What does years of alcohol abuse do to your body?
Organs known to be damaged by long-term alcohol misuse include the brain and nervous system, heart, liver and pancreas. Heavy drinking can also increase your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, both of which are major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
What are the mental effects of drinking too much alcohol?
Regular, heavy drinking interferes with chemicals in the brain that are vital for good mental health. So while we might feel relaxed after a drink, in the long run alcohol has an impact on mental health and can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety, and make stress harder to deal with.
What are the risk factors for alcohol use disorder?
Social and cultural factors. Having friends or a close partner who drinks regularly could increase your risk of alcohol use disorder. The glamorous way that drinking is sometimes portrayed in the media also may send the message that it’s OK to drink too much. For young people, the influence of parents, peers and other role models can impact risk.
What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder?
If you have a teenager, be alert to signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with alcohol: Loss of interest in activities and hobbies and in personal appearance Red eyes, slurred speech, problems with coordination and memory lapses Difficulties or changes in relationships with friends, such as joining a new crowd
What are some of the effects of drinking alcohol?
Drinking may cause youth to have trouble in school or with the law. Drinking alcohol also is associated with the use of other drugs. Research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are 4 times more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence at some point in their lives.
What kind of cancer can you get from drinking alcohol?
Increased risk of cancer. Long-term, excessive alcohol use has been linked to a higher risk of many cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, esophagus, colon and breast cancers. Even moderate drinking can increase the risk of breast cancer.