Most people are aware that consuming too much alcohol can be dangerous, potentially leading to accidents and dependence. Although alcohol can affect people in slightly different ways, regular consumption of large volumes of alcohol can damage organs, weaken the immune system, and contribute to cancers. The liver usually suffers the greatest damage, as this is the organ that removes alcohol from the body.
Effects on the Brain
Alcohol disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to slower communication between neurons and feelings of drowsiness. Disrupting the balance of neurotransmitters can also trigger mood and behavioral changes, such as depression, agitation, memory loss and even seizures. Long-term, heavy alcohol consumption can lead to physical changes in brain shape and size, leading to problems with a wide range of abilities, including motor coordination, temperature regulation, sleep, mood and various cognitive functions.
Effects on the Cardiovascular System
Both binge drinking and long-term alcohol intake can interfere with the internal pacemaker of the heart, causing heart arrhythmias. These will cause the heart to beat too rapidly or irregularly. Long-term alcohol consumption can also weaken the heart muscle, leading to a condition known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy. The weakened heart cannot pump enough blood around the body, leading to shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs and feet, irregular heartbeat, and severe damage to organs and tissues.
Cancer Risk
Although cancer is caused by a number of genetic and environmental factors, drinking alcohol is known to increase your likelihood of developing certain types of cancer. The National Cancer Institute identifies alcohol as a risk factor in developing cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, liver, and breast. People who drink are also more likely to smoke, significantly increasing the risk of developing cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health, people who drink and smoke are 15 times more likely to develop cancers of the mouth and throat than nondrinkers.
Effects on the Liver
According to the National Institutes of Health, more than two million Americans suffer from alcohol-related liver disease. The liver is responsible for alcohol metabolism and the toxins produced from its breakdown are extremely harmful. These substances are more harmful than the alcohol itself and will weaken the liver over time. The damage caused by alcohol leads to fibrosis, where the liver produces excessive amounts of scar tissue. If this process continues, the buildup of excessive scar tissue will eventually lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis of the liver is extremely serious and if left untreated will lead to death. Patients suffering from chronic cirrhosis will need a liver transplant if they are to survive.
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