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    Information What are you really drinking?

    Alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the walls of the stomach and small intestine, where it is rapidly distributed to all parts of the body including the brain.

    The main organ responsible for removing alcohol from your body is your liver, which generally takes one hour to break down the alcohol in one standard drink.

    Drinking alcohol:

    • slows down your reflexes;
    • impedes your judgment; and
    • impacts your balance and coordination.

    Having coffee, vomiting or taking a cold shower won’t remove alcohol from your system, despite common misconceptions.

    Discover how alcohol affects your body, organs and systems with our interactive tool.  We’ve also put together helpful tips for drinking in moderation, and a reminder of the short term and long term effects of misusing alcohol.

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    Drinking and diabetes: what are the risks?

    When a person has diabetes their level of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. Drinking alcohol can make it even more difficult to manage.

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    Is your drinking putting you at risk of cancer?

    Research has shown that drinking alcohol is a risk factor for cancer – and the more you drink, the higher that risk.

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    You may also like

    Alcohol poisoning: when drinking turns toxic

    Alcohol poisoning is extremely dangerous and, in some cases, can lead to death without prompt medical treatment.

    • facts
    • health

    Is alcohol affecting your looks?

    Most of us are conscious of how we look. What many people don’t realise is that drinking alcohol in excess can have a negative impact on our appearance and even lead to conditions that permanently change the way we look.

    • facts
    • health

    Drinking and diabetes: what are the risks?

    When a person has diabetes their level of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. Drinking alcohol can make it even more difficult to manage.

    • facts
    • health

    Is your drinking putting you at risk of cancer?

    Research has shown that drinking alcohol is a risk factor for cancer – and the more you drink, the higher that risk.

    • facts
    • health
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