Uncorking the Truth- How Alcohol Impacts Your Body

Alcohol is a powerful substance that can impact nearly every part of the body, often with harmful consequences. The risks associated with alcohol can range from short–term to long-term. In this article we will explore all the various ways alcohol affects the body, and provide tips for alcohol misuse. All of the references and sources used will be linked at the end for further reading.

When you consume alcohol, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream through your stomach and small intestine. From there, it circulates through your body, including the brain. It only takes a few minutes for alcohol to reach your brain. How quickly it takes for alcohol to absorb into your bloodstream depends on factors like your age and sex, your body size/weight, your experience with alcohol, if you have taken any medicines/drugs, and your liver health. Your liver is the main organ that removes alcohol from your bloodstream, which normally takes about an hour for one standard drink. If you end up drinking an excessive amount of alcohol, then it is unlikely that your liver will be able to filter out the alcohol in your bloodstream, meaning that you may wake up with a hangover the next day.

Depending on how much you drink, you may experience the following symptoms:

Thirst
Headache
vomiting/nausea
Excessive drinking may interfere with breathing, heart rate, and gag reflex
Dry mouth and eyes
Poor concentration
Less sleep/difficulty sleeping
anxiety/depression
Dizziness
Muscle aches

Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning occurs when you consume alcohol faster than your body can metabolize it. This can lead to dangerously high levels of alcohol in your bloodstream, affecting vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. Symptoms may include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, and unconsciousness. If untreated, alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening, and immediate medical attention, often in a hospital, may be necessary to prevent serious complications.

Long-term health risks may include:

High blood pressure
Stroke
Liver disease
Cancer (mouth, throat, liver, breast, stomach and bowel, esophagus)
Depression
Dementia
Infertility

Treatment for alcohol misuse:

Treatment for alcohol dependence often involves a combination of therapeutic approaches and medical interventions made for individual needs, such as therapy which helps individuals build coping strategies to prevent or reduce drinking. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing thought patterns, or support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous that provide peer encouragement and accountability.In addition to therapy, non-addictive medications prescribed by a doctor can assist in managing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and preventing relapse. Examples include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, which have been proven effective for many individuals in recovery. Detoxification is often the first step in treatment, allowing the body to clear itself of alcohol under medical supervision. Proper hydration is crucial during detox, but it’s advisable to avoid large amounts of caffeinated beverages, as they can worsen anxiety or dehydration. Instead, focus on water, electrolyte solutions, and non-caffeinated herbal teas. To increase recovery, adopting a holistic approach can also be beneficial. This might include regular exercise, mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga, and a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients that support brain and body healing. Building a strong support network of friends, family, or mentors can further strengthen long-term success in overcoming alcohol dependence.