount of food in your stomach
- Drinking history
- Gender
- How fast you drink
- Mental health and emotional state
- Other chemicals in your drinks
- Other medications and drugs in your system
- Physical health
- Tolerance to alcohol
Short-term effects
- Alcohol poisoning, coma and death
- Blackouts
- Blurred vision
- Drowning
- Fires
- Flushed appearance
- Headache
- Injuries associated with falls, accidents, violence and intentional self-harm
- Intense moods (aggression, elation, depression)
- Lack of co-ordination
- Loss of inhibitions and a false sense of confidence
- Motor vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reduced concentration
- Slower reflexes
- Slurred speech
Long-term effects
- Alcohol dependency
- Alcohol related brain injury
- Cancers – including cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, bowel (in men) and breast (in women)
- Cirrhosis and liver failure
- Concentration and long-term memory problems
- Family and relationship problems
- Heart and cerebrovascular diseases including hypertension and stroke
- Legal and financial difficulties
- Poor nutrition
- Poor work performance
- Problems with the nerves of the arms and legs
- Sexual and reproductive problems (impotence, fertility)
- Skin problems
- Stomach complaints and problems
For more information about the effects of alcohol on your body, check out our interactive tool.