Alcohol is often used in social situations, but many people who drink are unaware of the specific short-term and long-term effects that the alcohol may be having on their bodies. While these effects will vary depending upon the amount of alcohol consumed, the frequency of use and the individual, some effects are more common than others.
Short-Term Effects
The short-term effects of alcohol use will vary in intensity depending upon the individual and how much and how quickly the alcohol is consumed. Some people will notice changes before their first drink is finished, while others may need a few before feeling any effect. Common short-term effects of alcohol use include a sense of euphoria, talkativeness, impaired coordination, slurred speech, a lessening of inhibitions, confusion, dizziness, short-term memory impairment, compromised reaction time, slower thought processes and reduced attention span. A hangover, consisting of a headache, nausea, thirst, dizziness and fatigue, may also occur after the drinking has stopped and the body attempts to rid itself of the alcohol. If large quantities of alcohol are consumed in a short time, a stupor, coma, respiratory paralysis or even death may occur, warns Drugs.com.
Long-Term Effects
Serious repercussions of long-term alcohol use can be quite severe. Damage to vital organs, particularly the brain and liver, is common with long-term use, warns the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Heavy use of alcohol throughout the years can lead to alcoholism, which can damage a person's relationships, career and quality of life. Furthermore, the long-term effects of alcohol use doesn't just affect the person doing the drinking; children of alcoholics can also suffer the consequences. Pregnant women who drink alcohol may have infants with fetal alcohol syndrome, which increases the likelihood of mental retardation and other physical abnormalities. In addition, all children who have alcoholic parents are more likely to later become alcoholics themselves, warns the Partnership for a Drug Free America.
Withdrawal Effects
The sudden cessation of long-term, excessive use of alcohol often produces withdrawal effects that have the potential of being quite dangerous. Less serious effects of alcohol withdrawal include headaches, sweating, nausea, vomiting, pallor, clammy skin, loss of appetite, nervousness, rapid heart beat, anxiety, confusion, shakiness, mood swings, hand tremors, dilated pupils, irritability, depression, insomnia, fatigue, nightmares and involuntary movement of the eyelids, according to Medline Plus. However, in severe cases, a dangerous condition called delirium tremens can occur. This condition causes hallucinations, high fever, seizures and a sudden, dramatic increase of heart rate and blood pressure. Delirium tremens requires immediate medical treatment, warns the University of Michigan Health Systems.
