Skip to main content

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body

By Lindsay Curtis
Medically reviewed by Brian H. Wetchler, DO

For full paper, refer to: https://www.verywellhealth.com/long-term-effects-of-alcohol-8640757

From a glass of wine with dinner to a night out with friends or a celebratory toast, alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in many social practices and cultural traditions worldwide. In the United States, over 84% of adults report drinking alcohol at least once in their lifetime.

While casual to moderate drinking may be a part of life for some, excessive or chronic alcohol consumption can significantly impact your body and long-term health.

This article discusses the long-term effects of alcohol, including the risks to your physical health and mental well-being.

How Alcohol Affects the Body

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that has immediate effects on the body, like intoxication (feeling drunk) and hangovers (unpleasant aftereffects from drinking.) While there effects are short-lived, long-term alcohol use can trigger systemic (bodywide) inflammation, which damages the body's tissue and vital organs over time.

The following are damaged by long-term alcohol use:

  • Cardiovascular System
  • Liver
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) System
  • Brain
  • Reproductive System

Long-Term Health Risks

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, contributing to approximately 178,000 deaths annually. Over time, alcohol use takes a toll on your body and increases your risk of over 200 health conditions.

While the risk of health problems is higher in people who drink excessively, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, and even light to moderate drinking comes with health risks. Long-term health risks associated with alcohol include:

  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Gastrointestinal disease
  • Cancer
  • Weakened immune system 

Mental Health and Psychological Effects

While alcohol is seen as a way to relax or cope with stress, it can have severe effects on your mental health and well-being in the long run, including: 

  • Alcohol and mental health disorders
  • Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
  • Cognitive function decline
  • Decision-making

Social and Interpersonal Consequences

From strained family dynamics to work-related and financial troubles, the social and interpersonal consequences of alcohol use can be profound and far-reaching, such as:

  • Relationships
  • Work performances and productivity
  • Finances
  • Legal troubles

Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal

Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder, is a complex and chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over drinking, and an intense craving for alcohol despite negative consequences.

AUD develops gradually. Over time, your brain's structure and function change, leading to tolerance, meaning you may require higher amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effects. These brain changes contribute to the compulsive nature of addiction, making it difficult to abstain from alcohol.

If you have AUD and stop drinking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that can affect your physical and mental health, including:

  • Anxiety 
  • Brain fog 
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Hand tremors (shakes) 
  • Headache
  • Irritability 
  • Jumpiness 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mood swings
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Nightmares
  • Pale, clammy skin 
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Sweating 
  • Trouble sleeping 

At this point, you may have alcohol cravings or drink to avoid the low feelings withdrawal causes rather than for the pleasurable feelings alcohol consumption may offer. 

How Alcohol Use Disorder is Treated

Treatment for AUD addresses the physical, psychological, and social impacts of alcohol addiction to help people with AUD achieve and maintain sobriety. If you are concerned about your alcohol use—or that of someone you care for—talk to a healthcare provider. They can assess your drinking pattern and help develop a treatment plan that may include:

  • Behavioral treatments
  • Medications
  • Support groups
  • Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs

Summary

Alcohol use, especially excessive alcohol consumption, can harm your physical and mental health. From damaging vital organs to impairing brain function and jeopardizing relationships, the negative consequences of excessive alcohol use are far-reaching. Chronic alcohol use raises your risk for health problems, including heart disease, liver disease, cancer, and mental health disorders. 

If you choose to drink, do so in moderation: one drink per day or less for women and people assigned female at birth and two drinks or less daily for men and people assigned male at birth. 

Talk to a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your drinking or that of a loved one. Professional treatments and support can help you overcome alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder and improve your overall health and well-being. 

Back to top